Day 1: Morning departure from North Wales and journey to the town of Royal Leamington Spa. Set on the winding River Leam, it’s known for its Regency architecture, broad boulevards, and award-winning parks. After some time at leisure, we continue to our hotel near Newbury for a 3-night stay. Upon arrival take time to settle in and relax before your evening meal.
Day 2: Our first stop today is the idyllic market town of Newbury, located in the very heart of rural Berkshire. Steeped in history and surrounded by some of the UK’s most outstandingly beautiful countryside, Newbury offers a relaxing yet vibrant atmosphere in which to enjoy its array of independent and high street shops, charter and specialist markets, and first-class arts and cultural experiences.
Afterwards, we visit the ancient capital of England, Winchester. A beautiful and unspoiled cathedral city on the edge of the rolling South Downs. Popular for bustling shopping streets Winchester is brimming with colour. The 11th century Cathedral, resting place of author Jane Austen, and the Great Hall, home to the greatest symbol of medieval mythology – King Arthur’s Round Table, are well worth a visit.
Day 3: Today we travel to Oxford, ‘City of Spires’, famous the world over for its exquisite architecture and home to England's oldest university. The city dates to Saxon times, there are numerous attractions to visit including museums or the Oxford Botanic Garden. You can follow in the footsteps of former Prime Ministers, notable writers and famous thinkers as you stroll along the cobbled streets.
From Inspector Morse to Harry Potter, Oxford has also been the backdrop to many popular films and TV shows, and there are many cosy pubs to relax in and enjoy the atmosphere.
Day 4: After a final breakfast, we take one of the classic English tours around the villages and small market towns of the Gloucestershire Cotswolds. The area, which is centred on the Cotswold Hills, is best known for the famous Cotswold stone.
We visit Stow-on-the-Wold, perhaps the best known of the small Cotswolds towns, it is the highest of the Cotswold towns standing exposed on 800 feet high Stow Hill at a junction of seven major roads, including the Roman Fosse Way.
Another highlight is the village of Broadway, often referred to as the ‘Jewel of the Cotswolds’. The pretty tree-lined High Street includes a mixture of period houses and picturesque honey-coloured Cotswold stone cottages. Afterwards, we make the return journey to North Wales.