As part of The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall’s private residence, The Royal Gardens at Highgrove are opened annually for visitors to share in their enjoyment of this much-loved inspirational setting. You can experience the gardens’ seasonal highlights between April and October each year, and discover how the Prince has transformed a landscape which was once merely lawn into an ever-changing canvas of magnificent garden scenes. From the classic order of the Cottage Garden to the pastoral beauty of the Wildflower Meadow, discover these unique spaces, along with hidden curios and horticultural innovations, on a tour that offers a personal perspective of this much-admired public figure. A group guided tour is £27.50 pp.
Boasting 15,000 specimens, 2,500 different species from the far corners of the globe, Westonbirt is the perfect place for you to escape, relax or have an adventure. Created by the wealthy Holford family, back in the heyday of Victorian plant hunting, today the arboretum is internationally renowned not only for the diversity and importance of its collection but also its breath-taking beauty.
Built for pleasure and relaxation, beautiful Bath has been a wellbeing destination since Roman times. The waters are still a big draw, both at the ancient Roman Baths and the thoroughly modern Thermae Bath Spa, which houses the only natural thermal hot springs in Britain you can bathe in. Bath’s compact, visitor-friendly centre is overflowing with places to eat and drink, plus some of the finest independent shops in Britain, making it the ideal city break. Immerse yourself in Bath’s remarkable collection of museums and galleries, and enjoy year-round festivals, theatre, music and sports. Bath's stunning honey-coloured Georgian architecture is straight from a Jane Austen novel - highlights include the iconic Royal Crescent and the majestic Circus
Pamper yourself in Britain's only natural thermal waters, as the Celts & Romans did over 2,000 years ago. Recommend skipping the lines and booking ahead especially if you would like a treatment. Don't miss the rooftop pool!
Take a ride on the heritage railway in Gloucestershire and complete the scenic roundtrip of over 26 miles. The route is the former Great Western Railway's main line from Birmingham to Cheltenham which used to run via Stratford-upon-Avon. Tickets are reasonably priced and parking is free at the main stations.
If you’re in need of some serious retail therapy, make a trip to Cheltenham. The Cheltenham Promenade was listed by Google as one of the best shopping streets in the UK, and the town is home to one of the oldest purpose-built shopping arcades in the country - The Montpellier Arcade. Hit The Promenade for designer boutiques, The Brewery for a mix of shopping and bars, The High Street for big shopping centers such as Regent Arcade and Beechwood Centre, or The Suffolks for independent shops and antiques. Also, don’t miss Bath Road where locals go to shop for organic and local produce.
This National Trail is a famous walk, offering over 100 miles of scenic strolls and panoramic views of the countryside. The route runs from Bath all the way to Chipping Campden, but there are also many shorter walks within the trail for those who don’t want to go the full stretch. Notable spots along the way include Cleeve Common, Winchcombe, Stanton and Snowshill
Said to be the inspiration behind J. R. R. Tolkien’s ‘Weathertop’ in Lord of the Rings, this picturesque village is a must-visit for anyone who loves visiting quaint little villages steeped in history. Adorned with black and white thatched cottages, this is one of the most photogenic spots in the Cotswolds, and it’s also great for traditional pubs. Head to Three Ways House, where locals and visitors indulge in the ‘Pudding Club’ themed night. Enjoy a whole evening’s entertainment starting with a glass of Bucks Fizz and a jovial introduction by The Pudding Master followed by a light main course and then the Parade of Seven Traditional Puddings, with all its noise and ceremony, the aim is to taste them all and then to vote for your favourite pudding of the night over coffee. Guests depart certificates in hand!