Glories of Gloucestershire & the Cotswolds

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

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. During our guided tour, 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.

Afterwards, we spend some time in Tetbury, a charming market town of picturesque streets and independent shops and known for its connections to The King. Enjoy lunch at your leisure in one of the town's cosy cafés and take in the beauty of its historic architecture, including the iconic Market House.

Our last stop of the day is Westonbirt National Arboretum, home to one of the finest collections of trees and shrubs in the world. Established in the 19^th century, its sweeping avenues and rare specimens create a spectacular display in every season. We also include entry 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.

Today begins with the exquisite Cotswolds gem of Sudeley Castle, boasting an extensive history and an important role in England’s turbulent past, where we enjoy entry to the castle and then a guided tour of the historic grounds. 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 bursting with seasonal colour and often frequented by Percy the peacock.

We continue to Broadway. Often referred to as the 'Jewel of the Cotswolds', this picturesque village is known for its charming streets lined with honey-coloured stone buildings, boutique shops and art galleries. It's the perfect place to treat yourself to lunch or cream tea if you so wish, either in a little café or luxurious hotel such as The Lygon Arms. On the way back to the hotel, sit back and soak up the rolling Cotswold landscapes as we pass through quaint towns on a scenic drive.

Painswick Rococo Garden awaits, a storybook-like garden nestled in the Gloucestershire countryside. Famous for its whimsical design and vibrant displays, the garden showcases the Rococo style with its playful architecture, winding paths and colourful flowerbeds. We enjoy a guided tour to learn more about this enchanting place, focusing on its history and restoration.

Our second guided tour of the day is at Berkeley Castle, built by Robert Fitzharding in the 12^th century and ordered by Henry II to defend the Severn estuary and the Welsh border. Berkeley is a real jewel, an almost complete medieval survival that allows us to imagine how it might have been to live there. Reigning monarch Edward II was sent there as a prisoner after his wife Isabella and her lover Roger Mortimer usurped his power, and we can even see the room where he is supposed to have been murdered in 1327. The castle is also the oldest building in the country to be inhabited by the same family who built it, and the Berkeley family are one of only four in England who can trace their ancestry from father to son right back to Saxon times. Afterwards, we enjoy afternoon tea here, a lovely end to our tour.

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