Saturday 20th July – Saturday 27th July 2024
Arrive at Heathrow this morning and meet your local expert guide. You’ll leave the bustling metropolis of London behind and head west into the Cotswolds – a region cherished for its pastoral charm, pretty villages, flower-rich limestone grassland and deep incised valleys.
Upon arrival, visit the iconic Broadway Tower, offering a captivating blend of history, nature, and panoramic views. Originally built as a folly in the 18th century, the tower’s rich past includes roles as a residence, artist’s retreat, and wartime signalling station. Take a chance and climb to the rooftop and admire breathtaking vistas of patchwork fields, meandering rivers, and distant landmarks like the Malvern Hills. Embark on a picturesque walk, traversing rolling hills, from the tower to Chipping Campden. As you approach, its distinctive honey-coloured stone buildings come into view, welcoming you to this charming market town. Meander through its quaint streets lined with historic cottages, exploring artisan shops and enjoy lunch in a cozy pub. Visit the iconic Market Hall, immersing yourself in the town’s rich history and vibrant atmosphere.
This evening, arrive at your beautiful, historic hotel tucked in the heat of Broadway, known as the Jewel of the Cotswolds, and take some time to settle in.
At the end of the day, your guide will arrange a meeting time and location for tomorrow’s activities
Overnight: Broadway | The Lygon Arms
Room Type: 2x Annexe Room
Meals Included: None
Travel Date: July 20, 2024 | Airline: British Airways | Flight Number: BA192
Departure Airport: Dallas Fort Worth | Departure Time: 19:25
Arrival Airport: London Heathrow | Arrival Time: 10:40
Name:
Steve Gray
Contact Number: +44 (0) 7747 128 081
Meeting Place: Heathrow Arrivals | Meeting Time: 10:40
Your guide will meet you in the arrivals hall and will be holding a name board. You’ll then travel to the Cotswolds and begin your explorations.
In the serene ambiance of the nearby Honeybourne Pottery, a morning pottery class unfolds with anticipation and creative energy. Your tutor will introduce you to the ancient art of throwing, which is immensely satisfying! As you immerse yourself in the craft, find solace in the rhythmic motion of the wheel. Enjoy laughter and conversation together as a family as your creations gradually take form.
This afternoon venture to Hidcote, nestled in a Cotswolds hamlet, to explore the arts and crafts inspired masterpiece and network of ‘outdoor rooms’ designed by a renowned horticulturalist. Enveloped in a sense of wonder and serenity, from the vibrant colours of the herbaceous borders to the peaceful ambiance of the secret garden, every corner reveals a new delight for the senses.
At the end of the day, your guide will arrange a meeting time and location for tomorrow’s activities
Overnight: Broadway | The Lygon Arms
Room Type: 2 x Annexe Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Restaurant: Russell's | Location: Broadway
Reservation Time: 18:00 |
Booking Reference: BRMMMTVX
Phone: 01386 853555 | Website: https://russellsofbroadway.co.uk/restaurant/
A taxi to the restaurant can be arranged by your hotel
Table reservation under Jeff Berg
Clients to pay
This morning, meet your expert guide and make a visit to Blenheim Palace. Be immersed in the grandeur of English baroque architecture and the rich history of the Churchill family. As you explore its opulent interiors and stroll through the sprawling grounds, you can’t help but feel awe-inspired by the palace’s beauty and significance.
Next, head into Oxford, the ‘City of Dreaming Spires’ and stroll through the city’s cobbled streets lined with charming cafes and bookshops, all offering a glimpse into the intellectual and cultural vibrancy that defines Oxford. Visit historic landmarks such as the Bodleian Library, Radcliffe Camera, and Christ Church College, where you can explore hallowed halls steeped in academia and literary tradition.
Your guide will transfer you back to your hotel in Broadway for the evening.
At the end of the day, your guide will arrange a meeting time and location for tomorrow’s activities
Overnight: Broadway | The Lygon Arms
Room Type: 2 x Annexe Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Activity: Private City Guide
Start Location: Blenheim Palace | Start Time: 10:00 | Approx Duration: 7 hrs
Phone: +44 (0)7880 700 291
Bella will meet you at Blenheim Palace for the tour and spend the day with you in Oxford.
Bella will have all your tickets required for the days activities.
Restaurant: The Broad Bean | Location: Broadway
Reservation Time: 19:45 |
Booking Reference: 4SKNK
Phone: +44 (0)7494 151743 | Website: https://sites.google.com/thebroadbeanbroadway.co.uk/thebroadbean/home
A taxi to the restaurant can be arranged by your hotel
Table reservation for Jeff Berg
Clients to pay
Today, meet your guide and set off on an e-bike and relish in the ease of travel and the beauty of the landscape. Arriving first at Moreton-in-Marsh, explore the bustling market town. Perhaps visit the unique Cotswold Barn to sample local delicacies or peruse the charming shops lining the streets. Continuing your journey, pedal on to Bourton-on-the-Water, where you park your e-bike and marvel at the intricate model village. After working up an appetite, indulge in a traditional pub lunch at one of the cozy establishments, savouring hearty British fare and refreshing beverages. Wander through the picturesque streets and enjoy the tranquility of the River Windrush before heading back to Broadway with your guide.
At the end of the day, your guide will arrange a meeting time and location for tomorrow’s activities
Overnight: Broadway | The Lygon Arms
Room Type: 2 x Annexe Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Pub: The Halfway at Kineton | Location: Cheltenham
Reservation Time: 19:00 |
Booking Reference: BKRP7XQ7
Phone: +44 (0)7425970507 | Website: https://www.thehalfwayatkineton.com/
A taxi to the restaurant can be arranged by your hotel
Dinner reservation booked under Jeff Berg
Clients to pay
Cancellation policy: Guests (from bookings of 3 and above) cancelling less than 24 hours before your scheduled reservation will be charged £30 per person. Guests who do not contact the restaurant and do not honour the booking will be charged £50 per person
The crisp morning air fills with anticipation as you meet your local expert guide and journey South to Notgrove Estate for a private clay pigeon shooting experience. Amidst the serene backdrop of secluded shooting grounds, with expert instructors guiding you as you take aim at the soaring clay targets, learn the fundamentals of shotgun handling and shooting technique. Each successful shot brings a rush of adrenaline, fuelling your determination to improve with each round.
This afternoon, visit the Cotswold Lavender Fields. There are over 70 acres of lavender stretching over the rolling landscape, giving a stunning display. Experience the heady scent of nature and glorious views before admiring the wildflower meadows, keeping your eyes peeled for the native wildlife in this haven.
At the end of the day, your guide will arrange a meeting time and location for tomorrow’s activities
Overnight: Broadway | The Lygon Arms
Room Type: 2 x Annexe Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Restaurant: The Back Garden | Location: Dormy House Hotel
Reservation Time: 19:00
Phone: +44 (0)1386 852711 | Website: https://dormyhouse.co.uk/eat/the-back-garden/
A taxi to the restaurant can be arranged by your hotel
Table reservation under Jeff Berg
Clients to pay
Please note: this restaurant is cashless
Please arrive 15 minutes before your reservation time to give you plenty of time to cozy up by one of the fires in our lounges. Whilst you enjoy a drink from The Shed bar, we will make sure your table is ready on time for you.
This morning, enjoy a relaxed stroll through the pretty market village, perhaps picking up a few Cotswold delicacies to take with you on your way home. Your guide will transfer you to London to continue your adventure.
Overnight: Notting Hill | The Portobello Hotel
Room Type: 1 x Best Room, 1x Outstanding Room
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today is free for you to choose how you spend it, exploring more of the hidden corners of this great city. The choice is yours.
Overnight: Notting Hill | The Portobello Hotel
Room Type: 1 x Best Room, 1x Outstanding Room
Meals Included: Breakfast
A private transfer will collect you from your accommodation and take you to the airport to make your onward connections. Waving farewell for now but taking with you special memories and wonderful stories of your explorations.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Supplier: Little's Chauffeur Hire
Booking Reference: 2706926
Pick Up Location: The Portobello Hotel | Pick Up Time: 11:00
Phone: +44 (0) 141 883 2111
Your driver will meet you in the hotel lobby to take you to the airport for your onward connections.
Transfer Company system will send contact details for the chauffeur as an SMS 30 minutes prior to the reservation taking place, to the mobile number for the travelling passenger. If the client is unable to locate our chauffeur, they must call the mobile number provided, or call the Little’s Office on +44 (0)141 883 2111, which operates 24/7.
Travel Date: July 27, 2024 | Airline: American Airlines | Flight Number: AA57
Departure Airport: London Heathrow | Departure Time: 14:10
Arrival Airport: Miami
Activities are only private if specifically stated
Notes On Weather & Flexibility
Weather – July in the UK can be a very wide range of weather, and very changeable. Suitable clothing and footwear is essential, as well as a flexible attitude. Plans may have to be changed to accommodate Mother Nature, and your guide will have back-up plans that they will discuss with you if required.
Essential Packing List
Note: If you would like us to provide trekking poles for your use then please just let us know and we will ensure these are available for you.
Tipping Guidelines
For tipping our guides – We don’t generally recommend a set amount as tipping is not expected in the same way that it is in North America. However, similar North American travel companies generally suggest something along the lines of £10-30 per person per day for your guide, which is a wide range to choose from. Generally, we would encourage you to ask yourself what you were expecting from your guide, and then think about how they have exceeded those expectations and choose an amount you are comfortable with.
For local services such as restaurants again tipping is not expected but if you receive great service then 10-15% of the bill is normal.
Luggage Notes
Please note that we expect travellers to bring an average of One Large Holdall or Suitcase and up to Two smaller day-bags or hand-luggage sized pieces. If you expect to bring more than this then please let us know well in advance of arrival so that we can ensure there is capacity for this (additional charges will apply if separate luggage transfers are required).
UK: +44 (0)1768 721 210
US: 833 574 0690
Please see our booking terms here.
22 Stanley Gardens |
Notting Hill |
London |
W11 2NG |
England
Phone: +44 020 7727 2777
Web: portobellohotel.com
High Street |
Broadway |
The Cotswolds |
WR12 7DU |
England
Phone: 01386 852 255
Web: lygonarmshotel.co.uk
Contact Number: +44 (0) 7747 128 081
Despite coming from SW London I have always been an explorer and was fascinated by wild life! As a kid, I would ride my bike to any bit of open space like Wimbledon Common, Mitcham Common or Bushy Park to explore and search for frogs, newts or small mammals and watch the deer in the Royal Parks. Nothing has changed except that I have gone a little further afield.
Saturday 20th July – Saturday 27th July 2024