Glories of the Cotswolds & Oxfordshire

We check in to our hotel in the afternoon. Later, we enjoy a welcome drink reception hosted by our tour manager.

American history is brought to life this morning as we visit Sulgrave Manor, a Tudor manor house built in the mid 1500s by Lawrence Washington, the great-great-great-great-great grandfather of George Washington, first President of the United States. Here we learn about the remarkable history of the Washington family on our guided tour. Restored and opened to the public in 1921, Sulgrave was presented to the people of Britain and the USA as a memorial of their common inheritance.

Afterwards, we make our way to Broughton Castle. Predominantly built in the early 14^th century, the castle is a stunning moated and fortified manor house, set in idyllic parkland. It is currently home to Martin Fiennes, having been passed down through the family since 1377, evidenced by family portraits from the 16^th to 19^th centuries that hang along the gallery walls. The manor has been a hive for political exchanges and royal stays throughout the centuries, serving as a meeting place for leading parliamentary opponents of Charles I. James I occupied the king's chamber in the early 15^th century, whilst recent residents include today’s monarch King Charles. We take the opportunity to enjoy a light lunch here followed by a private tour.

This morning we head to Chavenage House, a unique family home full of history and fascinating stories around every corner. The Elizabethan manor house has remained largely unchanged since the building’s completion in 1576, and only two families have owned Chavenage; the Stephens and the Lowsley-Williams, the current owners. We explore the lavish rooms, filled with tapestries and stunning period furniture, discover the secrets of the room where Cromwell stayed during the Civil War, escape into the peaceful surroundings of this lovely manor and spot the famous filming locations of various movies and TV series, including BBC’s Poldark.

Our next visit is to Westonbirt House, ‘the finest example of Victorian architecture, landscape and gardens in the Cotswolds’ as described by Country Life. Belonging to the Holford family from 1665 until 1926, this architectural treasure houses a fine collection of art and books. There’s time to meander through the lovely grounds, which feature an exquisite, Italianate walled garden, before we enjoy a guided tour of the house itself. We also indulge in a traditional afternoon tea here.

After dinner, we enjoy a fascinating talk from a guest speaker.

Our day begins with captivating tour of the exquisite Cotswolds gem of Sudeley Castle, focusing on its extensive history and its important role in England’s turbulent past. Once a royal residence closely associated with famous monarchs such as Henry VIII and Charles I, it remains the only private castle in England to have a queen buried within the grounds – Queen Katherine Parr, the last wife of King Henry VIII. The castle rooms contain many fascinating treasures from ancient Roman times to the present day while outside are award-winning gardens (look out for Percy the peacock)! After exploring the wonderful estate we enjoy lunch here.

In the afternoon we make our way to Sezincote, believed to be the only surviving Mogul building in Western Europe, where we enjoy a guided tour of this unique and exotic palace and gardens. As we head down the drive, it’s almost as if we’ve stumbled upon a majestic palace in India rather than the Cotswolds! In the early 1800s, Charles Cockerell, who had worked for the East India Company, commissioned his architect brother, Samuel, to design and build an Indian house in the Mogul style of Rajasthan. Assisted by the artist Thomas Daniell, the result is a unique combination of Hindu and Muslim architecture with a weathered-copper onion dome, elegant minarets and an exquisite, curving orangery while outside is a romantic landscape of temples, grottoes, elephant statues and waterfalls designed by Humphry Repton.

After breakfast, check out of the hotel for the journey home.