Gardens of The Cotswolds

Day 1

We depart the local area and, with a stop on route in the pretty town of Cirencester, we arrive at the 4* Cheltenham Chase Hotel with time to settle in before dinner.

Day 2

We enjoy a scenic tour of the honey-coloured limestone towns and villages of the Cotswolds. Visit Stow-on-the-Wold, with its many fine antique shops and the thriving market town Moreton-in-Marsh. This afternoon we visit Kiftsgate Court Gardens, the creation of three generations of women gardeners. Explore the formal gardens, borders, woodland and famous Kiftsgate roses.

Day 3

This morning, we visit the historic market town of Tewkesbury, with a rich, vibrant history and a beautiful waterside setting, there is an Abbey, medieval streets and a high street full of independent shops. This afternoon we visit Sudeley Castle, the only private castle in England with a queen buried in its grounds - Katherine Parr, the last of Henry VIII's six wives. Explore the 1000-year history of the stunning castle, the award-winning garden, St Mary's Church and the rare breed pheasantry.

Day 4

This morning, we visit Sezincote House; India in the Cotswolds. At the heart of a traditional, family-run estate covering 3,500 acres of rolling Cotswold countryside stands a 200-year-old Mogul Indian palace, set in a romantic landscape of temples, grottoes, waterfalls and canals reminiscent of the Taj Mahal. We return to Regency Cheltenham for time at leisure.

Day 5

We depart the hotel and make our way to Waterperry Gardens. Made famous by Beatrix Havergal who established her School of Horticulture for Ladies here from 1932 to 1971, it's now home to 8 acres of beautifully landscaped ornamental gardens, a quality plant centre and garden shop, gallery and gift barn, museum and teashop. We arrive home late afternoon.

D=Dinner, B=Breakfast