2025 - Charming Cotswolds - Summer Gardens & Autumn Colours

Itinerary

Tour Highlights

• Hotel for 3 nights with breakfast & dinner
• Tea / coffee after dinner
• Porterage
• Use of hotel leisure facilities
• Entrance to Sudeley Castle & Gardens
• Entrance to Painswick Rococo Gardens
• Visits to Cheltenham and Gloucester
• En route visits to Stow on the Wold and Burford

A gentle tour around the charming Cotswolds

DAY 1 - After joining your holiday coach, head to Stow on the Wold where time will be allowed for lunch and sightseeing. At nearly 800ft, Stow is the highest of the Cotswold towns, located on the Roman Fosse Way and at the point where several roads meet, hence an important trading centre. With a long history, it probably dates from a prehistoric fortified settlement on top of the hill and had a special importance in the English Civil War when the last battle was fought close by in Donnington back in 1646. St Edward's Church, was used as a prison for the defeated Royalist troops, as it was the only lockable building in the town. Some of the damage sustained at this time can still be seen today. Arrive at 4* Delta by Marriott - Cheltenham Chase for the next 3 nights. DBB

DAY 2 -3 At leisure in Gloucestershire with two included excursions

INCLUDED EXCURSIONS
Sudeley Castle & Gardens and Cheltenham
Enjoy a morning visit to fantastic Sudeley Castle & Gardens in the heart of the Cotswolds, the only private castle in England with a queen buried in its grounds - Katherine Parr, the last and surviving wife of King Henry VIII who lived and died here. The recently refurbished exhibition rooms tell the 1,000 year story of Sudeley, which has played an important role in the turbulent and changing times of England’s past. The castle is surrounded by a breathtaking 1,200 acre estate and ten award-winning gardens, the centrepiece of which is the Queen's Garden filled with many varieties of roses in Tudor Parterre fashion. St Mary's Church includes the magnificent tomb of Katherine Parr. A circular route around the gardens is wheelchair accessible (but not the castle itself). Later on, call in on the must-visit spa town of Cheltenham, the most complete Regency town in Britain and brimming with history. Walk down the Promenade, one of the most beautiful in the country - a striking tree-lined avenue flaked by smart shops and cafes.

Painswick Rococo Garden and Gloucester  
Experience a cheeky peek into the flamboyant frivolity of the early 1700s, at the UK’s only complete surviving rococo garden, Painswick, the only surviving garden of that period open to the public. Quirky Painswick was designed in the 1740s as a fanciful pleasure garden for the owner of Painswick House and his guests. Today it’s a place to roam free, to get up close and personal with nature and take in the spectacular views of the Cotswold countryside and magical follies. In June the fragrant display of heritage roses begins to bloom in the Exedra Garden, alongside perennials such as lavender, astrantia and campanula. In July the shaded walks provide respite from the sun and the heady scent of sweet peas, bergamot and summer flowering jasmine is abundant. In October / November the promise of some low autumnal sunlight highlights the colourful flowers in the Exedra Garden and the leaves of native and exotic tree species turn to warm reds and golds. NB there are some steep paths and uneven surfaces but there are handrails on the steepest slopes and numerous benches dotted throughout the garden. The shop, cafe and toilets are fully accessible. This afternoon head into Gloucester, on the edge of the Cotswolds. It’s known for its spectacular 11th-century Gothic Cathedral, which houses the tomb of King Edward II. Gloucester Docks, with its restored Victorian warehouses, is worth a look as is Gloucester Quays Designer Outlet where you can browse over 50 stores.

DAY 4 - After breakfast, it's time to head homewards but not before a stop in charming Burford where it feels little has changed over the centuries. Its famous High Street sweeps downhill towards the River Windrush, its three-arched medieval bridge and its impressive church, both sides of the street flanked by an unbroken line of ancient houses and shops. Free time here before continuing onto interchange and your home towns.

Accommodation

Your Hotel

Delta by Marriott Cheltenham Chase

4* Delta by Marriott Cheltenham Chase is a contemporary Gloucestershire retreat, set in 15 acres of private grounds on the edge of the picturesque Cotswolds Hills, approximately 5 miles from Cheltenham. There is an excellent spa with an indoor swimming pool, steam room and spa bath. The restaurant and bar are open plan with spacious areas offering impressive views over the grounds. There is a lift as well as ground-floor rooms and singles are double for sole use.  Guest bedrooms are stylish with all mod cons including tea / coffee making facilities.  If required, spa treatments should be booked in advance with the hotel direct.