4 minute read
Cream of the Cotswolds & Oxford City of Dreaming Spires NEW
NEW
Cream of the Cotswolds & Oxford City of Dreaming Spires
Broadway
From £599 5 Days Jun & Jul
With quaint villages and honey-coloured cotages set against rolling countryside, the Cotswolds is one of the most postcard-perfect regions of the country. From Regency Cheltenham, we explore some of the highlights of the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, including atmospheric Stow-on-the-Wold and picturesque Broadway, bursting with charming tea rooms, chic boutiques and historic architecture. We combine these visits with fascinating guided walking tours of Oxford, known as the City of Dreaming Spires, and Stratford-upon-Avon, renowned for its association with Shakespeare and its half-timbered buildings. Expect plenty more memorable experiences on this delightful breakaway, from a rooftop afternoon tea at the world-famous Royal Shakespeare Theatre to a nostalgic journey on the heritage Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway.
ITINERARY
Day 1 Arrival
Check in to the Delta by Marriott Cheltenham Chase Hotel in the afternoon. Later, we enjoy a welcome drinks reception hosted by our tour manager.
Day 2 Stratford-upon-Avon & Royal Shakespeare Company
Forever associated with William Shakespeare, we head to the beautiful town of Stratford-upon-Avon. Highlights include the house in which the famous Bard was born, pretty riverside gardens and the world-famous theatres. We find out more of the town’s history on our guided walking tour. We continue with a sightseeing cruise along the River Avon where we sit back, relax and enjoy the glorious Warwickshire countryside as our guide keeps us entertained with interesting facts about Stratford and Shakespeare.
In the afternoon, we visit the iconic Royal Shakespeare Theatre, a Grade II listed building where Shakespeare’s plays and other works are performed. Here we enjoy a guided tour, journeying from the beginnings of the theatre in 1879 to the present day while hearing behind-the-scenes secrets and learning how costumes are made. We are also treated to a special afternoon tea at the RSC Rooftop Restaurant, popular for its stunning views over Stratford-upon-Avon.
Day 3 Stow-on-the-Wold, Broadway Tower, Broadway, Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway & Cheltenham
Our first stop today is the beautiful market town of Stow-on-the-Wold, one of the most picturesque spots in the Cotswolds with its traditional stone buildings and wonderful collection of artisanal boutiques. Next, we head to Broadway Tower, the second highest point in the Cotswolds. Built in 1798, the Tower has had many uses over its history including becoming a countryside retreat for members of the Arts and Crafts Movement, with Sir Edward Burne-Jones renting the Tower with his friend William Morris in the late 19th century. We continue to the quintessential village of Broadway, often referred to as the ‘Jewel of the Cotswolds’. Enjoy some time at leisure to discover the picturesque High Street lined with honey-coloured stone buildings, quirky boutiques, fascinating museums and cosy pubs. From here we board our train on the heritage Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway and embark on a nostalgic journey to Cheltenham Racecourse, travelling through the spectacular scenery of the Cotswolds with lovely views of sleepy hamlets and villages along the way. The line was only extended to Broadway in 2019 with the help of fundraising spearheaded by Pete Waterman OBE. In the afternoon, there is time at leisure to explore the lovely town of Cheltenham. Admire the Regency town houses, indulge in some retail therapy in the wide range of shops or head to the Wilson Gallery, an outstanding museum and art gallery. This evening we enjoy dinner together at a restaurant in Cheltenham.
Day 4 Oxford
This morning we head to Oxford, known as the city of Dreaming Spires. Famous for its university colleges and magnificent architecture, the city’s charming scenery has been caught on camera numerous times. We enjoy a guided walking tour to see Oxford’s highlights as well as Inspector Morse and Harry Potter filming locations before having time to explore the city at our own pace. From the Pitt Rivers Museum to the Ashmolean, the world’s first public museum which features world-famous collections, there is plenty to explore.
Day 5 Departure
After breakfast, check out of the hotel for the journey home.
Stratford-upon-Avon y 4 nights at the 4-star Delta by Marriott
Cheltenham Chase Hotel with breakfast plus 3 dinners y Free parking at the hotel y Porterage y Welcome drink y Coach transfers to and from your excursions (includes two bottles of water per person, per day) y Excursions to Stratford-upon-Avon, Royal
Shakespeare Company, Broadway Tower,
Broadway, Cheltenham & Oxford y Guided walking tours of Stratford-upon-Avon & Oxford y Cruise on the River Avon y Guided tour and afternoon tea* at the Royal
Shakespeare Company y Heritage train journey on the Gloucestershire
Warwickshire Railway y 1 dinner* at a local restaurant y Complimentary umbrella, leather ticket wallet and luggage labels y Accompanied by a knowledgeable Tour
Manager throughout *Please inform us at the time of booking of any special dietary requirements.
YOUR HOTEL
Delta by Marriott Cheltenham Chase Hotel,
Cheltenham Perched on the edge of the Cotswolds, the contemporary 4-star Delta by Marriott Cheltenham Chase Hotel is within easy reach of Regency Cheltenham. Offering a lovely place to unwind, the stylish bedrooms feature a TV, complimentary high speed Wi-Fi and tea and coffee-making facilities. There is also a bar and restaurant with stunning views, plus an indulgent spa and leisure facilities (spa treatments are available at an extra cost, pre-booking advised).
Hotel accessibility information
Please visit justgoholidays.com/accessibility or call our friendly reservations team for further details.
