The Best of Southern England
Greg and Helen Monforton
Wednesday 10th September – Tuesday 23rd September 2025
Overview
V3 – 7th May 2025
Day by Day
Day 1 - Wednesday 10th September - Welcome to London
On arrival in London, your private transfer will whisk you to your centrally located hotel where you can 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: London | Rosewood London
Room Type: Deluxe King
Meals Included: None
Day 2 - Thursday 11th September - Explore London
Exploring London under your own steam offers a unique and personal way to experience the city. With the freedom to wander at your own pace, you can discover hidden gems, whether it’s a quiet café tucked away in a side street or a charming park off the beaten path.
Overnight: London | Rosewood London
Room Type: Deluxe King
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 3 - Friday 12th September - London Highlights
Another day to explore London at your own pace.
Overnight: London | Rosewood London
Room Type: Deluxe King
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 4 - Saturday 13th September - Take the Train to Oxford
This morning, take a taxi to London Paddington station (approximately 30 minute journey) where you will travel 1st class to Oxford.
Upon arrival in the beautiful city of Oxford, transfer via taxi to your Oxford Hotel, the Old Bank, a charming, historic hotel located in the heart of the city. Set within a former 17th-century bank building, it offers a blend of classic elegance and modern comfort. Guests can enjoy stylish rooms with luxurious furnishings, while the hotel’s prime location provides easy access to Oxford’s renowned landmarks.
Overnight: Oxford | Old Bank Hotel
Room Type: Classic Double Room
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 5 - Sunday 14th September - Explore Oxford
After breakfast, your local expert guide will meet you in your hotel lobby for an exciting half day walking tour of this historic City. An established town since the 9th century, people have inhabited this area for thousands of years. 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.
After the tour your guide will see you back to your hotel.
Overnight: Oxford | Old Bank Hotel
Room Type: Classic Double Room
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 6 - Monday 15th September - Oxford in Your Own Time
This morning you will be able to visit the fascinating Oxford Castle and Prison on your own, offering a fascinating glimpse into nearly 1,000 years of history. Visitors can explore the medieval St. George’s Tower, climb to the top for stunning city views, and descend into the eerie 900-year-old crypt.
Later you will have the opportunity to further explore Oxford at your own pace. Oxford offers a charming mix of shopping and art galleries, blending the historic with the contemporary. For shopping, you’ll find everything from unique independent boutiques along the High Street and the Covered Market, to luxury stores and well-known brands. The city’s art scene is equally rich, with several galleries showcasing both classic and modern works.
*Your trip includes a tour of Oxford Castle and Prison
Overnight: Oxford | Old Bank Hotel
Room Type: Classic Double Room
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 7 - Tuesday 16th September - Experience the Cotswolds
After you have enjoyed a leisurely breakfast your guide for the next few days will collect you from your Oxford hotel and drive you to your next stop, the stunning Lygon Arms in the Cotswolds, stopping along the way to show you some breathtaking views and points of interest such as Burford and Stow on the Wold, the highest of the Cotswold towns and home to a wide range of independent shops, antique centres and an impressive Market Square. Don’t forget to visit the unusual Yew Tree Door at St Edward’s Church also know as the “Tolkien Door”, as it is rumoured to be the inspiration behind J. R. R. Tolkien’s Doors of Durin.
Overnight: Broadway | The Lygon Arms
Room Type: Main House Classic Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 8 - Wednesday 17th September - Explore the Cotswolds
Your guide will meet you in the lobby of your hotel and will take you on a full day touring experience. Touring the Cotswolds offers a charming blend of picturesque villages and rolling countryside. In Broadway, known as the “gateway to the Cotswolds,” you’ll find a lovely high street lined with honey-coloured stone buildings, while Painswick is famous for its beautiful churchyard and the impressive Painswick Rococo Garden. Tetbury boasts a rich history and is home to the stunning St. Mary’s Church, and the twin villages of Upper and Lower Slaughter are considered to be some of the prettiest in the Cotswolds.
At the end of the day your guide will see you back to your hotel.
Overnight: Broadway | The Lygon Arms
Room Type: Main House Classic Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 9 - Thursday 18th September - Visit Blenheim Palace
Your guide will meet you in your hotel lobby to escort you to the historic Blenheim Palace.
As the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the palace boasts breathtaking Baroque architecture, opulent interiors, and a rich history. The beautifully landscaped gardens, designed by Capability Brown, feature serene lakes, grand fountains, and vibrant flower displays. Your guide will accompany you on your visit.
After a busy day at the Palace your guide will return you to your hotel, via the beautiful village of Bourton-on-the-Water, dubbed the “Venice of the Cotswolds”.
*Your trip includes entry into Blenheim Palace
Overnight: Broadway | The Lygon Arms
Room Type: Main House Classic Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 10 - Friday 19th September - Onwards to Bath
After breakfast your guide will once again meet you in the hotel lobby where they will take you to your next location, The stunning Royal Crescent Hotel in Bath, stopping along the way in order for you to stretch your legs and see more of the beautiful Cotswolds. Here you will say your goodbyes but will cherish the memories you have made.
Overnight: Bath | Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa
Room Type: Heritage Room - King
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 11 - Saturday 20th September - Bath Walking Tour
Head out this morning with a local expert guide to enjoy a wonderful half day walking tour of the city, As the beautiful Georgian architecture presses honey-yellow against the blue sky, soak in the sights and sounds of a city founded by the Romans for well-being and relaxation.
Enjoy the afternoon at your leisure.
Overnight: Bath | Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa
Room Type: Heritage Room - King
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 12 - Sunday 21st September - Roman Baths and Afternoon Tea
This morning, make your way to the Roman Baths for a fascinating journey into ancient history. Built around natural hot springs, this well-preserved site offers a glimpse into Roman life, with its steaming Great Bath, intricate temple ruins, and informative museum exhibits. The experience is both educational and atmospheric, making it a must-see attraction for history enthusiasts and travellers alike.
*Your trip includes a tour of the Roman Baths
Next you will partake in the great British tradition of Afternoon Tea in the historic Pump Room. Originating in the early 19th century as a light meal to bridge the gap between lunch and dinner, afternoon tea is still a popular pastime today.
*Your trip includes afternoon tea for two at the Pump Room
Overnight: Bath | Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa
Room Type: Heritage Room - King
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 13 - Monday 22nd September - Transfer to Langley Hotel, Berkshire
This morning a private transfer will meet you at your Bath hotel to take you onwards to the beautiful 5 star Langley Hotel, Berkshire where you can relax ahead of your homeward journey tomorrow.
Overnight: Iver | The Langley Buckinghamshire
Room Type: Classic King
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 14 - Tuesday 23rd September - Depart
A private transfer will take you from The Langley to Heathrow for your flight home.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Trip Details
- Inclusions
- 13 nights accommodation, as stated in the itinerary above
- Some meals, as stated in the itinerary above
- The services of a qualified and experienced guide from Day 7 to Day 10 inclusive
- All transfers in a private vehicle driven by our guide on guided days
- Private Airport Transfer on Arrival Day, includes Meet & Greet
- 1st class rail tickets from London Paddington to Oxford (one way)
- Private transfer from Bath to The Langley Hotel
- Private Airport Transfer on departure day
- Entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary, specifically:
- Half day walking tour of Oxford with a local expert guide
- Entry into Oxford Castle and Prison
- Entry into Blenheim Palace
- Half day walking tour of Bath with a local expert guide
- Guided tour of the Roman Baths
- Afternoon Tea for two at Bath Pump Room
- Personalised trip design and delivery
- 24/7 In-Country Support from the Wilderness Team
- Exclusions
- Flights
- Travel insurance
- Meals not mentioned in the inclusions
- Activities and entrance fees not mentioned in the inclusions
- Gratuities for the main driver guide
- Notes
- 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.
- Pricing
-
The NET price for this itinerary, based on 2 clients and including a £12 per person conservation contribution is:
- £9160 GBP per person
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.
Monforton Price Breakdown – PDF: View Now
- Terms & Conditions
-
Please see our booking terms here.
Accommodation
Rosewood London
252 High Holborn |
London |
London |
WC1V 7EN |
England
Phone: +44 (0)20 7781 8888
Web: rosewoodhotels.com/en
Old Bank Hotel
92-94 High Street |
Oxford |
Oxfordshire |
OX1 4BJ |
England
Phone: +44 (0) 1865 799 599
Web: oldbankhotel.co.uk
The Lygon Arms
High Street |
Broadway |
The Cotswolds |
WR12 7DU |
England
Phone: +44 (0)1386 852 255
Web: lygonarmshotel.co.uk
Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa
16 Royal Crescent |
Bath |
BA1 2LS |
England
Phone: +44 (0) 1225 823333
Web: royalcrescent.co.uk
The Langley Buckinghamshire
Avenue Drive, Uxbridge Road |
Iver |
Buckinghamshire |
SL3 6DU |
UK
Phone: 0207-236 3636
Web: marriott.com/en-us/hotels/loniv-the-langley-a-luxury-collection-hotel-buckinghamshire/overview