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
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