Gardens of the North Cotswolds – Driving Tour (2 nights, 3 days)

Arrive in Cheltenham and stay overnight.

Based in Cheltenham, the most complete Regency town in the country, you will be surrounded by  historic charm, a fantastic foodie scene, boutique shopping and a plethora of cultural events. Cheltenham provides easy access to great local destinations. Clients will stay in Cheltenham for the duration of their trip. Alternative base locations include Moreton-in-Marsh, Stow-on-the-Wold or Bourton-on-the-Water as preferred, yet please note that these are very popular places with limited accommodation and are therefore subject to accommodation availability and may include a supplement on the price.

Depending on your, you can choose from the following trips to build your perfect itinerary.

Leaving Cheltenham to the north east, take in the scenic views via Guiting Power and Bourton-on-the-Hill before arriving at Batsford Arboretum near to Moreton-in-Marsh. Batsford Arboretum is a national hub of biodiversity, home to the country’s largest private collection of trees and shrubs. The collection containing species from all over the globe, Batsford has a particularly spectacular selection of plants from the Far East, including over 1,300 different trees, shrubs and bamboos. They also have the UK’s National Collection of Japanese Flowering Cherries with at least 70% of the world’s known cultivars growing in the arboretum. Batsford really is a unique destination. On return from the garden, many opt to detour to Chipping Campden – a gorgeous market town – and Winchcombe where you will find Sudeley Castle in a sleepy village setting.

Enjoy your relaxed drive from Cheltenham to Bourton-on-the-Water, one of The Cotswolds highest rated destinations – famous for its meandering, shallow river that runs through the centre of the picturesque village. Bourton House Garden is a stunning, award-winning three-acre garden with an 18th century Manor House set in the grounds. The garden is best known for its extensive terracing, wide herbaceous borders, and awe-inspiring plant displays. There is also a knot garden, parterre and topiary walk, as well as plenty of water features to spot on your rounds. In 2013, the gardens also opened a unique seven-acre field area which has been planted with specimen trees. On the return to Cheltenham, clients can detour via Stow-on-the-Wold and Upper Slaughter, both of which we highly recommend.

Perhaps not what you would expect to find in the small village of Bourton-on-the-Water, but Birdland Parks & Gardens is a unique day out that offers hours of fun! Nine acres of garden and woodland surrounding the River Windrush, are home to 130 bird species including many rare bird species. Originally built by a local Cotswold builder with a passion for birdlife, the park is now home to the only breeding group of King Penguins in the UK. The attraction is known for their extensive conservation programme and, when you are done, you're a short walk back to the centre of Bourton-on-the-Water. Here, you can get a refreshment or bite to eat in a traditional English pub before returning to Cheltenham.

Leaving Cheltenham to the north, meander through small, idyllic villages including Gotherington, Dumbleton and Broadway arriving at Hidcote Manor Gardens, which is a short distance from Stratford-upon-Avon. The Hidcote Manor Gardens were created by American horticulturalist Major Lawrence Johnston and inspired by the Arts & Crafts movement, now managed by The National Trust in the UK. Two of Hidcote’s main attractions include The Pillar Garden and The Bathing Pool Garden, which are both situated within the formal grounds. The Pillar Garden is dominated by vast yew pillars set over three terraces, creating a natural architectural landscape, all juxtaposed by delicate, sculptural planting. The Bathing Pool Garden meanwhile is approached through the Fuschia garden emerging to see a burbling fountain with box hedges and topiary yew birds. Guests often choose to return to Cheltenham via a short stint in Stratford-upon-Avon, soaking up all things William Shakespeare.

Based just beyond the market town of Chipping Campden, a visit to Kiftsgate can be combined with a visit to Hidcote in the same day or explored fully by itself. Kiftsgate Court is a beautiful garden, homage to the three generations of women that created it. The garden has been well established for over 100 years and as well as the garden itself, visitors are advised to look out for the famous Kiftsgate Rose which is truly stunning. This fabulous garden offers a sunken garden, a wildflower garden, a bluebell wood and lots and lots of glorious borders.

Located just south of Broadway, this beautiful country drive takes you to Snowshill Manor and Garden. Bought in 1919 by Charles Wade and then lovingly restored to its former glory, the house is home to a lifelong collection of extraordinary treasures. Set in a traditional English country garden, you will see a traditional ‘room’ model whereby everything is divided into individual segments, each with unique planting. This includes formal lawns, colourful borders and glorious water features. There are an abundance of benches to sit and enjoy. Also, be sure not to miss “Wolf’s Cove” - a model village that is being carefully restored.

One of the few privately-owned castles in the UK that are open to the public, Sudeley Castle stands tall on the outskirts of  Winchcombe. The drive there is a lovely country route, rising up Cleeve Hill (the highest point in The Cotswolds) before descending into the village. Sudeley Castle has an extensive royal history and in the centre of the gardens you will find St Mary’s Church, final resting place of Queen Katherine Parr’s, Henry VIII’s final wife. The grounds are divided into 10 different gardens which sweep around the Castle and the ruins, each with a unique design and influence, including of course an amazing Secret Garden. Finish the day with an exploration of Winchcombe before returning to Cheltenham.

Alternatively, for clients that would prefer to take a break from driving, there is a fantastic opportunity to hop on board the traditional heritage railway steam train from Cheltenham to Winchcombe, followed by a short walk to the Castle and grounds.

Recuperate before your departure.