SUPERSONIC SNOWDROPS

Duration: 26 Feb 2021 - 01 Mar 2021

Location: Painswick Rococo Gardens

Price: £299pp

Join us for an early get away and admire the snowdrops at Painswick Rococo Gardens. By contrast we visit Aerospace Bristol telling the incredible story of Bristol’s amazing aviation achievements and giving you the chance to step aboard Concorde Alpha Foxtrot, the last of the supersonic jets ever to fly.

Friday: With later than normal pickups, befitting of the time of year, we make our way westwards towards our hotel. With suitable stops along the way, we aim to be at our hotel in plenty of time to settle in before dinner.

Saturday: Today begins at Painswick Rococo Garden, the UK’s only surviving Rococo garden. Designed in the 1740’s, the gardens are squeezed into a valley with spectacular views of the Cotswold countryside. The Rococo Garden has one of the largest naturalistic plantings of snowdrops in the country. This afternoon we visit the historic Gloucester Docks, once Britain’s most inland port. The Victorian warehouses are today a popular destination and home to Gloucester Quays Designer Outlet, Gloucester Waterways Museum, The Soldiers of Gloucester Museum and Gloucester Quays Antiques Centre. There are also a range of waterfront bars, restaurants and coffee shops.

Sunday: After a leisurely breakfast we make our way to Aerospace Bristol, with glimpses of the Severn Bridges and famous Clifton Suspension Bridge along the way. Opened in 2017 the museum tells the story of Bristol aerospace achievements. It is an exhibition that spans more than a century, exploring social history and telling the story of ordinary people who achieved extraordinary things. The star attraction is Concorde Alpha Foxtrot, the last Concorde to be built and the last to fly. Stunningly displayed in her own purpose built hanger, you will be able to step aboard and explore the aircraft and enjoy fantastic audio-visual shows projected on the side of the supersonic jet.

Monday: Leaving the snowdrops and Concorde behind we begin our journey home. Breaking the journey with a lunch stop, we aim to be back home mid afternoon.

Important Information:

Please read the itinerary carefully before deciding if this tour will be suitable for you:1) Painswick Rococo Garden was built in a hidden valley almost 300 years ago. Paths are both steep and uneven. The steepest slopes all have handrails and there are plenty of benches. The Garden is not suitable for motorised wheelchairs.2) The buildings at Gloucester Docks are wheelchair accessible, though some surfaces are cobbled and uneven.3) Aerospace Bristol is fully accessible by those using wheelchairs. There are dedicated accessible lifts to allow wheelchair access to the Britannia and onto Concorde. However, Concorde was sadly not designed with easy access in mind and has a very narrow aisle between the seats.
SUPPLEMENTS £85.00 – maximum 5 singles

Your Holiday Hotel

The 4 star Mercure Bowden Hall Hotel is set in 12 acres of parkland on the edge of the Cotswolds, to the east of Gloucester. Recently refurbished public areas have brought this hotel back to its former glory, boasting a breathtaking blend of traditional and contemporary. All the bedrooms are en-suite and equipped with hospitality tray, TV, telephone, hairdryer and WiFi. The bedrooms are over 3 floors, the hotel does not have a lift and there are no ground floor rooms.

Hotel Rating:

Tour includes

Executive coach travel.• Porterage on arrival & departure. • En-suite rooms.• 3 nights dinner, bed and breakfast, comprising of a 3 course Table d’hote or a carvery dinner with choice of menu. Tea/coffee after dinner and full English breakfast.• Visit to Painswick Rococo Garden to see the snowdrops.• Free time at Gloucester Docks.• Entrance to Aerospace Bristol.• Complimentary Travel Insurance. • ALL THIS FOR AROUND £74.75 PER DAY