House of travel UK & Ireland Brochure 2017 | Page 29

Oxford, Stratford-upon-Avon & The Cotswolds Oxford is an easy drive from London and is bursting with many wonderful sights. It’s full of history and is peaceful and green in a classic English settlement. Explore the quaint town of Shakespeare’s birthplace, Stratford-upon-Avon. The patchwork countryside of the Cotswolds is home to some of England’s most captivating historic cities and eccentric villages. Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, Stratford-upon-Avon Warwick Castle Stratford-upon-Avon 5 days/4 nights Suggested Self-Drive Day 1: London – Oxford (90km) Drive through rolling hills and fields of the classic English countryside to the city of Oxford. Oxford University, founded in the 11th century, is the oldest in the English speaking world and lends a unique academic atmosphere. Take a walking tour of the colleges, gardens and alleyways to hear of the fascinating history. You may recognise Christ Church College as the setting of Harry Potter. Day 2: Oxford – Stratford-upon-Avon (66km) Stop at Blenheim Palace on your way to the vibrant, compact town of Stratford. Boasting a rich architectural heritage, Stratford has incredible English charm with 500 year old houses, traditional English pubs, and the peaceful River Avon. Day 3: Stratford-upon-Avon – Cheltenham (50km) Journey to the spa town of Cheltenham, your base for touring the Cotswolds Romantic Road. Day 4: Road for Today (113km) The Romantic Road takes you north over Cleeve Hill and down into historic Winchcombe. Visit Stanway and Stanton before the quaint chocolate-box villages of Broadway, Chipping Campden, Moreton-in- Marsh, Stow-on-the-Wold, and the Slaughters. Day 5: Road for Tomorrow (145km) Follow the country road to Northleach and onwards to Burford following the Windrush Valley. Lechlade and Fairford feature on the journey enroute for Cirencester via the pretty village of Bibury on the River Coln. Follow the winding road back to Cheltenham calling into Painswick. Continue back to London or onward to Bath and the South West England. Rental car: Hertz (Group B) from $37 per day Our favourite places to stay: • Mercure Eastgate Hotel, Oxford • Queen’s Hotel, Cheltenham • Monks Barn Farm, Stratford-upon-Avon KEY The Cotswold Way Snowshill Chipping Campden Broadway Moreton-in-Marsh Winchcombe Stow-on-the-Wold Andoversford Lower Slaughter Bourton-on-the-Water Cheltenham Northleach Painswick Bibury Cirencester Fairford Burford Blenheim Palace Oxford Lechlade-on-Thames LONDON LOND Highlights worth seeing along the way Blenheim Palace – This lavishly decorated, large grand country house built in 1705 is the birthplace of Winston Churchill. Enjoy a guided tour through the state rooms and wander through the beautiful gardens. Cheltenham – King George III came to drink Cheltenham’s medicinal waters and it wasn’t long before the town was transformed into a fashionable resort spa, with wide boulevards, imperial gardens and glorious Georgian architecture. Snowshill – Set in the hills and famous for its elegant manor house and gardens, this collection of ancient cottages, a 19th century village church and characterful pub are all clustered around a tiny village green. Visit the Snowhill Lavender Farm for the finest lavender products. Hailes Abbey, Winchcombe – These beautiful 13th century remains, are the perfect place to take a picnic and enjoy your surroundings. Warwick Castle – History of the castle date s back to the 10th century. Explore the Great Hall, State rooms, Chapel, Ghost Tower and Dungeons, and outside, the Victorian rose garden, conservatory and peacock garden. Cotswold Way – A public footpath providing loads of walks all over the Cotswolds through honey coloured villages, past beautiful old houses and thatched cottages. William Shakespeare – His five unique properties dominate Stratford including the beautiful cottage of his wife, Anne Hathaway. Warwick Castle Blenheim Palace The price guide shown is per car hire based on 3-5 day hire rate. Price shown does not include Earlybird or other discounted offers. Specials and surcharges may apply depending on travel date 25