Beautiful Cotswolds & Historic Gloucester - Sun 23rd April 2023

An enjoyable 5  day short break at a great time of year to explore the beautiful Cotswolds, the rejuvenated historic centre of Gloucester and so much more. Superb itinerary.

One of England’s favourite destinations, The Cotswolds is a designated ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’. Gentle hills criss-crossed with stone walls, hidden river valleys, and distinctive market towns and villages are the hallmark of this wonderful region. During this break you will see many of the best sights including the delightful Bourton-on-the-Water, Stow-on-the-Wold, Burford and much much more.  Staying at the excellent 4* Mercure Gloucester Bowden Hall Hotel which has proved so popular on previous visits.

This hotel has been awarded a Travellers' Choice 2022 Award - meaning they consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on  Tripadvisor for enjoyment and value for money.

DAY 1
Departing your local pick-up point (approx. 8.00/9.15am), we head to Bath for an extended lunch stop in this beautiful city. Time enough to enjoy lunch and take a look at the historic centre before we continue to the hotel – arriving mid/late afternoon. 

DAY 2
After breakfast we will be joined by our superb a local guide for a full day exploring the quintessentially English Cotswolds countryside. With various stops during the day we hope to show you most of the famous towns of the area including the lovely towns of Stow-on-the-Wold and Bourton-on-the-Water with its delightful low stone bridges plus some towns and villages you may not have seen before.

DAY 3
Great day today as we head in to the centre of Gloucester. The city has an amazing history few can rival. Roman ruins can still be seen in the City Museum, and the Anglo Saxons also  successfully defended the city from the Vikings. The famous Cathedral has seen Kings crowned and laid to rest. Boasting some of the best-preserved Victorian Docks in the country with a thriving pavement café culture – a joy to explore on foot. During the day we have included a walking tour of the historic sites with a local guide plus a cruise of the Gloucester Docks on an historic pleasure boat.

DAY 4
Lovely relaxing day today with a scenic drive to Batsford Arboretum near Moreton in Marsh. The 56 acre arboretum is one of the largest in the country with over 1500 trees and species from all over the world. Great to visit at any time but we hope to visit when spectacular Japanese ornamental cherries are in bloom. So much to see including the largest Pulham Rock Gardens in Britain at over 600 metres long which tumbles down from the top of the garden, over waterfalls and pools into a large lake. Also on site is an excellent garden centre, gift shop and excellent terrace cafe. We have also included entry in to the adjoining Cotswolds Falconry Centre. Home to around 150 Birds of Prey – many of which can be seen in free-flying demonstrations each day - fantastic experience. Entry to Arboretum & Falconry Centre included.

DAY 5
After breakfast we head home. Stopping on route in Salisbury for an early lunch before arriving back to your local drop off point at around 3.00/4.00pm.

Meal plan - Dinner Bed & Breakfast

4* Mercure Gloucester Bowden Hall

Beautifully located in 12 acres of sweeping parkland close to Gloucester and the delightful Cotswolds scenery, this hotel enjoys a reputation for excellent customer service and facilities. We have enjoyed several Christmas holidays and short breaks at this excellent hotel. 

With an elegant country house feel throughout and splendid panoramic country views, you can relax in one of the lounges or enjoy a drink in the bar or outside. Dinner is served in the stylish Restaurant which offers a choice of menu and a full cooked breakfast in the morning.

The bedrooms are spacious and nicely appointed with en suite bathrooms with Flat Screen TV, phone and tea/coffee facilities. No Lift at hotel - no ground floor rooms. Free Wi Fi.

QUALITY HOTEL