Captivated in the Cotswolds - the Best of Rural England

This tailor-made programme journeys through the best that the English countryside has to offer. Stay in country house hotels and enjoy parts of the area that are often missed – Dream Escape provides the creativity and insider access to make these amazing programmes possible.

Day One: Head for the West Country At Heathrow Airport you’ll be welcomed by your driver-guide for the duration of your time in England. Head west into the English countryside bound for Wiltshire and stop to visit Stonehenge, the most iconic of the many prehistoric monuments in this district. Then visit more recent sites; an Anglo-Saxon Church and medieval tithe barn en route to your hotel. Spend two nights at a Palladian mansion that is a reflection on the aristocratic past of the English shires. This evening, take time to relax in the spa and enjoy an informal dinner.

Day Two: The City of Bath It’s only a few miles to Bath, the beautiful city on the River Avon whose name derives from the use made of the hot springs that rise to the surface here. Take a guided tour around the Roman Baths where the ancient citizens once relaxed. Then admire the fine classical buildings dating from the 18th century; see where Georgian high society once mingled and danced; and see they lived domestically in the celebrated Royal Crescent.

This afternoon, browse in the stores and take time to indulge in an afternoon cream tea in the most elegant of venues, serenaded by a musical trio before returning to the hotel. On the way back, enjoy a glass of wine on board a charming little boat that will be chartered to take you over an impressive aqueduct along a peaceful canal. This evening cocktails will be served in the lounge before a delicious dinner in the fine dining restaurant.

Day Three: Through the Cotswold Villages Today drive north from Wiltshire into the Cotswold Hills, the idyllic rural landscape where historic villages built from the local stone cover the landscape. See the ultimate chocolate box village; the church that preserves a unique series of stained glass windows; and the village described as “the most beautiful in England”. Pass Highgrove House, home of HRH Prince of Wales, where a tour of the gardens is a fascinating insight into his tastes.

Reach Bourton-on-the-Water which is affectionately called “Little Venice” due to its series of graceful low bridges. Your hotel for two nights is a 17th century manor house nearby from which you can stroll around the little hamlet idyllically situated on a stream. Play a game of croquet before dinner here, or have a more informal meal at the inn over the road.

Day Four: Towns, Pubs and Gardens of the North Cotswolds Spend the day exploring the northern end of the Cotswolds, the area that preserves the most quintessential of English scenes. Walk through delightful streets of Chipping Campden and Stow-on-the-Wold where you can explore the local stores and antiques shops. Then enjoy Ploughman’s lunch at one of the characterful pubs, washed down with local ale or cider.

Some of the finest examples of 19th and 20th century gardens in England are situated in this area. Horticultural aficionados will admire the varied designs and intricate planting; these range from a garden divided into rooms, to one that compliments a house that is built in the Mughal style imported from India. Or why not try a falconry lesson where you can handle impressive birds of prey, and witness a flying demonstration.

Day Five: Oxford and Blenheim Palace Head into Oxfordshire, a pastoral region where the River Thames flows out of the Cotswolds. The City of Oxford is home to England’s oldest university. Walk around the ceremonial buildings then visit one of the colleges built around peaceful quadrangles, or tour the varied museums of art and science. Browse the Covered Market, where a wide range of foods and gifts are sold.

Then take lunch at the pub where “The Inklings” met to read their stories of rings and wardrobes. It’s a short distance to Blenheim Palace, one of England’s great marvels. A guide will unveil the stories behind the opulent staterooms before an exclusive tour of the private apartments. Outside pass the parterres to the most grandiose English landscape garden.

Your final night will be in a picturesque village near Oxford. Here a medieval English manor has become a little piece of France, and is home to one of England’s best restaurants. Walk through the kitchen gardens before relaxing with champagne and canapés, followed by a gourmet dinner of the finest cuisine.

Day Six: Departure Check out of your hotel this morning after breakfast; it is approximately a one hour drive back to Heathrow Airport for your onward flight.

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