A Cotswolds Adventure - Final Information
Laurie Sommer and Laura Helmig
Sunday 1st June – Saturday 7th June 2025
Sunday 1st June – Saturday 7th June 2025
This morning, meet your private transfer to 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.
Meet an expert local guide at Stonehenge with deep-rooted knowledge of the Neolithic landscape. As you walk the lush, grass-covered paths winding between towering sarsens, the guide brings to life the henge’s purpose as a ceremonial gathering space, sharing details about ancient rituals and burial practices. Their expertise enriches each sight, from the avenues leading out to other prehistoric sites to the impressive earthworks, allowing you to see Stonehenge through the eyes of the ancients while capturing the fascinating layers of human history that have shaped it across thousands of years. Continue onto Avebury Stones, offering you a serene yet awe-inspiring experience, as you wander freely among one of the largest and oldest Neolithic stone circles in the world, surrounded by rolling English countryside. Unlike Stonehenge, you can get up close to the massive standing stones, feeling the ancient energy that has drawn people to this sacred site for millennia.
Journey with your guide on to your 17th Century house hotel and settle into your luxury retreat for the evening.
Your guide will arrange a meeting time this evening for your adventures tomorrow morning – Estimated start time: 10:00am
Overnight: Cirencester | The Pig in the Cotswolds
Room Type: 2 x Big Comfy Luxe Rooms
Meals Included: Lunch
Supplier: Little's Chauffeur Hire
Booking Reference: 2720786
Pick Up Location: Stafford Hotel | Pick Up Time: 08:30 | Approx Duration: 2 hrs
Phone: +44 (0) 141 883 2111
Your private driver will meet you outside your hotel entrance and take you to Stonehenge and onwards
Activity: Stonehenge & Avebury Tour
Local Expert Guide: Erica Wheeler
Start Location: Stonehenge Car Park | Start Time: 11:00
Phone: +44 (0)7714 205990
Erica will meet you at Stonehenge alongside your guide, Dan, who will take your luggage to your hotel whilst you tour Stonehenge & Avebury
Dan will come and collect you after your tour and take you to your hotel for check-in
Restaurant: The Pig in the Cotswolds | Location: The Cotswolds
Reservation Time: 19:30 |
Booking Reference: 34KMXZVL9H5E
Table reservation booked under Laurie Sommer
Clients to pay directly
The day begins with a refreshing morning walk at Cotswold Water Park, where the stillness of the lakes and soft rustling of reeds create a peaceful escape. As you stroll along the trails, you might spot swans gliding across the water or catch glimpses of wildflowers along the shore, with each lake offering a unique, tranquil view. After the walk, you stop by a local farm shop, rich with the region’s fresh produce—think baskets of just-picked apples, artisanal cheeses, homemade preserves, and perhaps even freshly baked breads. Browsing the shelves, you’re drawn in by the local flavours and maybe pick up a few treats for later. If the afternoon allows, you set off to explore a nearby Cotswold town, like the historic Tetbury, with its quaint shops, old stone buildings, and antiques stores, or choose a scenic countryside hike, rounding off the day with a perfect blend of nature, local tastes, and classic Cotswold charm.
Your guide will arrange a meeting time this evening for your adventures tomorrow morning – Estimated start time: 09:30am
Overnight: Cirencester | The Pig in the Cotswolds
Room Type: 2 x Big Comfy Luxe Rooms
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Restaurant: Double Red Duke | Location: Bampton
Reservation Time: 19:15 |
Booking Reference: XYN5W4ATFY3
Phone: + 44 (0)1367 810 222
Table reservation booked under Laurie Sommer
Clients to pay directly
Spending a day in Castle Combe is like stepping back in time. Begin your morning exploring this charming village, marvelling at its historic stone cottages and the medieval Market Cross. Take the opportunity to visit St. Andrew’s Church, where you can see one of the oldest working clocks in Britain, dating back to the 14th century. Afterward, discover the Cotswold Way on a picturesque circular hike.
Later in the afternoon, make your way to Lacock, a nearby village steeped in history and charm. Visit Lacock Abbey, a stunning 13th-century building with beautiful cloisters and gardens. Wander through its atmospheric rooms, once home to William Henry Fox Talbot, a pioneer of photography. Finish your day with a relaxing stroll around the village, perhaps stopping for tea at one of the quaint local cafes.
Your guide will arrange a meeting time this evening for your adventures tomorrow morning – Estimated start time: 09:30am
Overnight: Cirencester | The Pig in the Cotswolds
Room Type: 2 x Big Comfy Luxe Rooms
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Restaurant: The Old Bell | Location: Abbey Row
Reservation Time: 19:30 |
Booking Reference: B2KFLJ7K
Phone: +44 (0)1666 822344
Table reservation booked under Laurie Sommer
Clients to pay directly
Today, you’ll be heading out with your guide to explore the enchanting Cotswold villages and landscapes. Start with a scenic walk from the picturesque villages of Upper and Lower Slaughter, following tranquil paths alongside the River Eye and taking in the beautiful countryside. Then, visit Bourton-on-the-Water, known as the “Venice of the Cotswolds,” where you can admire its iconic stone bridges and explore the famous Model Village.
Continue to Stow-on-the-Wold, where you can wander the charming market square, browse antique shops, and visit historic sites, soaking up the village’s timeless character. As a hidden gem, you’ll stop at St. Edward’s Church, where ancient yew trees framing the church door create a magical, fairytale-like scene. End the day in Moreton-in-Marsh, where the historic High Street invites exploration before arriving at your next countryside retreat near the village of Broadway.
Your guide will arrange a meeting time this evening for your adventures tomorrow morning – Estimated start time: 10:00am
Overnight: Broadway | Dormy House Hotel & Spa
Room Type: 2x Courtyard Suites
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Restaurant: The Back Garden | Location: Dormy House Hotel
Reservation Time: 19:30 |
Booking Reference: n/a
Phone: +44 (0)1386 852711
Table reservation booked under Laurie Sommer
Clients to pay directly
Starting your the day at Broadway Tower, you’re greeted by sweeping views of the Cotswolds from this iconic hilltop folly, its rugged stone walls standing proudly against the countryside. After climbing the tower for an even grander panorama, you set off on the scenic walk to Chipping Campden, following winding trails through wildflower meadows and ancient woodlands. The landscape shifts from rolling hills to charming thatched cottages as you near the town, each step infused with the crisp, earthy scent of the English countryside. Arriving in Chipping Campden, with its honey-hued limestone buildings and inviting atmosphere, you settle in at a cozy pub or tearoom. Over a well-earned lunch—perhaps a hearty ploughman’s or a fresh, local pie—you relax, recounting the beauty of the hike and soaking up the lively charm of this quintessential Cotswold village.
Your guide will arrange a meeting time this evening for your adventures tomorrow morning – Estimated start time: 09:30am
Overnight: Broadway | Dormy House Hotel & Spa
Room Type: 2x Courtyard Suites
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Restaurant: The Wild Rabbit | Location: Kingham
Reservation Time: 19:30 |
Booking Reference: n/a
Phone: +44 (0)1608 692866
Table reservation booked under Laurie Sommer
Clients to pay directly
This morning, visit Sudeley Castle and take a serene stroll through its lush gardens, bursting with vibrant flowers and ancient yew hedges, as the sun casts a golden glow over the historic stone walls. Inside, the castle’s rich tapestry of history unfolds through beautifully preserved rooms and exhibits, offering glimpses into the lives of past monarchs and nobility.
This afternoon, visit Daylesford Organic Farm Shop and start with a leisurely browse through the farm shop, filled with fresh, local produce and artisanal delights. Then, immerse yourself in a private bespoke cookery course where you’ll learn to craft a delicious dinner using handpicked ingredients. End the day savouring your culinary creations in a warm, welcoming setting.
Overnight: Broadway | Dormy House Hotel & Spa
Room Type: 2x Courtyard Suites
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Restaurant: Daylesford Organic Farm | Location: Daylesford
Reservation Time: 18:00 |
Booking Reference: n/a
Phone: +44 (0)1608 692871
Pre-paid private cookery class – 18:00pm – 20:30pm
Reservation under Laurie Sommer
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: 2720787
Pick Up Location: Dormy House Hotel | Pick Up Time: 10:00 | Approx Duration: 2 hrs
Phone: +44 (0) 141 883 2111
Your private transfer will collect you from your hotel entrance and take you to Heathrow Airport for your return flights home
Travel Date: June 7, 2025 | Airline: United Airlines | Flight Number: UA15
Departure Airport: LHR | Departure Time: 15:20
Activities are only private if specifically stated in the inclusions.
Notes On Weather & Flexibility
Weather – June 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
We don’t generally recommend a set amount. We would encourage you to ask yourself what you were expecting from your guide and then think about how they have exceeded those expectations. Choose what you think reflects this and 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: 888 351 5706
Please see our booking terms here.
Contact Number: +44 (0)7799 860312
Retired academic, rejuvenated climber/mountaineer/paddler/biker. Spent over 40 years caressing rock faces all over the world, never tire of it. Loves sharing moments in the outdoors with others, learning about different people’s lives and admiring human nature (most) alongside nature itself. Now lives in the Lake District close to his roots.
West coast of Scotland for rock and sea (when the weather is good).
I used to climb telegraph poles for a living.