The
Cotswolds is a range of hills in west-central England, an area 25
miles (40 km) across and 90 miles (145 km) long. The area is characterised
by attractive small towns and villages built of the underlying Cotswold
stone (a type of limestone).
On the borders of the Cotswolds are the university city of Oxford,
Shakespeare's Stratford Upon Avon and Warwick Castle. Combining any
of these four makes a fascinating day of contrasts.
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Anne
Hathaway's Cottage Stratford |
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Vehicles,
Driver/Guides + Scope Of Private Tours
FCMBS
have a range of touring vehicles with capacities ranging from 8 to
16 seats. We charge a flat fee per vehicle, (not person) for the day,
this includes the bus and services of the driver guide.
Admissions to attractions are not included. |
The
day is yours, the only rules are imposed by UK law - no smoking on
buses and driving hours and breaks governed by UK law.
Otherwise you're free to go where you want to go, when you want to
go.
Time is always the enemy, even though a typical tour will be 10-11
hours in duration. |
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Private Tour Options In The Region
Many people
on a day tour wishing to see Stratford as the main objective like
to twin this with the Cotswolds in the morning. The Cotswolds covers
quite an area, north to south not far off 100 miles.
Our most popular itinerary is to skirt the university city of Oxford
entering the Cotswolds in Burford. We meander down country lanes,
through villages of honey coloured stone, stopping in Burford and
Bourton-on-the-Water and also visiting the charming twins of Upper
and Lower Slaughter.
A stop for a leisurely lunch or cream tea is made in one of these
places then we set off to Stratford-on-Avon.
Central
Cotswold Villages
Burford
Burford,
an old wool town, is our gateway town into the Cotswolds. One of the
larger conurbation's, the main High Street descending down to the
river with some of its best 17th and 18th century frontages is the
main focus for visitors. Burford is a renowned centre for antiques,
teashops and gift shopping.
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Bourton
On The Water
Probably
the most popular village in the Cotswolds, and often referred to as
the "Venice of the Cotswolds" because the River Windrush
runs right through the centre. The sparkling water and the attractive
low bridges crossing it create a charming scene.
The
Slaughters
Only a
couple of miles from Bourton On Water, Lower Slaughter is just off
the Roman Fosse Way and a wonderfully conserved typical Cotswold village,
with a Water Mill and ducks on the stream - a wander alongside the
stream seems like a privilege.
Upper Slaughter is equally attractive with old cottages and farmhouses,
and a Manor House now a hotel |
Bourton On The Water |
Stratford
Upon Avon
We do a short orientation tour of Stratford before alighting at Shakespeare's
Birthplace |
The
'must see' in in the middle of town. On the far side of the town centre
is Holy Trinity Church where Shakespeare is buried.
The town itself is also a nice place to loiter with some olde worlde
charm and a very nice riverside with extensive parkland and always
something going on.
A mile or two from the town centre is Anne Hathaway's Cottage and
further out is Shakespeare's mother's house, Mary Arden.
The bus is needed to see these.
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Shakespeare's
Birthplace |
Warwick
Castle
Just 20-30 minutes from Stratford is Warwick Castle, of England's
best preserved castles. |
Warwick
Castle is run by the people who run Madame Tussauds in London and
there is an accent on entertainment with plenty of events put on and
things to do.
You can spend time climbing the castle towers, walking through the
gardens, visiting the exhibitions and watching special outdoor events.
These events may include jousting, archery or falconry
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Warwick
Castle |
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