Day 1: We travel to our hotel set in 30 acres of beautiful Wiltshire countryside, at the gateway of the Cotswolds.
Day 2: Our first stop today is STEAM, The Great Western Railway Museum which tells the story of the men and women who built, operated and travelled on ‘Gods Wonderful Railway’. Discover the engineering genius and pioneering vision of Isambard Kingdom Brunel which led to the Great Western Railway network becoming regarded as the most advanced in the world. Housed in a beautifully restored Grade II listed railway building, in the heart of the former Swindon railway works, there will be time to get up close to magnificent locomotives, try out the interactive GWR Signal Box and drive the steam train simulator. Later today we travel to Bowood House and Gardens, home to the Lansdowne family since 1754, surrounded by 2,000 acres of Grade I listed ‘Capability Brown’ parkland. Step inside the laboratory where Dr Joseph Priestley discovered oxygen gas in 1774, earning Bowood its place in scientific history. See exhibition rooms displaying amazing family artefacts and antiques with historical treasures such as Napolean’s death mask and Queen Victoria’s wedding chair. Surrounding the Georgian House, marvel at the Italian-inspired Terrace Garden, the Private Walled Gardens and the herbaceous borders, radiating colour throughout the seasons.
Day 3: We spend today in Bath, an elegant city full of traditional heritage, contemporary culture, green spaces and the only city in the UK to be a designated World Heritage Site in its entirety. Our day begins with an introductory walking tour of this great Roman city, followed by time at leisure. Bath’s compact visitor friendly centre is over-flowing with places to eat and drink, plus some of the finest independent shops in Britain making it a perfect day out. Perhaps make a visit to the historic Roman Baths, Royal Crescent and Bath Abbey or immerse yourself in Bath’s remarkable collection of museums and galleries.
Day 4: This morning we take a scenic drive through the Cotswolds to WWT Slimbridge. Opened in 1946 this multi-award-winning wetland and wildlife reserve was set up by visionary artist and naturalist Sir Peter Scott. Set within 800 acres, and well known for its extensive collection of flamingos, the centre is home to a huge variety of birds, mammals and amphibians. Step back in time at the Scott House Museum, the home from which he championed the cause of worldwide wildlife conservation. There are numerous hides and paths to wander along, amongst the wildlife of the Severn Estuary, and the Sloane Observation Tower affords amazing views of the Cotswold escarpment in the East and the Forest of Dean to the West. This afternoon we make the short journey to Dr Jenner's House Museum where a discovery that changed the world was made! Tracing one of the pivotal events in world history, explore the home of innovator Edward Jenner who left the ongoing legacy of vaccination, still shaping our lives today. Learn about his life works and wander around the beautiful garden, containing many of the medicinal herbs he used to treat various illnesses and promote health. After our visit we make our way back to the hotel.
Day 5: After breakfast we begin our return journey home.