A Nostalgic Journey Through the Malvern Hills & Cotswold Vales

A Nostalgic Journey Through the Malvern Hills & Cotswold Vales

There are Some Parts of England where Time Stands Still...

A Nostalgic Journey Through the Malvern Hills & Cotswold Vales

There are Some Parts of England where Time Stands Still...

Prices From $4,900p/p

Steeped in the rural charm of a bygone age, the picturesque villages of the Cotswolds have housed writers and artists whose work mirrored the natural beauty of their surroundings. The Malvern Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty overlooking the Cotswold Vale, have equally inspired writers like Tolkien and composers such as Edward Elgar with their stunning scenery. We learn more about the fascinating history of the area, reflected in Sudeley and Eastnor Castles, and discover how the landscape influenced grand estates like Croome and the region’s gardens such as gorgeous Hidcote Manor Garden.

Special extras included in your itinerary
• Guided tour of Sudeley Castle
• Guided tour and refreshments at Rodmarton Manor
• Introductory talk and lunch at Painswick Rococo Garden
• Guided tour and lunch at Eastnor Castle
• Guided walking tour of Cheltenham
• Guided tour of Berkeley Castle
• Private guided tour of Frampton Court
• Audio guided tour of Blenheim Palace

Day 1
Sunday: Arrival

On arrival at Heathrow airport, a private transfer will take you to our overnight hotel, the Macdonald Windsor Hotel. Tonight, join the group for a welcome drink followed by dinner.

Meals: Dinner

Day 2
Monday: Burford, Sudeley Castle, Winchcombe and Bourton-on-the-Water

This morning, we stop in Burford, a small medieval town on the River Windrush in the Cotswold Hills, before continuing to Sudeley Castle for a guided tour. This Tudor castle was once home to Katherine Parr, the last of King Henry VIII’s six wives. The castle rooms contain many fascinating treasures, from ancient Roman times to the present day while outside are award-winning gardens. After, we enjoy lunch in a local gastropub in the quaint town of Winchcombe.

We then visit one of the most picturesque villages in the Cotswolds, Bourton-on-the-Water. Admire its elegant low bridges and tree-shaded river banks, browse the independent shops or relax in local tearooms. After time at leisure, we make our way to the Queens Hotel Cheltenham – MGallery, our hotel for the next six nights.

Day 3
Tuesday: Rodmarton Manor and Painswick Rococo Garden

Our day begins at Rodmarton Manor, one of the last country houses to be built and furnished according to the ideals of the Arts and Crafts Movement. Ernest Barnsley and the Cotswold group of Craftsmen took over 20 years to build and furnish the house. We enjoy a guided tour here followed by refreshments and a chance to explore the stunning gardens.

Afterwards, we enjoy lunch and an introductory talk at Painswick Rococo Garden. Initially designed in the 1740s as an English country gentleman’s pleasure garden and a venue for hosting intimate garden parties, it is now the country’s sole surviving complete Rococo garden, so-called for its winding pathways and imaginative follies, full of architectural charm.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 4
Wednesday: Eastnor Castle and Croome

Eastnor Castle lies at the foot of the Malvern Hills, surrounded by a beautiful deer park, arboretum and lake. This 19th-century revival castle was built by the 2nd Baron (Lord) Somers and continues to be inhabited by his descendants. We enjoy a guided tour followed by lunch.

Our day finishes at Croome, ‘Capability’ Brown’s first complete landscape and the one that made his name. Robert Adam and James Wyatt also helped design the mansion, Croome Court, and the temples and follies scattered throughout the parkland. Surprisingly, Croome was also once a secret wartime airbase, so don’t miss the visitor center to find out more before admiring the commanding views over the Malverns that can be had from the grounds.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5
Thursday: Hidcote Manor Garden, Broadway and Stow-on-the-Wold

The day starts at Hidcote Manor Garden, an exquisite Arts and Crafts garden. Created by the reclusive American horticulturist, Major Lawrence Johnston, the garden is laid out as a series of colorful and intricately designed ‘rooms’ featuring many plants that were collected on Johnston’s trips to far flung places.

We continue to the quintessential Cotswold village of Broadway, with its picturesque High Street lined with honey-colored stone buildings, before visiting the beautiful market town of Stow-on-the-Wold, renowned for its wonderful collection of artisanal boutiques.

We enjoy dinner in a restaurant in Cheltenham this evening.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 6
Friday: Cheltenham, Wilson Gallery and Holst Birthplace Museum

We enjoy a guided walking tour of Cheltenham, where we learn about the town during its spa heyday and admire the Regency town houses, intricate ironwork balconies and painted stucco facades. Afterwards, we visit the Wilson Gallery, an outstanding museum and art gallery with a program of temporary exhibitions and permanent galleries.

Then we visit the Holst Birthplace Museum, a wonderful Victorian-Edwardian family home, lovingly restored to offer a fascinating insight into the life and work of the English composer and teacher, Gustav Holst.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 7
Saturday: Berkeley Castle and Frampton Court Estate

Berkeley Castle has remained in the Berkeley family since its construction in the late 12th century and we enjoy a guided tour here. This ancient fortress home boasts fine medieval rooms and magnificent collections, however it is probably best known as the scene of the brutal murder of Edward ll in 1327. The castle has also been used as a filming location including for the hugely successful Poldark TV series.

We continue on to Frampton Court Estate, owned by the Clifford family since the 11th century. Built between 1730 and 1733, the house displays a magnificent mixture of Baroque and Palladian architectural styles while the lavish interiors are home to a fine collection of period furniture. We discover more on our private guided tour.

After dinner back at the hotel, we are treated to a fascinating talk by a guest speaker.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 8
Sunday: The Garden at Miserden, Bibury and Blenheim Palace

The day starts with a visit to The Garden at Miserden, a true hidden gem which dates back to the 17th century. Boasting 850 acres of woodland, farmland and gardens, there is plenty to discover from wildlife to beautiful flowers.

Next we visit the charming Cotswold village of Bibury, described by William Morris as ‘the most beautiful village in England’. A picturesque row of National Trust owned weavers’ cottages lie next to the River Coln and a water meadow provides an important habitat for water-loving plants and birds.

We end the day at Blenheim Palace, set in beautiful parkland landscaped by ‘Capability’ Brown. As the seat of the Dukes of Marlborough, the palace is synonymous with the Churchill family and is the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. A permanent exhibition commemorates the life of this famous wartime Prime Minister, whilst the magnificent State Rooms reveal a superb collection of tapestries, paintings, porcelain and furniture. We learn more on our audio guided tour.

Afterwards we return to the Macdonald Windsor Hotel where we enjoy a farewell dinner together this evening.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 9
Monday: Departure

A private transfer will take you back to Heathrow airport for your return flight home.

Meals: Breakfast

What’s Included
• Return airport transfers from London Heathrow*
• 2 nights at the Macdonald Windsor Hotel
• 6 nights at the Queens Hotel Cheltenham – MGallery
• Welcome drink
• Full English breakfast each day
• 3-course table d’hôte dinner on 5 nights at the hotel (with after dinner tea and coffee)
• 1 lunch and 1 dinner at local restaurants
• Services of a tour director throughout your stay
• Travel to and from all excursions
• All excursion costs
• Porterage

*supplement applies for transfers from all other airports

Special extras included in your itinerary
• Guided tour of Sudeley Castle
• Guided tour and refreshments at Rodmarton Manor
• Introductory talk and lunch at Painswick Rococo Garden
• Guided tour and lunch at Eastnor Castle
• Guided walking tour of Cheltenham
• Guided tour of Berkeley Castle
• Private guided tour of Frampton Court
• Audio guided tour of Blenheim Palace
• Themed evening talk by a guest speaker

Nights One and Eight – Macdonald Windsor Hotel
The Macdonald Windsor Hotel is situated in the heart of the historic town of Windsor, opposite the famous Windsor Castle. The classic interiors, with a contemporary edge, fit perfectly with the Georgian elegance of this townhouse hotel. The luxury bedrooms are individually-designed and the hotel also offers a stylish bar and restaurant.

Nights Two to Seven – Queens Hotel Cheltenham – MGallery
The Queens Hotel boasts a majestic setting in the Montpellier area of Cheltenham overlooking Imperial Gardens. Dating back to 1838, this elegant hotel offers impressive neoclassical architecture and a rich heritage, making it one of the town’s most imposing buildings. The beautifully appointed guest rooms are air-conditioned and equipped with satellite TV and facilities for making tea and coffee. The hotel also features a bar, exquisite restaurant and characterful Orangery.