Autumn in the Cotswolds

Day 1

We depart the local area and head south, with a stop in the beautiful market town of Burford, one of the Cotswolds' most enchanting gateways, with its broad high street tumbling down to a medieval bridge. We continue to our home for the next four nights, the charming Three Ways House Hotel in Mickleton, nestled on the northern edge of the Cotswolds and just 15 minutes from Stratford-upon-Avon. Famous as the birthplace of the legendary Pudding Club, founded here in 1985 to preserve the Great British pudding, this delightful hotel is the perfect base for exploring this glorious corner of England. Time to settle in before enjoying dinner in the award-winning restaurant.

Day 2

Just a short stroll from the hotel, we begin the day at the glorious Hidcote Manor Garden (NT) - one of England's great Arts and Crafts gardens, where the intimate garden rooms and sweeping borders take on a beautiful warmth in the autumn light. This afternoon we explore the nearby honey-stone market town of Chipping Campden, with its magnificent medieval wool merchants' houses, independent shops and welcoming cafés.

Day 3

Today brings one of the finest autumn spectacles in the country: a visit to the breathtaking Batsford Arboretum. With over 3,000 trees blazing with golds, reds and russets, October is quite simply the perfect time to visit one of England's most celebrated collections of trees and shrubs. Afterwards, we drop into the charming market town of Moreton-in-Marsh for free time to browse the independent shops and find a spot for lunch.

Day 4

Today we head into Shakespeare Country for a memorable day in the world-famous town of Stratford-upon-Avon. Whether you choose to visit Shakespeare's Birthplace, pay your respects at Holy Trinity Church where the great playwright is laid to rest, marvel at the wonders of the renowned Butterfly Farm, or simply enjoy the wonderful shops and restaurants, there is something for everyone. This afternoon we visit the fascinating Shakespeare's Distillery for a guided tour, discovering how gin and rum are crafted, learning about their rich history, and experiencing the extraordinary array of botanicals and ingredients that go into every bottle.

Day 5

After a leisurely final breakfast, we bid a fond farewell to the Cotswolds and begin our journey home, with stops in two of the region's most delightful towns: the handsome market town of Stow-on-the-Wold, with its broad square and wonderful antique shops, and the charming hilltop town of Chipping Norton. We arrive home late afternoon.

D=Dinner, B=Breakfast