Jane Thomas- Cotswolds, Bath and Cornwall

Day 1 - Travel to Oxford to start your exploration of the Cotswolds

This morning, make your way to Oxford Station and meet your Wilderness guide. A short drive north will take you out of the city and into the easterly folds of the Cotswolds. Visit the incredible Blenheim Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the birthplace and ancestral home of Sir Winston Churchill. Explore the peaceful grounds before visiting Churchill’s grave in the nearby village of Bladon. Travel to Bibury and visit Arlington Row – a stunning string of cottages built in 1380. This evening, settle into your lovely accommodation, your home for the next two nights

Overnight: Cornwall | Swan Hotel
Meals Included: Lunch

Day 2 - Exploring the Cotswolds

Following a leisurely breakfast, enjoy a circular walk through the Windrush Valley. Begin by meandering through the pretty market town of Burford, looking out over sweeping arable fields and passing through the now deserted hamlet of Widford. Not much remains of the settlement now, apart from the tiny 13th-century St Oswald’s Church that sits quietly in a grassy meadow.

Overnight: Cotswolds | The Swan Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 3 - Cotswold Villages and the on to the city of Bath

This morning, enjoy visiting Bourton-on-the-Water, which is regularly voted one of the prettiest villages in England. Known for its five stone bridges that arch across the River Windrush, it’s an idyllic place to enjoy a morning meander. After a coffee, transfer to Lower Slaughter and enjoy a circular walk that ribbons its way through the countryside. Along with wonderful views, the trail passes a 16th-century Dovecote and through Upper Slaughter, another quintessential Cotswold village home to a beautiful parish church. We will then head towards the architecturally stunning city of Bath where you will spend the next two nights.

Overnight: Cotswolds | The Queensberry Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 4 - Exploring Bath

Head out this morning with your guide to enjoy a wonderful 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. Take the opportunity to visit the Roman Baths. In the afternoon either enjoy further exploration of Bath, perhaps a visit to the Victoria Arts Gallery, a tranquil and thought-provoking place beyond the colourful and bustling streets. If you prefer we can drive out to the spectacular Westonbirt Arboretum, located in Gloucestershire this garden spans 600 acres and boasts over 15,000 trees and shrubs from around the world. Established in the 19th century, it’s celebrated for its stunning autumn foliage. Enjoy your final evening in the city of Bath.

Overnight: Bath | The Queensberry Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5 - Depart Bath and head South for Cornwall

This morning after a leisurely breakfast you may want to spend an hour or two finishing off exploring this vibrant city of Bath, perhaps enjoying a visit to Bath Abbey – a truly striking building that’s gothic interior, fan-vaulted ceilings and amazing stained glass windows make it both a religious and spiritual haven. Once your exploring is done we will wind our way South to your lovely harbour side hotel in Fowey.  Enjoy settling into your hotel  or explore the charming coastal village of Fowey .

Overnight: Fowey Harbour Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6 - Hiking Polperro to Polruan

Today enjoy the picture postcard view from the window as you have breakfast. A short transfer takes us to the picturesque village of Polperro. From here, we pick up the South-West Coastal Path and follow it along a fairly remote stretch of the path, along cliff tops looking down on coves and bays until we reach the village of Polruan. A small passenger ferry takes us across the estuary of the River Fowey and back to our hotel.

Overnight: Cornwall | Fowey Harbour Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 7 - The Magical St Michael’s Mount

After a lovely breakfast, set out with your guide for a day spent exploring the salt-stung coast. Enjoy a morning meander around the pretty village of Marazion, picking up some traditional Cornish pasties for lunch. As the sun climbs higher into the sky, make your way to St Michael’s Mount – a rocky, tidal island that’s connected to the mainland by an ancient cobbled causeway. Crowned by a castle that dates back to the 12th century, its tales rise like the tide – of seafarers lured by sirens, of religious miracles and soldiers’ songs. Seemingly magnetic in its draw, the island is a unique and magical place. Later, enjoy hiking a stunning section of the South West Coast Path – one of the UK’s most treasured national trails. Wind your way past Trenow Cove, from Perranuthnoe to Marazion, enjoying the far-reaching views across the sea. This afternoon we head to the picturesque town of St Ives where we will spend our final two nights.

Overnight: Cornwall | Harbour Hotel St Ives
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 8 - Exploring St Ives

Today we will spend sometime exploring St. Ives. Popular with artists, this seaside village is a delightful jumble of cobbled streets, historic buildings and independent shops. Spend the morning enjoying the town, perhaps visiting the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden. An English artist and sculptor, Barbara Hepworth moved to St Ives at the beginning of the Second World War and remained there for the rest of her life. After lunch, join your guide to hike from St. Ives along a wild stretch of coast where wild thyme blooms and the views stretch across an endless ocean. This evening, relax in St. Ives, perhaps taking an after-dinner stroll in the softness of dusk.

Overnight: Cornwall | Harbour Hotel St Ives
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 9 - Depart Cornwall

This morning, enjoy a relaxed breakfast the a last stroll around bustling St Ives, perhaps picking up a few Cornish delicacies to take with you on your way home. Your guide will transfer you to the station in good time for you to catch your onward transport.