England, & The West Country

Tour Begins: 2:00 PM The Gainsborough Bath Spa. A transfer is included from Heathrow airport, London Stansted airport or London Gatwick airport to The Gainsborough Bath Spa in Bath. This afternoon, join us for a walking tour of Bath – and this evening, a welcome reception and dinner at your hotel.

The Cotswolds – with its old stone houses and quaint village homes, country estates and historic towns, stretches across the counties of Warwickshire, Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire and Somerset; truly a fairytale region. After breakfast, you'll have the entire day to discover these limestone villages with your local guide – discover medieval weavers' houses and learn about the wool trade, visit stone cottages and see some of England's most picturesque landscapes. Return to your hotel late afternoon; dinner this evening is at your leisure.

Morgan Motor Company is one of the world's pre-eminent coachbuilders of Morgan Sports Cars. Each car is handcrafted with artisanal skills that have been passed down through generations and honed over decades. Today, you'll have a visit to factory, the only place in the world where Morgan sports cars are built. Learn about the three core elements – ash, aluminum and leather – that make these remarkable automobiles and have the chance to ride in one for yourself with a cruise through the Malvern Hills. Lunch is at the Morgan Factory before heading out for a guided tour by the family of Chavenage House – featured in the BBC TV show Poldark. Built in 1576, much of the house retains its original features, including oak-panelled walls, intricately carved fireplaces, and fine examples of 17th-century furniture. The property has been owned and carefully preserved by the same family for generations, adding to its sense of continuity and heritage; it maintains a slightly rustic charm, which speaks to its roots as a working family home through the centuries. Return to Bath late afternoon; the evening is spent as you please.

Today you'll visit Sudeley Castle – a fascinating journey through British history, architecture, and natural beauty. Steeped in over 1,000 years of history, explore its stunning grounds and historic interiors. Once home to Queen Katherine Parr, the last wife of Henry VIII, the castle features remarkable exhibits, including artifacts from her life and the beautifully restored chapel where she rests. The award-winning gardens, particularly the Queen's Garden with its vibrant rose displays, add to the castle's charm. Return to Bath, where the rest of the day is free.

This morning, it's off to Wells for a walking tour with a local guide. This small medieval city was featured in a host of TV and Hollywood films such as Dungeons and Dragons, Elizabeth: The Golden Age, and Wolf Hall. You'll see The Bishop's Palace and Garden, home to the Bishops of Bath and Wells for over 800 years, St. Cuthbert's Church, and more with your local guide. Depart for Glastonbury; lunch is at a restaurant renowned for its fish and chips. En route to your hotel in Cornwall this afternoon, enjoy landmark sights and scenic stops along the way before arrival at your hotel. Arrive late afternoon in Cornwall; join us for a Cornish-themed dinner and a performance by local Shanty singers.

First up today in Cornwall is a visit to the South Wheal Frances Mining Complex; nestled in a dramatic landscape, this historic site is a testament to the region's 19th-century tin and copper mining boom. A guided tour reveals the daily lives of miners, engineering marvels of the time, and the site's enduring legacy. Next, head to the coastal town of St. Ives for lunch and a stroll along its scenic beach, lined with galleries, whitewashed cottages, and winding lanes. This afternoon, visit the ancient tidal island of St. Michael's Mount to explore the village as well as the harbor and the legendary castle and gardens. Return to your hotel early evening.

After breakfast, you're off for a cooking class and lunch at Philleigh Cookery School with chef Rupert and his staff. Learn how to make local Cornish pasties and enjoy homemade saffron buns, fresh from the oven. The setting is relaxed and welcoming, with hands-on instruction and traditional Cornish ingredients. Return to Fowey where the remainder of the day is at your leisure.

This morning, visit Cornwall's famous fishing village, Port Isaac. It's best known as the primary filming location for the popular British TV series Doc Martin, starring Martin Clunes. Port Isaac is also the home of the real-life Fisherman's Friends, a group of sea shanty singers who rose to fame and brought traditional Cornish music into the spotlight (as depicted in the recent British film bringing depicting the true story of the Cornish fishermen who became unexpected music stars. Next, arrive in Padstow for a walk through its historic harbor revealing Cornwall's seafaring past, followed by lunch amid its vibrant culinary scene. Head into Devon and drive through Dartmoor National Park, a serene escape into nature with rolling moorland dotted with granite tors, wild ponies, and sheep grazing freely. End the day at your hotel, Bovey Castle, built in 1907 as a private estate for Viscount Hambleden; the property enjoys a rich history as a symbol of Edwardian elegance. Bovey Castle is set within 275 acres of lush countryside, with beautifully manicured gardens and a championship golf course. Dinner this evening is at your hotel. 

Today is spent immersing in the thoughtfully curated activities of Bovey Castle, each one reflecting the estate's rich heritage and idyllic countryside setting. it's your choice, both morning and afternoon. Try your hand at archery, a timeless skill that combines precision and focus as you aim for the bullseye in the castle's scenic surroundings. For something more exhilarating, take part in clay pigeon shooting, where expert instructors guide you through this classic countryside pursuit. Discover the ancient art of falconry, interacting with majestic birds of prey as they soar and return to your gloved hand, a truly unforgettable encounter. For a more relaxing option, embark on a horse-drawn carriage ride, winding through the estate's beautifully manicured grounds and soaking in the tranquil atmosphere of Dartmoor. In the afternoon, immerse yourself in local traditions with a cider and sloe gin making class. Celebrate the region's heritage as you learn the age-old techniques of pressing and fermenting apples, honoring the orchards that have shaped the countryside for centuries. Discover the art of crafting sloe gin, an enduring practice that involves infusing gin with handpicked sloe berries, capturing the flavors of foraging and preservation of seasonal fruits - a hands-on experience connecting you to the rich rural history of the estate while creating your own delicious concoctions to enjoy. Whether you seek excitement, tradition, or relaxation, today offers a chance to immerse yourself in the character and traditions that define the heart of the English countryside. Dine at Bovey Castle this evening.

Drive to Avebury this morning, home to a mysterious Neolithic stone circle which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The quiet village lies uniquely within one of Europe's largest Neolithic stone circles – explore ancient mysteries, prehistoric monuments, and everyday life unfolding among sacred stones. Then travel through the scenic countryside to have lunch in the market town of Marlborough, and arrive in Windsor in the late afternoon. Tonight, please join us for a final farewell reception and dinner.

Tour Ends: Windsor. Fly home anytime. A transfer from Fairmont Windsor Park to Heathrow airport, London Stansted airport or London Gatwick airport is included. Please allow a minimum of three hours for flight check-in at the airport.