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England Self-Drive Adventure: The Cotswolds

Price: P.O.A.
Carbon Score: 240Kg
Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights

Overview

On a thoughtfully crafted adventure, explore the charming natural beauty of the Cotswolds. Stroll along leafy riverside lanes and discover bustling villages of honey-coloured stone. Designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the region is also peppered with ancient ruins, tumbling castles and intriguing archaeological sites. Enjoy a day surrounded by nature in the company of an expert guide, spotting different songbirds and learning about the region’s rich history. Spend time in the architecturally breathtaking city of Bath, visiting the famous Roman Baths and the stunning Bath Abbey. On this self-drive itinerary, travel at your own pace while staying in hand-picked luxurious accommodation. With the support of an experienced local travel team, every moment of your journey promises to be effortless and enriching.

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Highlights

  • Travel at your own pace—stopping when the view calls, a cosy cafe beckons, or a quiet corner invites a longer pause.
  • Spend time in the pastoral beauty of the Cotswolds, visiting traditional villages full of rural charm.
  • Relax in independent, bespoke accommodation, carefully chosen for their warm hospitality.

Day by Day

Day 1 - Welcome to England

Arrive in London, pick up your hire car and enjoy a scenic drive to the Cotswolds. Leaving the city behind, today’s route takes you through rolling countryside, past charming villages and by fields bounded with dry stone walls. After a couple of hours, arrive in Broadway, one of the prettiest villages in the Cotswolds. Check into your luxurious hotel and settle in. Depending on your arrival time, you may wish to head out and explore, strolling past honey-hued cottages, traditional tea rooms, and historic inns.

Overnight: Broadway | Dormy House Hotel & Spa
Meals Included: None

Day 2 - A Day in Nature

Rise early and meet a local naturalist for a dawn chorus walk. A peaceful way to start the day, listen out for the many different songs of woodland birds. After breakfast, head back out into the countryside to discover the forest’s rich biodiversity, from rare butterflies to towering ancient trees. As you explore, look for elusive bird species such as hawfinches, crossbills, and peregrines. After a lovely morning, return to your countryside hotel for an afternoon of traditional country pursuits. Try your hand at falconry, clay pigeon shooting, or even the unique challenge of duck herding. As the day winds down, perhaps relax with a soothing massage or take a dip in the heated pool, letting the tranquillity of the countryside rejuvenate you.

Overnight: Broadway | Dormy House Hotel & Spa
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 3 - Exploring Quintessential Villages

Spend the day exploring the most charming villages in the Cotswolds. Begin with a visit to Stow-on-the-Wold, a historic market town famed for its many antique shops. Next, explore the idyllic villages of Upper and Lower Slaughter, connected by a scenic riverside walk that showcases the area’s bucolic beauty. Continue to Bourton-on-the-Water, often called the “Venice of the Cotswolds,” where small bridges span the River Windrush. Later this afternoon, arrive at The Pig in the Cotswolds, an old stone manor nestled in rolling hills. As you step onto the gravel drive, the scent of woodsmoke fills the air, ivy climbs the walls, and a heavy wooden door swings open. Check in and settle into your cosy, vintage-style room.

Overnight: Cirencester | The Pig in the Cotswolds
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 4 - Blenheim Palace

Enjoy a VIP day at Blenheim Palace, the birthplace of Winston Churchill. This magnificent Baroque palace is a treasure trove of history and grandeur. Start with a private tour of its opulent rooms, from the gilded ceilings to Churchill’s birth room, and explore hidden corridors and private areas usually off-limits to visitors. Outside, take a leisurely stroll through the vast gardens and parkland, designed by Capability Brown. After exploring the Winston Churchill exhibit, enjoy afternoon tea in the Orangery, with stunning views of the palace grounds. End the day with champagne on the terrace, soaking in the golden light over the Baroque façade before returning to your hotel.

Overnight: Cirencester | The Pig in the Cotswolds
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 5 - Castle Combe and Lacock

Leaving The Pig in the Cotswolds this morning, set off toward Bath, winding through rolling hills. Your first stop is Tetbury, a market town known for its antique shops and cosy cafés. After a leisurely stroll past quaint buildings, continue on to Castle Combe, often referred to as England’s prettiest village. Here, enjoy wandering down cobbled streets lined with ivy-clad cottages and pause by the picturesque old stone bridge. Next, visit Lacock, a village rich in medieval history, home to a stunning abbey featured in productions such as Downton Abbey, Pride and Prejudice, and Harry Potter. Explore the village’s timeless charm before completing the journey to Bath, where grand Georgian architecture and natural thermal waters await.

Overnight: Bath | The Bird
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 6 - Exploring Bath

Spend the day exploring Bath’s rich history and elegant Georgian architecture. Begin with a visit to Bath Abbey, where stained-glass windows and intricate fan-vaulted ceilings showcase centuries of craftsmanship. Afterwards, tour the Roman Baths, where steam still rises from mineral-rich waters and fascinating artefacts tell the story of Bath’s spa culture, which dates back nearly 2000 years. Continue your adventure by strolling through the city’s charming streets, admiring the iconic Pulteney Bridge and marvelling at the grandeur of the Royal Crescent. Along the way, your guide will share stories about the city’s literary connections, including its ties to Jane Austen. This afternoon, you may like to enjoy a traditional afternoon tea before bringing the day to a close with a beautiful riverside walk.

Overnight: Bath | The Bird
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 7 - Depart

This morning, drive back to the airport in time for your onward travel. As your journey comes to a close, head home with fond memories of the landscapes explored and moments enjoyed along the way.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Download Itinerary

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England Self-Drive Adventure: The Cotswolds

To download a PDF copy of our Trip Itinerary, containing full details about this tour, please complete the form below:

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Our bespoke offerings extend beyond the accommodations and experiences showcased in our sample itineraries, serving as starting point to spark inspiration and illustrate what's possible. Get in touch today to begin collaborating on crafting your client's dream holiday.

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Trip Details

Inclusions Read More
  • 6 nights accommodation, as stated in the itinerary above
  • Breakfast each morning, as stated in the itinerary above
  • The services of a qualified and experienced guide on Day 2, Day 4 and Day 6
  • Hire car from Day 1 to Day 7
  • Entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary, specifically:
    • Privately guided woodland wildlife experience with a local naturalist on Day 2
    • Choice of private country pursuit at Dormy House on Day 2
    • Private full day VIP Blenheim Palace experience including Afternoon Tea (subject to availability)
    • Privately guided exploration of Bath including;
      • Entry to the Roman Baths
      • Entry to Bath Abbey
      • Entry to the Jane Austen Center
  • Personalised trip design and delivery
  • 24/7 In-Country Support from the Wilderness Team
Exclusions Read More
  • Flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Meals not mentioned in the inclusions
  • Activities and entrance fees not mentioned in the inclusions
  • Gratuities for any of the guides
Notes Read More
  • All suggested accommodations and services are subject to availability at the time of booking.
  • A 20% deposit is required before any accommodation and services will be confirmed.
  • This quote is valid for 14 days from the date quoted, after this time pricing may be subject to revision.
  • Activities are only private if so specified.

Get in Touch

Tel: +44 (0)1479 420120

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