“Taste of the Cotswolds” is a two day break designed to give you a flavour the Cotswolds, England's largest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
You will see the beautiful picture postcard villages and some of the best attractions in the region.
You will be taken on a scenic tour to each town, village and attraction. At each, you will have time to explore, take photos and relax! Your driver will also take you "off the beaten track" to show you hidden Cotswold delights that many visitors miss.
Day 1
Chipping Campden: Chipping Campden is famous for its wonderfully historic High Street that dates back to the 14th century. A town that like many in the Cotswolds, grew rich from the wool trade. Since the end of the 19th Century it has been a centre for the Arts and Crafts Movement.
Broadway: Broadway is one of the most beautiful villages in England, often referred to as “the Jewel of the Cotswolds”. The main street (High Street) in Broadway is lined with horse chestnut trees, ancient honey coloured cotswold stone cottages and period houses dating back to the 16th century.
Broadway’s shopping facilities will delight you. Whether it is a Cashmere Sweater, Designer Jewellery or just a small Gift or Momento, fine quality Antique Furniture & Paintings or a budget priced print of the Cotswolds. There are shops here to supply all your needs.
Off the beaten track: Lying beneath the Cotswold escarpment are two picture perfect villages, often unseen by tourists. A hunting ground for photographers who want a postcard memory of the Cotswolds. Unspoilt by shops or amenities, many of the cottages in the villages date back to the 16th and 17th centuries. Lovingly restored the gardens are as exquisite as the properties themselves. If you are lucky, you may see someone re-roofing a traditional thatched cottage.
Winchcombe: A couple of miles outside of Cheltenham is the small town of Winchcombe. A typical Cotswold style town with a long main street full of restaurants and small shops. Most people come to Winchcombe to visit Sudeley Castle. The castle, which looks down on the village, was the final home of Queen Catherine Parr after the death of Henry VIII.
Day 2
Stow on the Wold: A popular market town standing high up on the Cotswold Hills. Famous as a centre for antiques, in the centre of the town is the large Square, surrounded by houses, shops and inns all built in the local Cotswold stone, Stow is a great place to explore the many fine antique shops, art galleries, Gift and Craft shops.
Off the beaten track: Two more delightful villages. A wonderfully conserved typical Cotswold village, with a Water Mill and stream. At the western edge is an old Victorian flour mill which now houses a tea and gift shop. The other, consists of typical Cotswold stone houses and farms. Walk from the Church up the lane and then down to the Ford where people often stop to paddle. By the Church is now a grand hotel.
Bourton on the Water: One of the most popular villages in the area, sometimes referred to as the Venice of the Cotswolds, is a large village with the river Windrush meandering through the centre. Its 18th century low bridges and Spring-like clear water make for a great place to stroll amongst the shops, pubs and tea rooms. In summer, tourists gather for picnics by the water or sit outside one of the pub gardens soaking up the Cotswold heritage.
Bibury: "The most beautiful village in England," is how William Morris, (founder of the Arts and Crafts Movement and one of England's most famous designers) described Bibury. You will visit Arlington Row, a famous Cotswold's scene for photographers, a beautiful row of old cottages.
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Any changes?
Our itineraries are meticulously planned, but if you want to change any of the details of the tour, including accommodation, let your travel advisor know and they will happily make any adjustments.
To book a "Taste of the Cotswolds" break, please contact us with your group size, dates and accommodation preference, Bed & Breakfast, hotel or Self Catering. There are literally hundreds of choices in the Cotswolds, so let us help you find a warm welcome and a comfortable bed.
Contact us for your first Cotswold Scenes consultation
Click here to download the Booking Form and Terms & Conditions