Cotswolds by Rail

Prices From: $683
Days: 5 days

Cruise through England's iconic Cotswold Countryside and visit the historic towns of central England on this 5 day rail tour. Experience cobbled Streets, timber fronted houses and regency architecture in Oxford, Stratford-Upon-Avon and Bath.

Itinerary

The Tour

Day 1 Historic Oxford

Landing in Heathrow or Gatwick, glide in to central London on the express rail link before joining the mainline and journeying north east to University city of Oxford . The internationally renowned university has been home to literary greats such as Tolkein, CS Lewis and Oscar Wilde. Immerse yourself in the laid-back, academic ambiance and be inspired by the sites of the lawned quads of Magdalen or Christchurch college as well as The Bodleian Library and New College Hall which you may recognize from the film adaptations of JK Rowling's modern classic Harry Potter. The birthplace of Winston Churchill, Blenheim Palace is just a short bus ride north of the city.

Overnight Oxford.

Day 2 Shakespeare's Stratford and Warwick Castle

Continue north, your train journey taking you through historic Banbury and Warwick to charming Stratford , romantically set on the banks of the Avon with timber-fronted, period architecture and many ties to the great Bard himself, William Shakespeare. Enjoy a myriad of related heritage sites including his birthplace Hall's Croft, Anne Hathaway's Cottage and his final resting place at Holy Trinity Church. In the afternoon make the short rail trip back to Warwick to visit the stunning Warwick Castle dating back to Norman times and William the Conquerer .

Overnight Stratford-Upon-Avon.

Day 3 The Cotswolds and Regency Bath

Today your rail trip takes you firstly north to the city of Birmingham where you may choose to stop for some excellent shopping. From here you will then make your way south on a train ride which takes you through the heart of the Cotswold countryside to Bath. The Spa town of Bath is regarded as the best-preserved Georgian city in Britain. A UNESCO world heritage site, Bath is home to endless rows and terraces of grand Georgian architecture such as the Royal Crescent overlooking open garden squares. The impressive thirteenth century Abbey lies at the heart of the city's cobbled streets and fashionable shops and arcades whilst Baths crowning glory is the must-see, marvellously preserved Roman Temple, Baths and Pump Room.

Overnight Bath

Day 4 Salisbury and the City of London

Today take the 1hr train ride south to Salisbury to visit the historic city and take a bus ride to nearby Stonehenge (left luggage service is available at the "Cat Tavern" near the station). Afterwards continue east returning to explore England's capital city. London is home to a host of must-see landmarks including Buckingham Palace, Westminster & Big Ben, St Pauls Cathedral, Tower Bridge and the London Eye. After snapping all of these icons indulge in some shopping along the world famous Oxford Street or Covent Garden or visit some of the world-class museums and exhibitions on offer in the city.

Overnight London