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The Cotswolds Experience

The Cotswolds is a jewel in England's crown, an area rich in culture, history and jaw-dropping beauty. You can drive through and enjoy the landscape, or you can let us show you that beauty is not skin-deep. We live here, love the area and can help you make memories you will never forget.

Drive past a Cotswold country manor house, or walk in and have lunch with the owners? Walk through Oxford or have a private tour of a college with an Oxford don? See the view from the top of a hill, or float serenely in an air balloon enjoying a picnic? That's our difference. That's The Cotswold Experience.

For an awesome, unique tailor-made itinerary that will make you look good ask your South West England Specialist travel agent to contact us. Book and receive a bottle of Moet & Chandon Brut Champagne.

Here's a taster of a suggested day tour.

In the morning we will take you the pretty way to Hidcote Manor and Gardens, a delightful collection of outdoor 'rooms' tumbling over with plants shrubs and topiary. The brainchild of Lawrence Johnston, born in Paris of American parents, and a self-taught gardener, Hidcote has grown to become one of England's finest gardens.

Laid out over 70 years ago an astonishing variety of effects have been created. Hedges, walls, water and paving were all combined to create a garden that has its origins in the Arts and Crafts movement.

Privilege: The Cotswold Experience can supply you with a Vacation Director for the day who has immense knowledge of Cotswold's flora.

To Stow-on-the-Wold for lunch at a Cotswold Pub, and a stroll through this pretty market town. There is time, if desired, for some retail therapy and pampering, before visiting a private arboretum. This haven of quiet, covering 26 acres, was lovingly created over many years by a local landowner, and is not often visited by members of the public.
After visiting this lovely spot, it has to be time for an event that kept the British Empire going so long - afternoon tea! Drink it as it is meant to be drunk, slowly, out of a china tea pot, and with a slab of fruit cake, or scones with clotted cream. Hundreds of calories, but you will have walked a lot, and will deserve them!

After tea we will provide you with a dressing room nearby for a rare and wonderful evening - enjoying a Summer opera at a unique Cotswold venue. Longborough Opera House opens only on certain dates in June and July for a short but special season. The Opera House, seating 450 people, and overlooking some spectacular scenery, allows a 90-minute interval to enjoy a picnic on the lawn on a summer's evening.

Privilege: Let us organize a special gourmet picnic, with, maybe a chilled bottle of something bubbly! It will be served to you, (together with seats and a blanket, of course!) as you talk over the first act.

At the end of the day, we will return you to your hotel, or you can finish your day in a local manor house if you prefer. We can guarantee you will return to the rest of your vacation with lovely memories of your time with us.