Cotswolds Weekend

Duration: 08 Nov 2024 - 10 Nov 2024

Location: Cotswold Weekend

Price: £265pp

The Cotswolds, covering 5 counties is a region of rolling hills, quintessentially English villages of honey coloured stone, lively market towns and some of the country’s greatest palaces, castles and country houses. Join us on our weekend break and discover the charm of this the largest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the country as we visit Stratford-upon-Avon, Chipping Campden, Broadway, Stow-on-the-Wold, and Warwick Castle. No visit to Bourton-on-the-Water on this holiday, as at time of planning this holiday the coach park is now car parking only and some local elected representatives are discussing banning coaches from the village!

Your holiday itinerary:
Friday: Leaving Essex, we make our way to the lovely town of Stratford-upon-Avon. Forever associated with William Shakespeare, Stratford upon Avon is one of the Cotswolds’ thriving market towns. Situated on the banks of the River Avon the town is filled with lovely half-timbered houses, many dating back to Shakespeare’s time. From Stratford it is just a short drive to our hotel.
Saturday: Today we enjoy a scenic drive through the Cotswolds. Our first visit is to the ancient wool town of Chipping Campden. This must be one of the prettiest of the Cotswolds villages, renowned for its stunning architecture, honey-coloured stone buildings, wool church, market hall and alms-houses. Continuing our scenic drive, we next visit the historic town of Broadway. Nestled at the foot of rolling hills with a wide tree-lined street of independent shops, restaurants, hotels and museums, Broadway is often referred to as ‘The Show village of England’ because of its sheer beauty. Whilst here why not visit the Lygon Arms Hotel, a Cotswold institution. This afternoon we visit Stow-on-the-Wold, the highest town in the Cotswolds. At the height of the Cotswold wool industry the town was famous for its huge annual fairs when as many as 20,000 sheep were sold at one time. Today the town is noted for its antique shops as well as being the home to England’s oldest inn, The Porch House.
Sunday: After a leisurely breakfast we spend some time at Warwick Castle, Britain’s ultimate historical experience. This is one of the most dramatic and complete medieval castles in the country. Dazzling shows and attractions, as well as heaps of gruesome history all tell the story of the Castle and how it has changed over time. Built by a king, a kingmaker and vital stronghold in the Wars of the Roses and the English Civil War, Warwick Castle with its awesome birds of prey set within 64 acres of beautiful grounds and gardens, is an interesting visit for everyone. You can also visit the town of Warwick which grew up around the castle. Leaving mid-afternoon, we make our way home. With a comfort stop along the way we aim to be back home late afternoon.

Your hotel:

The 4-star Mercure Warwickshire Walton Hotel & Spa is located within the extensive grounds of Walton Hall Estate. The grounds are very impressive with lovely gardens surrounded by farmland making for some enjoyable walks. There is also a church in the grounds which serves the local community and services are held regularly. The hotel is split into two wings, and you do have to go outside to move between the two wings. However, the hotel has confirmed that we will be accommodated in the Woodlands Building which is the same wing as the restaurant and bar. The leisure facilities are in a separate building with a small pool, gym, and treatment rooms. The restaurant and bar overlook the terrace and gardens, as well as Walton Hall itself. All the bedrooms are en-suite with most having a shower over bath, although there are a couple of disabled access rooms available with a wet room. All rooms are equipped with flat-screen TV, telephone, free WiFi, hairdryer, ironing facilities, and tea making facilities. The hotel does have a lift that allows flat access to most parts of the hotel, but the odd bedroom may still have some steps to negotiate.

Hotel Rating:

Included in your holiday:

executive coach travel.
tea/coffee on arrival.
porterage on arrival and departure.
2 nights stay with dinner, bed, and breakfast, comprising of a 3-course buffet dinner with tea/coffee and full english breakfast.
included excursion programme with time in Stratford-upon-Avon, Chipping Campden, Broadway and Stow-on-Wold and entrance to Warwick Castle.

Important Information:

Please read the itinerary carefully before deciding if this tour will be suitable for you:
1) Single Supplement – £63pp (max 5)
2) Whilst most of Warwick Castle and grounds are accessible to wheelchair users there are certain areas that have steps and cobbles.
3) Many of the attractions at the Castle are included with your entrance though you may have to book a timed entrance.
4) Entrance to The Castle Dungeon is not included, and charges apply. It is dark with a steep spiral staircase so may not be accessible to all. Plus, this is an interactive attraction requiring audience participation and is not for the faint hearted.