You can head out of London in almost any direction and find a range of historic houses, palatial palaces, gorgeous gardens and charming villages to explore, while enjoying the English countryside.
In a 10 hour tour you will have time to go as far afield as Oxford and Stratford-upon-Avon or Warwick Castle or the scenic Cotswold hills. In a different direction you could visit Bath and Lacock or Castle Combe. You can choose a combination of town and countryside, university city, William Shakespeare's home town or Roman remains.
Literature and education in a day. Your private guide will meet you with their car and drive you to Stratford to explore the world of William Shakespeare. Have lunch in a country pub or one frequented by actors, before returning to London via the University city of Oxford.
Where William Shakespeare was born and educated. See his birthplace, visit Anne Hathaway’s cottage where he wooed his future wife, and gaze on his tomb in Holy Trinity Church beside the River Avon. Hear about the surrounding area appearing in his plays.
It has been a centre of learning since 1200s, so predates Cambridge. You will have a chance to walk the streets, visit a college and learn about the famous people who attended this University. Depending on your interests, you might like to visit one of the colleges used in the Harry Potter films.
Warwick Castle sits in the middle of England and has always been important for defence. In contrast, just down the road is Stratford-upon-Avon, home of William Shakespeare and a bustling market town.
It is just waiting to be explored from the top of the tallest tower to the bottom of the dungeon. Parts of the castle were converted into a comfortable residence by the Earls of Warwick, and the future King Edward VII came to stay. You may be lucky and see the knight on his horse or the archer.
Where William Shakespeare was born and educated. See his birthplace, visit Anne Hathaway’s cottage where he wooed his future wife, and gaze on his tomb in Holy Trinity Church beside the River Avon. Hear about the surrounding area appearing in his plays.
About 2½ hours drive from London you can immerse yourself in the world of William Shakespeare. When you have had enough of the town, head off to the Cotswold Hills to explore the typical English villages with stone cottages with stone or thatch roofs. In the heart of summer the scent of roses round the door is wonderful. The Cotswolds also have an abundance of gardens to visit.
Where William Shakespeare was born and educated. See his birthplace, visit Anne Hathaway’s cottage where he wooed his future wife, and gaze on his tomb in Holy Trinity Church beside the River Avon. Hear about the surrounding area appearing in his plays.
A scenic range of hills running between Bath and Stratford-upon-Avon. Charming little villages with strange names like Upper and Lower Slaughter. Larger market towns such as Moreton-in-Marsh. Your personal guide will know where to find the hidden villages, thatched cottages and fields of lavender or poppies. If you enjoy gardens, then a visit to Hidcote Manor Garden or Kiftsgate Court is a must.
Bath is renowned for its Roman remains, plus its glorious Georgian architecture from 1700s. It is a World Heritage Site. It contrasts with either Lacock or Castle Combe, which are small unspoilt villages in the countryside. This is a fascinating day out from London to get an idea of the real England.
The town was originally founded by the Romans and you can still visit their Roman Baths today. It became the place to visit in Georgian times, so there is some wonderful architecture and you can almost imagine Jane Austen wandering down the main street. It is still possible to drink the spa water.
This is a small village which has grown up around an old Abbey. The picturesque streets are often used as a film and TV location, so you may recognise it. Fox Talbot used to live here, so there is a museum about early photography. It will also be known to Harry Potter fans as some of it was filmed in the Abbey.
This village gives a hint of the Cotswolds, with its main street lined with stone houses, leading down to the small stream. It is sometimes used as a film location too. If you saw the original Dr Doolittle with Rex Harrison, you will recognise it.
We are now all safely back home in the States and reflecting on the wonderful trip. Frances has not stopped talking about her two days with you - thanks again. (read more...) LS, Virginia. Sept 2011
