Day 1 Sunday: Meet our coach this morning on a leisurely drive to delightful Cheltenham. 'Capital of the Cotswolds' as it is known. On arrival, the coach will set down at a convenient spot and you can explore the town centre at your leisure for a good few hours.
After a while here, shopping, sightseeing, lunching whatever you choose to do - we meet back at the coach and go on to our lovely hotel near Abingdon for dinner and a comfortable night's stay.
**** Milton Hill House Hotel (DeVere). Georgian whitewashed charm set in 22 acres of stunning Parkland near Abingdon, Oxfordshire. Delightful restaurant and bar. All guest rooms have full, modern facilities. Go for a stroll in the grounds after dinner!
We also use Hilton Reading **** and Swindon Marriott **** on certain dates
Day 2 Monday: Rise to a hearty breakfast (or something lighter - there's lots of choice on the buffet) then we board the coach for a drive through the west Berkshire countryside to Highclere Castle.
Highclere Castle has been home to the Carnarvon family since 1679. Built on an ancient site, the original house was recorded in the Domesday Book. The present day Castle was designed in 1842 by Sir Charles Barry, the architect also responsible for building the Houses of Parliament in Westminster.
The Castle's history also includes a fascinating connection with ancient Egypt, as the 5th Earl, with Howard Carter, discovered the tomb of Tutankhamun in the Valley of the Kings in 1922.
The Castle now houses an exhibition that commemorates this historic event, including some rare antiquities from the 5th Earl's earlier Egyptian excavations.
So, you can now enjoy the Castle itself, the Egyptian Exhibition and the beautiful Grounds and Gardens. (The castle viewed from a distance in the grounds is quite stunning)
There's a gift shop with plenty of 'Downton Abbey' memorabilia and a tea room serving delicious food home-made in the Castle kitchens.