Pioneering Spirits Of The Cotswolds

Day 1 Morning departure for the journey north of Swindon and to the hotel for a four night stay.

Days 2 to 4 We have included the following excursions:

• First stop is STEAM, a museum where the story is told of people who built, operated and travelled on the Great Western Railway. The engineering genius of Isambard Kingdom Brunel led to the Great Western Railway network becoming regarded as the most advanced in the world. Later, travel to Bowood House and Gardens, home to the Lansdowne family since 1754. See exhibition rooms displaying amazing family artefacts and antiques, including the laboratory where Dr Joseph Priestley isolated oxygen gas in 1774. Surrounding the Georgian House is the Italian-inspired Terrace Garden, the Private Walled Gardens and the herbaceous border, all radiating colour throughout the seasons.

• A full day in Bath, with an introductory walking tour of the great Roman city. Afterwards enjoy free time to explore the historic sites including the Roman Baths, ancient abbey, Georgian terraces and picturesque setting.

• Visit to WWT Slimbridge. The reserve, set up by visionary artist and naturalist Sir Peter Scott, opened in November 1946. Step back in time at the Scott House Museum, the home from which he championed the cause of worldwide wildlife conservation. For those wishing to venture further afield, there are numerous hides and paths to wander along, amongst the wildlife of the Severn Estuary. In the afternoon it is off to Jenner’s House for a guided tour, where a discovery that changed the world was made! Explore the home of scientist Dr. Edward Jenner who left the ongoing legacy of vaccination, still helping our lives today. Wander around the beautiful garden, containing many of the herbs that he would have used.

Day 5 After breakfast, depart the hotel and commence the homeward journey.

• Coach travel
• 4 nights dinner, bed & breakfast
• porterage
• tea/coffee on arrival
• entrance to STEAM Swindon
• Entrance to Bowood House & Gardens
• entrance to WWT Slimbridge Westland Centre
• guided tour & entrance to Dr. Jenner’s House and Gardens
• introductory walking tour of Bath

Situated in the village of Broad Blunsdon on the north edge of Swindon, set in 30 acres of beautiful Wiltshire countryside. All bedrooms are en-suite with power shower and bath, TV, telephone, hairdryer, WiFi, iron/ironing board, chiller and tea/coffee making facilities. Lift, restaurant, large bar, small bar area and leisure facilities.

Single supplement £136

Holiday Insurance £36