England’s Coastline and Cotswolds 2022

This morning we set out from London to gain a taste of English Aristocracy as we make our way to Wilton House, the family home of the Earl and Countess of Pembroke. This historic estate has been used in the filming of both Netflix series of “The Crown” and “Bridgerton”. We’ll then traverse the Salisbury Plain pausing to visit the enigmatic stone circle at Stonehenge to try to unravel its secrets. Later, we arrive in the historic city of Salisbury where we enjoy free-time to explore; wander the cobbled streets to the impressive cathedral which boasts Europe’s oldest operating clock and an original copy of the Magna Carta.

Overnight: Milford Hall Hotel (or similar), Salisbury

Departing Salisbury, we’ll pause to visit one of England’s most photographed streets before continuing South to explore the bays and cliffs of the Dorset coast; this area is named the Jurassic Coast owing to its abundance of prehistoric fossils which can be found on the beaches. We’ll spot some of the impressive coastal geological features such as the sea arch at Durdle Door. Then we’ll follow the coast visiting one or more of Dorset’s elegant seaside resorts such as Dorchester or Lyme Regis – this charming region inspired literary works by Jane Austen and Thomas Hardy. Later we cross the county border in to Devon before reaching our hotel in Dartmoor where we dine together as a group.

Overnight: Moorland Hotel (or similar), Dartmoor

Meals: Breakfast and dinner included.

This morning we’ll spot wild ponies and rocky tors as we take a leisurely journey across the eerie landscapes of the Dartmoor National Park. After pausing in one or two of the quaint moorland villages we’ll make our way to the seafaring city of Plymouth. Here we’ll take time to wander the famous Plymouth Hoe and see the Mayflower Steps where the Pilgrim Fathers departed for the New World. Then it’s onward to explore South Devon where we enjoy a steam railway journey along the scenic valley of the river dart before returning to our overnight base on Dartmoor where dinner awaits.

Overnight: Moorland Hotel (or similar), Dartmoor

Meals: Breakfast and dinner included.

Today we cross the county border in to Cornwall. Arriving on the North Cornish coast, we’ll visit Tintagel Castle, a dramatic cliffside fort steeped in Arthurian Legend and reputedly home to Merlin’s cave beneath. Then we’ll pass South along the coast to visit the charming fishing village of Port Isaac, better known as Port Wen, the stomping ground of television’s ”Doc Martin”. Here we’ll enjoy a brief walk through the village before free-time to explore and take lunch. By afternoon, we’ll cross the Cornish Peninsula to the South heading for the seaside resort of Falmouth home to sweeping sandy bays and our overnight base for the next two nights.

Overnight: Royal Duchy Hotel (or similar), Falmouth

Meals: Breakfast included.

Today we embark on an epic excursion to explore the farthest reaches of the Cornish Peninsula. We’ll explore craggy coastlines and fishing villages such as the charming seaside town of St Ives where we’ll enjoy free-time to wander the harbour or visit the renowned Tate Art Gallery. We’ll gain views of the island monastery of St Michaels Mount and visit the enchanting Minack Theatre – an amphitheatre carved in to the Cornish cliffs over-looking the churning waters of the Atlantic Ocean. After our enjoyable day we’ll return to Falmouth where your evening is free to dine at your leisure.

Overnight: Royal Duchy Hotel (or similar), Falmouth

Meals: Breakfast included.

Departing Falmouth, we’ll make our way to the magnificent Eden Project; set in the colossal crater of a former china clay pit the site consists of a collection of diverse contemporary gardens and tropical biodomes. Then it’s to nearby Charlestown for lunch; you may recognise this charming 18th century harbour town from the hit BBC show ”Poldark”. By afternoon, our journey takes us back through the Devonshire countryside to the county’s principal town of Exeter before we arrive in rural Somerset and our final hotel. Tonight we enjoy a farewell dinner together.

Overnight: Castle Hotel (or similar), Taunton

Meals: Breakfast and dinner included.

Today we enjoy a relaxing journey through the rolling landscapes of the Somerset hills. Our journey will take us to England’s smallest “city” Wells to marvel at the elegant cathedral and nearby Glastonbury whose historic Abbey is steeped in Arthurian legend. Then it’s back to Bath where you bid farewell to your dedicated driver for the South West. Enjoy free-time in Bath to explore the Regency streets such as the Royal Crescent which featured in “Bridgerton” and visit the magnificent Roman Baths. By evening you’ll meet your new driver-guide who will be ready to take you North – first though, time for an evening dinner at a local restaurant.

Overnight: The Bird Hotel (or similar), Bath

Meals: Breakfast and dinner included.

Today we enjoy an excursion from Bath to take in the Southern Cotswolds. First stop will be the honey-coloured village of Castle Combe, widely regarded as the prettiest village in England. Then we’ll head for Avebury to see the intriguing standing stones – lesser known than Stonehenge but equally enigmatic, here you get to walk freely amongst the stones themselves. Final stop will be the historic town of Lacock – seemingly frozen in time this charming village and Lacock Abbey have been used in TV and film productions such as "Pride and Prejudice", "Downton Abbey" and "Harry Potter". Then it’s back to Bath to explore further at your leisure and to dine independently.

Overnight: The Bird Bath Hotel (or similar), Bath

Meals: Breakfast included.

Leaving Bath behind, today we dedicate to exploring the heart of the Cotswolds. As we journey North we’ll pass through rolling patchwork fields and a wealth of quintessential Cotswold villages with eccentric names such as Moreton-in-Marsh and Stow-on-the-Wold. Each village is unique but characterised by honey-coloured buildings, thatch cottages, cobbled market squares and historic parish churches; we’ll pause in various spots of particular beauty or interest to soak up the atmosphere. By afternoon we’ll make our way to our base for the next two nights in the heart of a Cotswold market town.

Overnight: Noel Arms Hotel (or similar), Chipping Campden, Cotswolds

Meals: Breakfast included.

Our journey this morning takes us to the nearby bustling medieval town of Stratford-upon-Avon, the home of William Shakespeare. We’ll learn about the life and times of the great bard at Shakespeare’s Birthplace before taking time to stroll around this pretty town nestling on the banks of the River Avon. By afternoon we head for a local brewery to learn about the brewing process and sample some innovative English beer. Later we return to our base in the heart of the Cotswolds where we’ll dine together.

Overnight: Noel Arms Inn (or similar), Chipping Campden, Cotswolds

Meals: Breakfast and dinner included.

On our final day we enjoy a relaxing start. After breakfast we’ll head East and visit the elegant country manor at Blenheim Palace, former childhood home of Winston Churchill where we’ll gain an insight in to his life and achievements. Our final stop will be in the beautiful medieval university city of Oxford where we’ll enjoy a brief orientation before free time to explore – perhaps take a “punt” on the river, climb Fairfax Tower for views of the town’s renowned “dreaming spires” or wander the historic college quads of one of the world’s most famous educational institutions. After a perfect end to our Cotswolds tour we’ll return to London where our journey ends.

Meals: Breakfast included.