You have found your perfect Cotswolds vacation rental, but the next task is planning what you are going to do during your visit to this beautiful corner of England. Our knowledgeable experts can make recommendations for your stay and help you plan your perfect Cotswolds vacation. Here, they suggest just one way to spend a week taking in the region’s huge array of attractions.
Day 1 – Windsor Castle en route to the Cotswolds
Collect your rental car or meet your private driver and travel to the Cotswolds with a stop at Windsor Castle on the way. With your expert private guide by your side, explore the State Rooms and Semi State Rooms, as well as visiting the majestic St George’s Chapel, the setting for many of the royal weddings of recent years, not to mention the funeral of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. After your tour of the castle, continue west into the glorious countryside of the Cotswolds and arrive at your beautiful country home for the week ahead.
Day 2 – Relaxation and village life in the Cotswolds
Enjoy a day to acclimatize at your home in the Cotswolds, perhaps simply taking full advantage of the facilities of the property and its beautiful grounds, or exploring some of the local village life. The English Sunday Roast is an institution not to missed; your Red Savannah Concierge will book you a table at one of the region’s best local eateries.
Day 3 – Oxford & Blenheim Palace
Visit the famous university city of Oxford, perhaps take a punt along the river or admire the architectural masterpieces among the college buildings before heading to the market town of Woodstock for a traditional pub lunch. Once replenished, it's time to head for Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire, home to the 11th Duke and Duchess of Marlborough and birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. The palace is situated in more than 2,000 acres of beautifully landscaped parks and gardens and is an absolute joy to explore.
Day 4 – Sudeley Castle
After breakfast, embark on a private tour of Sudeley Castle, the only private castle in England to have a queen buried within the grounds – Queen Katherine Parr, the last and surviving wife of King Henry VIII – who lived and died at Sudeley. Enjoy a privately guided tour of the castle apartments, as well as its sumptuous art collections and many treasures before enjoying a Champagne reception with Lady Ashcombe, who is lucky enough to call Sudeley Castle her home.
This evening, experience traditional English dining with dinner and drinks in a local pub.
Day 5 – Stonehenge & Bath
No trip to this area of England would be complete without seeing the famous and fascinating prehistoric monument of Stonehenge, whose ancient stones form the heart of a World Heritage Site. Afterwards, you'll head for the beautiful historic city of Bath. Visit the exceptionally well-preserved Roman Baths where you can walk among the extensive ruins and explore the many treasures in the museum. Alternatively, there are some stunning gardens, or simply take afternoon tea in one of Bath's many teashops.
Day 6 – Further activities of your choice in the Cotswolds
A day to discover and enjoy more of the region’s many attractions. This might be a family fun day on a lake, with beach, restaurants and watersports, or perhaps a private tour of some of the most beautiful gardens in the region. After a good lunch in a local pub, wander through the pretty villages, with their antique shops and boutiques, or pack a picnic and walk a section of the Cotswold Way, a scenic and well-marked pathway which runs through the region.
Day 7 – Highlights of London
On your departure day you may wish to enjoy a full day sightseeing tour of London before your flight home. Your first stop may be Westminster Abbey, the setting for all royal coronations since 1066 and the most recent Royal Wedding between Prince William and Kate Middleton, now the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. The morning will finish with a ride on the London Eye, providing a bird's eye view of the capital. After lunch take a tour of Buckingham Palace, which opened its doors to visitors for the first time in 1993. A visit will be made to the splendid State Rooms including the Throne Room, the Music Room and the State Dining Room, used for entertaining statesmen and members of Royalty from overseas. There will also be an opportunity to wander through the magnificent gardens. Head onwards to the airport, or we can arrange additional nights in London for you to further explore this colourful city.
This itinerary is just a suggestion which can be fully customized around your specific interests and vacation preferences. Contact our specialist for further details.
