In addition to exploring the rich history, landscape, places, architecture and
legends of ancient Middle England there are many specific events that will add
charm, excitement and even greater interest to your visit to our area. It's
astounding just how much goes on here!
Please feel free to browse our eCalendar below and decide for yourself which
events are the ones you would have us include in a tailormade itinerary woven
together to provide you with the most exquisite and compelling experience of a
lifetime!
Just make your selection by ticking the box on the appropriate event title, send
to us and we'll get cracking on your tour of a lifetime - no charge!
Venue: River Severn
This river, has the second highest tidal flow in the world, and the water is
funnelled up into the upper reaches of the Severn, producing a tidal wave.
We know the best viewing sites on the river and the best times of the lunar
cycle that produce the highest waves. Not only that, but we know the best
place to enjoy a full English breakfast. To get the best vantage point you
will need to cross a couple of meadows. We will supply the best footwear,
and the best breakfast to enjoy this natural phenomenon!
This is a new visitor
attraction at the Cotswolds finest palace. With strong links to the US, this
baroque mansion that broods over Oxfordshire will give you a fascinating
insight into the lives of the wealthy and powerful who have lived there.
Fans of this iconic
British detective will love this walking tour of Oxford, through the many
streets and past the colleges where he solved his most difficult crimes
Planning a wedding and
hoping to get marriage off to a flying start? The happy couple and a
highflying vicar are strapped to the top wing of the famous biplanes, before
taking to the air for the wedding blessing of a lifetime.
You can go up in almost
any car, but surely the only way to do it is in a vintage sports car –
Jaguar, MG, Morgan, perhaps. We will provide a qualified instructor, and any
special kit you will need. (Goggles should just complete the picture!)
Whether your interest
is Norman architecture, Cathedral splendour, family history, or tales of
heroism and miracles, we will weave a tour for you from the rich Christian
tapestry that surrounds the Cotswolds
You will have flown
at over 500mph, driven from the airport at 70mph….now it’s time to see one
of the most beautiful corners of England at 6mph! Cruise the River Thames at
a gentle pace, watching the English countryside, our hills and wildlife,
unfold before you. This is a wonderful way to relax and unwind, on one of
the world’s most historic, and pretty stretches of water.
We’ll provide a picnic
for you as you meander around this lovely park, which sits on the edge of
the Cotswold escarpment, overlooking the Seven Vale and the Black Mountains
beyond. This is an artist’s paradise. Whether you are a complete beginner or
experienced painter, we can provide with an easel, stool and paints. The
view and the peace will come from Prinknash itself. If you’ve ever wondered
how time can slow down so quickly, this is an excellent way to find out, as
you capture the view on canvas.
Experience the
mystery and fun of a village cricket match, the source of a game that has
spread throughout the world. If you want to get under the skin of English
village life, you could start here.
As darkness falls, the
ruins of this vast 2,000 year old Roman building are an awesome sight. By
the light of flickering torches, you can walk on 2000 year old pavements and
really sense the spirits of the ancients, providing a truly magical
atmosphere which no other venue can surpass.
Oxford Botanical Gardens are a delight to
visit at any time, but we like add something to every gem that you visit. We
will provide you with a picnic for this fun family event in the heart of the
gardens.
Do you think
Gloucestershire is just an exquisite slice of England? Well, of course it
is, but let us show you scenes of skulduggery and strange goings-on! This is
open-air theatre in beautiful Arlingham, on the banks of the River Severn.
Loads of fun for the family.
The village itself is a sleeping beauty of a settlement with plenty of
things to interest you as you stroll round on a summers’ evening. A perfect
place too to find refreshment in a Cotswold Inn as you enjoy a long summer’s
evening.
For the greatest
personal achievement and the satisfaction of knowing that you did it - all
by yourself - go for this Skydiving Course!
It takes place over two
days, training you in the skydiving techniques required to jump from an
altitude of over 3000 feet, with an automatically opened 'square' parachute.
If you haven t already
Bungee jumped what are you waiting for? The Buzz is out of this world. You
just can’t describe the rush you get when you’re in free fall so close to
the ground.
Come and join local people take part in
an ancient and slightly eccentric ceremony at this beautiful church.
Clypping takes place in Painswick, a town built on prosperity from the wool
trade, and host now to some charming antique and bric-a-brac shops, and its
famous Rococo Gardens. You can happily lose a couple of hours walking around
its windy streets. So, whats clypping?
A fun family day out for enthusiasts and
nostalgia experts everywhere. This lovingly preserved station is host to an
eclectic mix of old buses, cars and commercial vehicles. You know if you are
ageing when some of this collection does not look that old!
This is the perfect mixture of
creativity and chocolate. Great family fun, but a man-free zone. We will
find something for the men to do for the morning, while you enjoy the fun!.
Traditional country pursuits in the
Cotswolds embrace huntin’ shootin’ and fishin’. At Chatcombe, we can arrange
for you to have a taste of the shooting side after a tasty breakfast. We’ll
collect you from your hotel and drive you to the Chatcombe Estate situated
high in the Cotswolds, amid mature, undulating woodland.
1000 years ago you would have been
imprisoned for this! Sudeley Castle, once the home of Katherine Parr, sits
in beautiful gardens in this most charming part of the Cotswolds. It also
owns 1200 acres of neighboring land, including terrain ideal for some
off-road adventure. If you spend time during the year looking after your
car, and keeping it free of mud, well, now’s the time to let your hair down
After a game of tennis, or croquet,
maybe, on the lawn, you dress for dinner. The setting is a quintessential
Cotswold Manor House, owned by the same family for generations. Over a
delicious dinner with the owners in their wood-paneled dining room,
something extraordinary happens – one of your fellow diners takes a sip of
the ’83 Sancerre, and promptly dies at the table, after a suitably
theatrical scream!
The River Wye is one of the country’s
most scenic rivers. Flowing down the English/Welsh border, it is popular
with walkers and anglers alike. Most importantly, it is full of fish!
As if Bath did not have enough attractions of its own, you
have to visit the American Museum in Claverton. It boasts the finest
selection of Americana outside the US, and every Christmas they do something
very special….
Royal Forest of Dean
If there were such a thing as an enchanted wood, this is it! If you are a
fan of Lord of the Rings you will not be surprised that JRR Tolkein spent
time here and gained inspiration for Middle Earth from this spot. On your
first visit, you will find yourself looking over your shoulder for Hobbis!
The saying goes that Soccer is a game
for gentlemen played by louts and Rugby a game for louts played by
gentlemen. However true this is, Rugby is a bruising and exciting contest
between thirty men who each bear a passing resemblance to a small mountain.
It’s spectacle and enormous fun.
Join the literati as Cheltenham hosts
one of the flagship events in the British literary calendar. Over 400
writers come to this elegant Regency town to talk of their craft. Whether
your interest is crime-writing, travel, autobiographies or children’s
fiction you will find some one of interest, and many of international renown
to listen to.
Enjoy theatre with a difference – 100
feet underground. Forget Broadway, forget the West End. Come and enjoy your
pre-show meal at one of our favourite Forest restaurants, and then we will
drive you to the cave entrance for the show.
A galleon from the dreaded Spanish Armada wrecked up the River Severn and
its sole survivor is the infant heir to the Spanish throne. Adopted by
Forest born local lad Jack, as a playmate for his own child, the two babies
become embroiled in plot and hilarious counterplot, as it seems the whole
world tries to invade the Forest to kidnap the children.
Join us for the ‘Showcase’ weekend at
Cheltenham Racecourse to mark the beginning of the National Hunt Festival,
at its home venue. This is a wonderful spot to see it from, as the elegant
racecourse buildings lie in a natural bowl formed by the Cotswold Hills.
As you enter the fall, and nights begin to get shorter,
everyone’s mind turns to puddings. No? Well yours will when you have visited
here. From humble beginnings to its present status as a national
institution, the Pudding Club is an un-missable experience for everyone with
a sweet tooth, and a delight in eccentricity. You can also stay over in the
hotel and we will take you for a delightful day tour of the Cotswolds in
between chocolate.
Every year, in November, the British
enjoy an unusual but endearing celebration of an event when the Houses of
Parliament was almost blown up several hundred years ago. We invite you to
join us for fun family evening as we mark the occasion of Bonfire Night.
Enjoy a
charming time with the family at this lovely venue. Mulled wine, log fires,
Santa Claus, and a Christmas trail for the children to follow with a present
at the end. But they must believe
Father Christmas comes down the
chimney at Perrygrove! Children will never forget seeing Santa here!
Sit around a traditional fireplace in a cosy station where the children rub
their magic badges to make Father Christmas appear.
Now watch their faces as he actually comes down the chimney to meet them and
give them presents from his bulging sacks!
We will take you to Blenheim
Palace, a jewel in Oxford’s crown. Blenheim Palace is decorated for
Christmas with a Victorian theme. Estate-grown Christmas trees sparkle in
the Great Court and elegant decorations adorn the State Rooms.
This day forms a part of the 3
day race festival that is the most prestigious race meeting in the country
after the March ‘Gold Cup’. This day is the family day, and this exquisite
course hosts falconry displays, and many side shows and trade stands; as
well as some thrilling races.
Join us for an evening in Shakespeare’s home town. This is a new and bold
interpretation of this classic love story. We will make this a very special
evening for you.
