A Cotswolds Weekend 25th - 28th July 2025 - FULL
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Join us on this varied and interesting tour based at the 4* Blunsden House Hotel, Swindon.
The highlights of the weekend will be a visit to Sudeley Castle & Gardens, SS Great Britain & Rugby School.
ITINERARY
Day 1: After the pick-ups we will travel towards Swindon stopping at Croome Court (NT) for our visit of the weekend. There’s more than meets the eye at Croome. Owned by the Coventry family since the 16th century, Croome has a fascinating history. The Coventrys used their wealth – from successes as statesmen and lawyers, colonial connections and advantageous marriages – to create this magnificent place.
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A secret wartime airbase, now a visitor centre, was once a hub of activity for thousands of people. Outside is the grandest of English landscapes, ‘Capability’ Brown’s masterful first commission, with commanding views over the Malverns. The parkland was nearly lost, but is now great for walks and adventures with a surprise around every corner. At the heart of the park lies Croome Court, once home to the Earls of Coventry with four floors to explore. The 6th Earl of Coventry was an 18th century trend-setter and today Croome follows his lead by using artists and craftspeople in the house to tell the story of its eclectic past in inventive ways, perfect for making new discoveries..After our visit to Croome we continue to the Blunsden House Hotel, Swindon for check-in and dinner. |
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Days 2-4: Sudeley Castle & Gardens: Home to Elizabeth, Lady Ashcombe and the Dent-Brocklehurst family, Sudeley Castle and Gardens is a Tudor jewel with 1,000 years of history, formal gardens, events, tours and exhibitions. Sudeley is the only private castle in England to have a queen buried within its grounds – Katherine Parr, the last of Henry VIII’s six wives. Today visitors can explore the intimate 15th-century church where she lies entombed. The castle rooms and exhibits contain many fascinating treasures, from ancient Roman times to the present day. Outside, the castle is surrounded by a breath-taking 1,200-acre estate and ten award-winning gardens. The centrepiece is the Queens Garden, so named because four of England’s queens – Anne Boleyn, Katherine Parr, Lady Jane Grey and Elizabeth I – once walked upon the original Tudor Parterre. |
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SS Great Britain: Voyage back in time at Brunel’s SS Great Britain, the world’s first great ocean liner. As Bristol’s No.1 Visitor Attraction (TripAdvisor 2025) Brunel’s SS Great Britain Bristol offers an unforgettable day out for families, history fanatics and engineering enthusiasts alike. Designed by famous engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel, the iconic steamship SS Great Britain is at the heart of this multi award-winning visitor attraction. Step aboard the ship to explore the sights, smells and sounds of Victorian life at sea. Discover the ships incredible story and the man behind the design in two interactive museums and go ‘underwater’ for a unique view of the ship’s original iron hull in the Dry Dock.
Bristol: A city straddling the River Avon in the southwest of England with a prosperous maritime history. Its former city-centre port is now a cultural hub, the Harbourside, where the M Shed museum explores local social and industrial heritage. The harbour's 19th-century warehouses now contain restaurants, shops and cultural institutions such as contemporary art gallery The Arnolfini
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Cotswold Farm Park: Sitting in the heart of the Cotswolds, Adam Henson’s Cotswold Farm Park has a long-standing reputation for a fun-filled day out. Visitors of all ages can interact closely with the animals and learn about farming, past and present. As the home of rare breed conservation, visitors can meet over 50 flocks and herds of farm animals, including Gloucestershire Old Spot Pigs, Suffolk Punch Horses and Highland cattle. The Animal Barn, Adventure Barn and Discovery Barn can be enjoyed all year round, as they are under cover and protected from the elements. The on-site restaurant, serving locally sourced seasonal food and Adam Henson’s own beer, is a hit with the all ages. There’s plenty to offer outside the Farm Park too. Experience the stunning diversity of animals and plants by completing our two mile wildlife walk. |
| Historic Rugby School: One of the oldest public schools in England it is steeped in a fascinating history and positively crammed with old world charm, a tour of Rugby School and its museum is not to be missed. Top of many international visitors’ ‘must–see’ venues in the UK, the grand school buildings and hallowed rugby ground alone never fail to impress. In fact, there’s so much to see, a tour of the school’s highlights takes up to two hours with one of our knowledgeable and enthusiastic guides. After the tour you will be treated to afternoon tea.
After visiting Rugby School we will make our way back to the Manchester Area, arriving early evening. |
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Your Hotel: Blunsden House Hotel, Swindon - Blunsdon House is a 4* independent hotel with fantastic leisure facilities. Our hotel is set in 30 acres of beautifully maintained grounds with views to the Cotswolds. Relax beside green fields and country views, that you won't have to pay for in journey time. Located in the heart of the hotel all rooms include: King or Queen size beds, en-suite bathroom with power shower, heated towel rail & hairdryer, 32” LCD TV’s, FREE high speed internet access, tea & coffee making facilities and a working desk with ergonomic leather chair. Blunsdon House Hotel | Luxury 4 Star Hotel in Swindon |
Price per person (Based on 2 Adults sharing Twin/Double Room):
- Member Plus Adult - £439
- Member Adult - £454
- Non Member Adult - £469
- Single Supplement - £93
Price Includes:
- 3 Nights Accommodation including Full English Breakfast and 3-course, choice menu dinner with tea/coffee
- Executive Coach & Professional Tour Driver throughout the tour as per itinerary
- Entry to Croome Court
- Entry to Cotswold Farm Park
- Entry to Sudeley Castle & Gardens
- Entry to SS Great Britain & Free Time in Bristol
- Tour of the Rugby School with Afternoon Tea
Not Included:
- Single Supplement
- Any items of a personal nature such as meals, drinks, etc
- Guide/Driver Gratuities
- Travel Insurance
For further details and bookings, you can either use the 
or contact Bob Walker
Please include your Name, Home Address, Contact Telephone Number, Membership Number and the Number Places Required (Member/Non-Member)