A two day tour winding through the pretty and scenic roads of the Cotswolds. This route includes small country towns, chocolate box villages and typically English countryside.

“The most English and the least spoiled of all our countrysides” wrote JB Priestley in 1933.

The honey-yellow stone towns and villages of the Cotswolds have enchanted visitors for generations and it is a perfect touring area with quiet, meandering roads and quaint architecture. The Thames has played a major role in the history of England through the centuries. It rises in the Cotswolds and flows some 210 miles to London and the sea. Villages and towns are scattered along its banks with pleasant walks and delightful scenery. This region is an area of outstanding natural beauty and our suggested route will take you along the most scenic drives, and offers plenty to do and see.

THIS TOUR IS NOW FULLY BOOKED

Accommodation

Stay in the beautiful village of Lower Slaughter near Stow on the Wold, often called England’s prettiest village. Washbourne Court, a lovely hotel, offers a unique refreshing twist on luxury country house hotel ethos, with an enviable reputation for exceptionally fine food. A truly splendid 17th century hotel, once an Eton cramming school, standing in four acres of beautiful grounds alongside the River Eye in the centre of Lower Slaughter, is an inspired mix of exciting contemporary design and handsome historic features. Traditional beamed ceilings, stone mullioned windows and the most magnificent fireplace in the bar, all harmonise with a restaurant style that is both bold and contemporary whilst being wonderfully comfortable. During the summer, guests really appreciate lunch or drinks on our Riverside Terrace, a truly charming riverside setting, with wild birds strutting across the lawns, giving every impression of being so appreciative of their beautiful natural habitat. In the cooler months, guests enjoy relaxing in front of the real log fires.

The ‘designer’ bedrooms are sophisticated yet informal incorporating an understated blend of traditional and funky creating the ultimate Cotswold retreat. You are guaranteed a good night’s sleep on the vi-sprung beds, wonderfully soft feather pillows and crisp luxury white linen. A harmonial merge of modern and vintage creates a unique sense of place whilst being understated, sophisticated and superbly relaxed. The furniture is hand-made or vintage and oh so individual! All the bedrooms include flat screen LCD TVs, DVD players, Internet Connection and iPod docking stations and have luxurious bathrooms some with roll top baths and walk in showers.

Itinerary

Day One: Friday 16th April

Arrive in Lower Slaughter any time after 3pm and check in to your room. For those arriving early, indulge in afternoon tea by the river, or enjoy a stroll through the village. We shall all be having dinner at 7.30pm.

Day Two: Saturday 17th April

Today’s circular tour takes you round the northern part of the Cotswolds. Surrounded by rolling green hills, dotted with sheep that made the area so rich from the wool trade, visit the towns that prospered during those times. Start with Winchcombe, the Saxon capital of Mercia and the nearby Hailes Abbey. Nearby is the Bugatti Trust and Prescott Hill Climb which will appeal to car enthusiasts.

Continue on to the quintessentially English, hilltop village that is Snowshill, owned by the National Trust and then the pretty village of Broadway, just over the border in Worcestershire, where the Cotswolds join the Vale of Evesham. Broadway makes a great place to stop for lunch in one of the fine restaurants dotted along the wide main street. Proceed to Hidcote and the famous gardens and then on to Chipping Norton and Stow on the Wold, before heading back to Lower Slaughter. Dinner will be served at 8pm.

Day Three: Sunday 18th April

Make your way to Woodstock and visit the splendid Blenheim Palace, home to the Dukes of Marlborough, and now a World Heritage Site. Then head to Stanton Harcourt and Wantage, before heading west to Uffington to see the famous White Horse, carved into the chalk hillside. Drive north to Lechlade on Thames and Burford and then back to Lower Slaughter for tea. There is an optional overnight stay for those who wish, or depart for home.

Details

Duration: 16th – 18th April 2010

Price:
Classic Room: £325 per person – ALL FULLY BOOKED
The Classic bedrooms are lovely petit bedrooms, all with a natural chic style. Some rooms have wonderful historic features such as exposed wooden beams and others have stunning views of Lower Slaughter village. All Classic rooms are perfectly formed and are all equally comfortable and individually styled.

Deluxe Room: £375 per person – ALL FULLY BOOKED
The Deluxe bedrooms are fantastic, spacious bedrooms with king size, luxury beds and wonderfully spacious bathrooms – some with roll top baths and separate power shower.Traditional features including ancient wooden beams appear in many rooms. All rooms are located in either the main house or courtyard.

Superior Room: £399 per person – ALL FULLY BOOKED
The Superior rooms are super stylish and luxurious open plan rooms with the finest views of the wonderful gardens, providing a light and airy feeling. The exquisite bathrooms are generously proportioned and boast bountiful aspects of the Cotswolds.

The price is per person, based on two people sharing a twin or double room. Requests for single room accommodation will be extra. Please ask for the supplementary price at the time of booking.

What’s included

• An extensively researched and carefully designed itinerary to optimise your trip
• Two nights accommodation in a twin or double room
• Full breakfast each morning and dinner each evening
• A complete route book detailing our suggested route, along with maps, and a tour book detailing places to visit and things to do in the areas you will pass through.
• Rally plaque
• Experienced and friendly tour guide – Sarah Dowding

What’s not included

• Lunches
• Fuel
• Drinks
• Travel or medical insurance

Requirements

• This tour is only open to members of the Jaguar XK & E-type Clubs
• Please ensure you have suitable travel insurance
• It is a good idea to carry a warning triangle, first-aid kit, fluorescent jacket, set of replacement bulbs and a national identification sticker.
• The most important requirement is that you take pleasure in motoring through fabulous scenery, relish individual, character hotels and enjoy the company of like-minded travellers.