Gardens of The Cotswolds

Day 1

We depart the local area and, with a stop on route in the pretty town of Cirencester, we arrive at the 4* Cheltenham Chase Hotel with time to settle in before dinner.

Day 2

After a leisurely breakfast we visit Painswick Rococo gardens. In August, new growth on trees and shrubs heighten the garden's vistas, as you catch glimpses of the follies waiting to surprise you around the corner. Summer warmth encourages late-flowering plants to bloom, including Michaelmas daisies and Helianthus Lemon Queen - a beautiful pale-yellow perennial sunflower. This afternoon we spend time at leisure in Cheltenham.

Day 3

This morning we visit the historic market town of Tewkesbury, with a rich, vibrant history and a beautiful waterside setting, there is an Abbey, medieval streets and a high street full of independent shops. This afternoon we visit Sudeley Castle, the only private castle in England with a queen buried in its grounds - Katherine Parr, the last of Henry VIII's six wives. Explore the 1000-year history of the stunning castle, the award-winning garden, St Mary's Church and the rare breed pheasantry.

Day 4

This morning we enjoy a visit to Hidcote Manor Garden (NT), where you can discover one of the country's great Gardens with is magnificent vistas and dazzling arrays of plants and flowers. This afternoon we enjoy a trip on the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway through the heart of the Cotswolds from the wonderful honey-coloured village of Broadway to Cheltenham.

Day 5

We depart the hotel and travel to Batsford Arboretum. Escape the heat with a walk beside the pools and streams or soak up the sunshine beside the beautiful wild flower areas, where you'll find clouds of forget-me-knots, buttercups, foxgloves and orchids. We arrive home late afternoon.

D=Dinner, B=Breakfast