5 Day Heart of England

Itinerary

5 Day Small Group Tour from London to London with Back-Roads

Day 1: London - Oxford - Cotswolds

After meeting with the group in London, we'll set our sights on our first stop: charming Oxford. Here, we'll learn about the poets, professors, scientists and sporting heroes that have graced the city's streets over the years. Then: we'll venture through quintessential English countryside to meet with the Cotswolds. This charming area is a patchwork of green hills and farmland, peppered with centuries-old villages and caramel-hued cottages. We'll end the day with a delicious welcome dinner.(D)

Day 2: Cotswolds - Stratford-upon-Avon - Cotswolds

The life and times of William Shakespeare will take centre stage in riverside Stratford-upon-Avon today – where we'll see the playwright's timbered childhood home and his wife Anne Hathaway's pretty thatched cottage. A stroll through the blooming gardens here is a must! There will be plenty of time to explore some more Cotswold hamlets as we wind our way back to our hotel, where the evening will be yours to enjoy at your leisure. (B)

Day 3: Cotswolds - Lacock - Bath

Day three promises to be an indulgent one, with an afternoon of high tea on the agenda at the quaint Old Rectory Tearoom before we move on to Lacock. This showstopper of a village often doubles as a film set, and you may recognise it from Pride and Prejudice or Downton Abbey. After imagining ourselves as costume drama heroes and heroines, we'll step inside the magnificent abbey – whose peaceful cloisters took a starring turn as the Hogwarts hallways in the Harry Potter series. Then: onwards to Bath, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed city with true 'wow' factor, where we'll make ourselves at home for our final two nights. (B)

Day 4: Bath

After receiving a fascinating insight into Roman life on a morning visit to the Roman Baths, we'll visit the fascinating museum at No. 1 Royal Crescent. The afternoon will then be yours to explore the town for yourself. You could enjoy a bit of 'me time' at Thermae Bath Spa (Britain's only thermal spa), and bathe in mineral-rich waters while scanning the skyline from the rooftop pool – or, if you'd prefer to explore on foot, you could discover Bath's proud independent side as you wander past stylish boutiques and celebrated coffee shops. At our last dinner together, we'll swap stories and look back on our English journey with fond memories. (B/D)

Day 5: Bath - Longleat - Avebury - London

The current seat of the Marquess of Bath, the impressive Longleat blends classic architecture with creative interiors – and it's here that we'll start the day. We'll have plenty of time to explore before we move on to Avebury, an immense stone circle set within an ancient landscape of enigmatic monuments, tombs and roads. While Stonehenge attracts tourists from around the world and does not permit close access, at Avebury we'll have the opportunity to walk freely among the standing stones. Steeped in mystery, this prehistoric stone circle is a fascinating sight – and makes for a tremendous final stop. Later this afternoon, our trip will come to a close back in London. (B)

B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner