The Cotswolds & Althorp Estate

Day 1:

Belfast to Studley Castle
Following our pick-ups this morning we will proceed to Belfast for the 07:30hrs Stena Line crossing to Cairnryan. As we travel south, we'll make a comfort stop at the Gretna Tourist area for time to stretch our legs and avail of the restaurant facilities before we move swiftly on to the motorway for our journey down to Warwickshire. We will be staying at the Warner’s 4-star Studley Castle Hotel set in its own 28-acre estate. This beautiful grade II listed property is one of Warner’s flagship hotels close to Stratford-upon-Avon and where we will be based for dinner, bed & breakfast plus evening entertainment for the duration of our tour. Please note the hotel does not accept cash - all payments for purchases must be made by card.

Day 2:

Althorp Estate
Our excursion today will take us to the beautiful Althorp Estate (Included in tour price).
Brought to the fore having been the childhood home of the late Princess Diana, many feel drawn here, enthralled by the late Princess and her family links to the Royals. We will be free to explore the house and glimpse the history of the Spencer family whose home this has been since 1508. We can also explore the Gardens, the Arboretum and the Spencer Exhibition. There is of-course the Stables Cafe where refreshments and goodies are available.

Day 3:

Cotswolds Villages
Today we will have a scenic tour taking in Moreton-in-Marsh, The Gateway to the Cotswolds, to enjoy this typically English village. We will then move on for a further stop and free time in Stow on the Wold, ‘Where the wind blows cold’. Finally we will move on for a short visit to the picturesque little village of Broadway, often referred to as the ‘Jewel of the Cotswolds’ as it is just like a picture postcard image - a tourists delight.

Day 4:

Free Day at Leisure
An ideal opportunity to avail of the hotel facilities or join in the daily entertainment programme. You may also wish to take this opportunity to explore the little town of Stratford one of the most popular visitor destinations in the UK - the birthplace of William Shakespeare who was regarded as the greatest writer in the English language.

Day 5:

Homeward Bound
Following an early breakfast, we ‘make haste’ with a sharp departure this morning. Traffic will dictate our schedule along the busy roads as we begin our journey home. We will make comfort stops as we travel along the M6 north bound and as we move into Scotland we will have a final stop at Gretna. Here you can shop for any last-minute gifts or just stretch your legs. Restaurant and comfort facilities are also available here. Moving on then to Cairnryan for the 19:30hrs Stena Line ferry back to Belfast and it is time to say our fond farewells.

NB: Your driver will confirm/amend departure times as necessary for the duration of the tour.