For the 250th birthday year of Jane Austen, we are offering a chance to follow in her footsteps to see the places where her best-loved books were inspired and written, and some beautiful parts of the Cotswolds.
Day 1 We travel across country to Chawton, where we visit Jane Austen’s charming red-brick cottage, now a fascinating museum of her life with an unparalleled collection of treasures. We then continue to Swindon and our hotel.
Day 2 After a leisurely breakfast, we visit Devizes, with more than 500 listed buildings and a large market place at its heart. We continue to Bowood House, where the fine Georgian building is surrounded by the Italian-inspired Terrace Garden, Walled Garden and the 100 acres of beautifully landscaped ‘Capability’ Brown Parkland are bursting with autumn colour.
Day 3 This morning we visit Cheltenham, known for its fine shopping and elegant promenade. We then board the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway for a journey through the Cotswolds countryside to the honey-stone streets of Broadway, where we have a little free time before returning to our hotel by coach.
Day 4 A day in the glorious Georgian spa resort of Bath, where a local guide takes us on a tour of the sights by coach and on foot, including places pertinent to Jane’s life and literature here.
Day 5 Departing after breakfast, we stop in Winchester, where you might like to visit the Cathedral and Jane’s final resting place, or The Arc, the city’s arts centre which is offering an exhibition called ‘Beyond The Bonnets’ (entrances not included). We continue to the local area and home.
Our four-star hotel is set in 20 acres of beautiful Wiltshire countryside close to the village of Blunsdon St Andrew. The hotel has restaurant, bar, swimming pool, steam room, sauna, Jacuzzi and gym. Bedrooms are equipped with TV, telephone, WiFi, hairdryer and hospitality tray. The hotel has a lift.
