Exploring Southern England and Wales
Thursday 10th July – Monday 28th July 2025
Overview
V 2 – 17/02/25
Highlights
- Walking Tour of Oxford
- Explore the South West Coastal Path
- Visit the Brecon Beacons
- Experience the Beauty of the Cotswolds
Thursday 10th July – Monday 28th July 2025
V 2 – 17/02/25
On arrival in London, your private transfer will take you to your centrally located hotel and take some time to relax ahead of your first evening in England. An unmissable destination for travellers, the capital city is an international melting pot that brims with culture, history and iconic landmarks. With a well-known and well-deserved reputation for an eclectic and globally diverse food scene, your dinner this evening is sure to be a thoroughly enjoyable affair.
Later, draw the curtains on the twinkling lights of the city to enjoy a good night’s sleep ahead of an exciting day of exploring tomorrow.
Overnight: Self Arranged Accommodation
Meals Included: None
Staying in London is an exciting experience, with its mix of historic landmarks, vibrant culture, and diverse neighbourhoods. Whether exploring iconic sites like Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London, enjoying world-class museums, or discovering hidden gems in Soho and Shoreditch, there’s always something to do. The city’s excellent public transport makes getting around easy, while its food scene offers everything from traditional pubs to Michelin-starred restaurants. With its lively atmosphere and endless opportunities for entertainment, London is a city that never gets boring.
Overnight: Self Arranged Accommodation
Meals Included: None
Wimbledon is the oldest and most prestigious tennis tournament in the world. Established in 1877, it is one of the four Grand Slam events and the only one played on grass courts. Known for its rich traditions, including an all-white dress code and strawberries with cream, Wimbledon attracts the world’s top players and passionate fans.
Your private transfer will collect your from your hotel and take you to Wimbledon then will return to your hotel when the game has finished.
Overnight: Self Arranged Accommodation
Meals Included: None
This morning your private transfer will collect you and take you out of the city and into the green embrace of the surrounding countryside. Arrive in the historic city of Oxford where your driver will take you to Lady Margaret’s Hall where Zach can get settled in before you travel on to your fabulous hotel, The Store. Known as the city of dreaming spires, Oxford is a beautiful place full of stunning architecture which is perfect to explore on foot. Stroll along the bustling cosmopolitan streets, popping into artisanal shops and galleries. This evening, enjoy a relaxed dinner before turning in for a good night’s sleep.
Overnight: Oxford | The Store
Room Type: Arthur's View Suite
Meals Included: None
After breakfast, meet your local city guide in the lobby of your hotel and head out for an exciting half day walking tour of Oxford. An established town since the 9th century, people have inhabited this area for thousands of years. Admire the stunning architecture of Christ Church College, weave your way through cobblestone streets – discovering secret spots and hidden gems – as your guide brings the history of this wonderful city to life with fantastic facts and entertaining stories.
In the afternoon, if you wish to explore further on your own then why not visit Oxford Castle and Prison, originally built as a Norman castle, it later became a county prison, housing inmates for over 900 years. The site played a significant role in various historical events, including the English Civil War. You could also take the opportunity to join a guided tour of the Old Bodleian Library, one of the oldest, most prestigious libraries in the world.
Overnight: Oxford | The Store
Room Type: Arthur's View Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your guide for the next part of your journey will meet you at your hotel and transport you to your next destination, England’s beautiful South West Coast. Along the way you will stop off for a private guided walk in the beautiful Wiltshire countryside. Walking in Wiltshire is a journey through rolling chalk downlands, ancient woodlands, and hidden valleys steeped in history.
After your walk has blown away the cobwebs you and your guides will enjoy a lovely lunch in a local pub or cafe before saying goodbye to your Wiltshire walking guide and continuing on your journey to the South West Coast.
Arrive at your beautiful hotel perched on the stunning Jurassic coastline and take your time to relax and take in the breathtaking views. Once you have had the chance to unpack why not venture into Lyme Regis for a look around this most charming seaside town, made famous as the setting for the novel The French Lieutenant’s Woman.
Overnight: Lyme Regis | Alexandra Hotel
Room Type: Gould King Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
After breakfast your guide will meet you at your hotel to lead you on a rewarding hike along the beautiful South West Coastal Path.
The walk from Seaton to Golden Cap is a stunning coastal trek along the Jurassic Coast, offering breathtaking views of the English Channel. Starting in Seaton, you follow the South West Coast Path through picturesque countryside and dramatic cliffs, before reaching the ascent to Golden Cap, the highest point on England’s south coast at 191 meters. The climb is steep but rewarding, with panoramic vistas stretching from Portland to Start Point. The route showcases rugged cliffs, wildflowers, and historic landslips, making it a challenging yet unforgettable hike.
This afternoon, make your way to Lyme Regis beach with your guide where you will embark on a private fossil hunting experience. The Jurassic Coast is a fossil-hunting paradise famous for its rich deposits of ammonites, belemnites, and even ichthyosaur remains.
Overnight: Lyme Regis | Alexandra Hotel
Room Type: Gould King Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Your guide will pick you up from your hotel this morning and take you to another fascinating section of the South West Coastal Path. Along the way stop off in Dunster, a picturesque village known for its medieval charm and rich history. Nestled within Exmoor National Park, it features the stunning Dunster Castle, a former stronghold with breathtaking views. The village also boasts thatched cottages, a historic yarn market, and beautiful gardens.
Your home for the next two nights will be Lynton, famed for its stunning scenery and Victorian charm. Perched on a clifftop, it is connected to its twin village, Lynmouth, by the historic Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway. Surrounded by the breathtaking landscapes of Exmoor National Park, Lynton offers scenic walks, quaint shops, and a peaceful retreat for visitors seeking nature and history.
Spend the afternoon exploring the beautiful town of Lynton. Visit the array of local independent shops before stocking up on goodies from A Little Deli.
Your guide will see you back to your cosy hotel where you can reflect on your journey so far.
Overnight: Lynton | Highcliffe House
Room Type: The Cleaves Super King
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
After a peaceful night in your hotel, your guide will meet you to further explore the start of the famous South West Coastal Path.
Exploring Exmoor National Park and the Valley of Rocks is a breathtaking journey through rugged landscapes, dramatic coastal cliffs, and rolling moorlands teeming with wildlife. As you traverse the park’s vast expanse, you’ll encounter heather-covered hills, ancient woodlands, and the occasional sighting of wild red deer or the iconic Exmoor ponies. The Valley of Rocks, a stunning geological wonder near Lynton, captivates visitors with its striking rock formations, towering pinnacles, and panoramic views of the Bristol Channel. Whether hiking along the South West Coast Path, climbing rocky outcrops, or simply soaking in the serene atmosphere, this enchanting region offers a perfect blend of adventure and tranquility.
Your guide will then take you back to your hotel for a much earned rest.
Overnight: Lynton | Highcliffe House
Room Type: The Cleaves Super King
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
After you’ve had a leisurely breakfast your guide will collect you and take you onwards to the neighbouring country of Wales. But before this, why not visit Cheddar Gorge, a stunning limestone gorge known for its dramatic cliffs, ancient caves, and rich history. Carved by meltwater during the Ice Age, it features steep, rugged cliffs reaching up to 137 meters (449 feet) high. The gorge is home to the famous Cheddar Caves, where Britain’s oldest complete human skeleton, Cheddar Man, was discovered.
Then onto Wales, where you will be staying in beautiful hotel dating back to 1829 and situated in the market town of Abergavenny. Surrounded by the Brecon Beacons National Park, Abergavenny offers stunning landscapes, rich medieval history, and a vibrant food scene. The town features landmarks like Abergavenny Castle and the Priory Church of St. Mary.
This afternoon relax in one of Abergavenny’s many independent cafes and take a stroll around this beguiling town before settling into your hotel for the night.
Overnight: Abergavenney | Angel Hotel
Room Type: Deluxe Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
This morning you will embark on a private foraging experience with a local expert. Foraging is the practice of gathering wild food from nature, including edible plants, mushrooms, berries, and nuts. It has been a vital survival skill for humans throughout history and is still enjoyed today as a way to connect with nature, find fresh and organic ingredients, and learn about local ecosystems.
You will then join your guide on a journey through the Brecon Beacons. You could head to Sugar Loaf, one of the most iconic peaks in the Brecon Beacons. The walk to the summit is relatively moderate (about 2-3 hours round trip), with breathtaking views over the Usk Valley, the Black Mountains, and beyond. Or you could do the Four Waterfalls Walk where you can actually walk behind the cascading water.
Whatever you decide to do today you will create lasting memories of this intriguing and magical country.
Overnight: Abergavenney | Angel Hotel
Room Type: Deluxe Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
This morning your guide will take you from Wales into the Cotswolds, stopping off in the Forest of Dean where you will undertake a private Wildlife Safari. Listen out for woodland birds, look for the elusive wild boar and deer and take time to explore the forest.
Continue on your journey through the Cotswolds– a region cherished for its pastoral charm, pretty villages, flower-rich limestone grassland and deep incised valleys. The inspiration for many works of art and literature, including Beatrix Potter, J.R.R Tolkien and Laurie Lee, it’s a pretty and interesting place to explore.
Pass through beautiful chocolate box villages before arriving at the stunning Ellenborough Park, a historic country manor house estate which will be your home for the next two nights. Relax in the luxurious spa, featuring a range of indulgent treatments, a thermal suite, sauna, steam room, and outdoor hot tub.
Overnight: Cheltenham | Ellenborough Park
Room Type: Junior Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
After you have enjoyed a hearty breakfast your guide will collect you to further explore the surrounding area. Visit picturesque villages like Bourton-on-the-Water, Broadway and Stow-on-the-Wold, featuring honey-coloured stone cottages and charming streets. Explore Lower Slaughter, a tranquil village with a picturesque watermill, stone cottages, and the slow-flowing River Eye. One of the most romantic and unspoiled spots in the Cotswolds. Then there’s Snowshill – a hidden gem with quaint cottages and the renowned Snowshill Manor, an eccentric collection of artefacts from around the world.
After you’ve worked up an appetite why not indulge in an afternoon tea or a lovely pub lunch at one of the many local eating establishments or pop into the renowned farm shop Daylesford Organic to pick up some foodie gifts.
Enjoy your final night in the Cotswolds as you reflect on your trip highlights.
Overnight: Cheltenham | Ellenborough Park
Room Type: Junior Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Your guide will transport you to the historic Store Hotel in Oxford where you will spend a couple of days at your leisure.
You might want to indulge in some retail therapy. Oxford offers a diverse shopping experience, blending modern retail spaces with historic markets and independent boutiques.
Overnight: Oxford | The Store
Room Type: Balliol College Junior Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast
There is so much to see and do in Oxford. For art enthusiasts, the Ashmolean Museum houses an impressive collection of art and antiquities. You can also take a leisurely stroll along the picturesque River Thames or enjoy punting, a traditional Oxford pastime. The city’s vibrant market squares, cafes, and pubs offer a perfect setting to unwind after a day of sightseeing.
Overnight: Oxford | The Store
Room Type: Balliol College Junior Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast
With your time in the UK almost at an end you can take the time to reflect on your journey. From time spent in London, to the South West coastal path, the beautiful Brecon Beacons, the Cotswolds and Oxford, the city of the dreaming spires. You will have remarkable memories of this trip which you will treasure forever.
Overnight: Oxford | The Store
Room Type: Balliol College Junior Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast
A private transfer will collect you and Zach from Lady Margaret’s Hall then take you back to your Oxford hotel to collect your luggage before whisking you to your final destination in the UK, Coworth Park, a luxurious five-star country house hotel set in 240 acres of picturesque parkland in Ascot. Part of the Dorchester Collection, it offers elegant rooms, an award-winning spa, and fine dining at Restaurant Coworth Park. With its polo fields, equestrian centre, and tranquil surroundings, the hotel provides a perfect countryside retreat while being conveniently close to London.
Overnight: Self Arranged Accommodation
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy your final day in the UK, before heading home.
Overnight: Self Arranged Accommodation
Meals Included: None
A private transfer will collect you from your accommodation at Coworth Park and will take you the home of Red Bull racing where you will embark on the MK-7 2025 Experience. Get up close to the F1 racing cars and trophies, as well as experiencing the Heritage Bays Workshop.
Afterwards, your driver will 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: None
The NET price for this itinerary, based on 2 clients, and including a £12 per person conservation contribution is:
Conservation ContributionThis voluntary donation of £12 per person goes towards conservation projects in the locations we operate. If you would like to opt out just let your trip designer know. Click here for more information.
Please see our booking terms here.
3 Pound Street |
Lyme Regis |
Dorset |
DT73HZ |
UK
Phone: 01297 442010
Web: hotelalexandra.co.uk
Sinai Hill |
Lynton |
Devon |
EX35 6AR |
UK
Phone: 01598 752235
Web: highcliffehouse.co.uk
15 Cross Street |
Abergavenney |
Monmouthshire |
NP7 5EN |
Wales
Phone: +44 (0)1873 857 121
Web: angelabergavenny.com