Final information - Markou Cotswolds Explorations
Ioanna Markou and Apostolos Kakkos
Thursday 5th September – Monday 9th September 2024
Thursday 5th September – Monday 9th September 2024
This morning, meet your private driver and 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. 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.
Pause en route at Avebury Henge, where you’ll be greeted by an awe-inspiring expanse of ancient stones arranged in a vast circle, their silent presence a testament to millennia of history. Your local expert guide will meet you here and will begin to weave the fascinating stories and mysteries of the henge, providing insight into the lives of those who built it. As you journey closer to your countryside retreat, explore the picturesque village of Bourton-on-the-Water, where charming stone bridges and tranquil waterways offer a delightful contrast and a perfect place to unwind.
Arrive at your beautiful retreat hotel tucked in the heat of the countryside and take some time to settle in, before enjoying dinner and a good night’s sleep.
Overnight: Broadway | Abbots Grange Manor
Room Type: 1 x King-Deluxe-Ensuite with Bath-Garden view-Abbots Chambers
Meals Included: Lunch
Supplier: Littles Chauffeur Hire
Booking Reference: 2711056
Pick Up Location: 1 Hotel Mayfair | Pick Up Time: 09:45 | Approx Duration: 2 hrs
Phone: +44 (0) 141 883 2111
Your private driver will meet you at the hotel entrance and whisk you to Avebury Henge where you will meet your guide
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.
Activity: Expert local Guide
Guide name: Graham Horn
| Start Time: 12:00
Phone: +44(0)7827 715353
Graham will meet you at Avebury Henge National Trust Car Park (along with your guide Lucy) to explore the local area for the afternoon
After your tour, your local guide Lucy will take you to your hotel.
Restaurant: Hook | Location: The Fish Hotel, Broadway
Reservation Time: 20:30
Phone: +44 (0)1386 852278 | Website: https://www.theswanbroadway.co.uk/#/
Please note that this is a Table Reservation only. Clients to pay directly.
Reservation name: Kakkos
Cancellation policy: Please note that on the day of dining, we can only hold table for 15 minutes past the time you booked. Please note this restaurant is cashless.
Enjoy a day at Aynho HM Gallery, a delightful immersion into contemporary art and cultural expression. Upon arrival, the gallery’s sleek, modern architecture immediately sets a sophisticated tone. As you wander through the spacious, well-lit rooms, you’re captivated by an eclectic mix of paintings, sculptures, and multimedia installations from both established and emerging artists. Each exhibit offers a unique perspective, provoking thought and sparking conversation. After a few hours of exploration, enjoy lunch at The Orangery, reflecting on the vibrant creativity you’ve witnessed.
Choose to spend the rest of the afternoon browsing the gallery further, take a stroll around the extensive estate grounds or perhaps return to the hotel spa to indulge in rejuvenating treatments, surrounded by soothing aromas and gentle, calming music.
Overnight: Broadway | Abbots Grange Manor
Room Type: 1 x King-Deluxe-Ensuite with Bath-Garden view-Abbots Chambers
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Name:
Lucy Vincent
Contact Number: +44 (0) 755 494 2386
Meeting Place: Abbots Grange Manor | Meeting Time: 09:00
Your main guide Lucy will meet you at the reception of your hotel.
Restaurant: Anyho Park | Location: The Orangery
Reservation Time: 13:15 |
Booking Reference: 8821
Phone: +44 (0)1295 585700 | Website: https://rh.com/us/en/england/orangery/menu
Please note that this is a table reservation and a 3 course lunch is included. Any extra supplements, drinks and service charge is to be paid by the clients directly.
Reservation name: Kakkos
Dress code: Business Casual
Cancellation policy: n/a
Restaurant: Russell's | Location: Broadway
Reservation Time: 20:30 |
Booking Reference: BVWXW9C2
Phone: +44 (0)1386 853555 | Website: https://russellsofbroadway.co.uk/
Please note that this is a Table Reservation only. Clients to pay directly.
Reservation name: Kakkos
This morning, 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.
Your guide will arrange a meeting time with you the night before.
Overnight: Broadway | Abbots Grange Manor
Room Type: 1 x King-Deluxe-Ensuite with Bath-Garden view-Abbots Chambers
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Restaurant: The Back Garden | Location: Dormy House Hotel
Reservation Time: 20:30
Phone: +44 (0)1386 852711
Please note that this is a Table Reservation only. Clients to pay directly.
Reservation name: Kakkos
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 the lounges. Whilst you enjoy a drink from The Shed bar, they will make sure your table is ready on time for you.
This morning, meet your private driver guide for a day visiting Blenheim Palace and exploring the charming villages of the Cotswolds, offering a perfect blend of grandeur and quaint English countryside.
Begin at Blenheim Palace, the magnificent birthplace of Winston Churchill. Marvel at its baroque architecture, wander through opulent state rooms, and stroll in its beautifully landscaped gardens, taking in the serene vistas of the lake and parkland. After a leisurely lunch, take a short journey to explore Stow-on-the-Wold. Meander through its charming streets lined with historic stone buildings, each telling stories of centuries past. The bustling market square, surrounded by cosy tea rooms and unique boutiques, invites you to pause and soak in the local atmosphere. As you visit medieval landmarks like St. Edward’s Church, with its enchanting tree-framed door, the town’s rich heritage and picturesque beauty captivate you at every turn.
Make another stop at Moreton-in-Marsh, a bustling market town. Here, you explore antique shops, cozy cafes, and the historic market square, enjoying the town’s vibrant yet relaxed atmosphere. The day’s adventures leave you with a deep appreciation for both the majestic and the quaint aspects of England’s rich heritage.
Overnight: Broadway | Abbots Grange Manor
Room Type: 1 x King-Deluxe-Ensuite with Bath-Garden view-Abbots Chambers
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Pub: Swan Inn | Location: Broadway
Reservation Time: 20:00
Phone: +44 (0)1386 852278
Please note that this is a Table Reservation only. Clients to pay directly.
Reservation name: Kakkos
A private transfer will collect you from your accommodation and take you back to your hotel in London. Waving farewell for now but taking with you special memories and wonderful stories of your explorations.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Supplier: Littles Chauffeur Hire
Booking Reference: 2711057
Pick Up Location: Abbotts Grange | Pick Up Time: 11:00 | Approx Duration: 2 hrs 30 mins
Phone: +44 (0) 141 883 2111
Your private driver will meet you at the hotel entrance and take you back to 1 Hotel Mayfair in London
Notes On Weather & Flexibility
Weather – September in England 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.
Church Street, Broadway, Worcestershire |
Broadway |
WR12 7AE |
England
Phone: 00(44) 2081 338698
Web: abbotsgrange.com
Contact Number: +44 (0) 755 494 2386
I am most at home in the mountains and wild places, and I love inspiring others in our beautiful countryside and with our wildlife.
I have had various jobs over the years, from travelling to Madagascar with a BBC film crew searching for the world’s rarest duck to writing the countryside code for England and Wales. For years, I have also taken groups out on expeditions and adventures around the globe. I always spend at least six weeks of the year in the UK as it is one of the finest places to be.