‘WE WERE BLOWN AWAY WITH JOHNNIE’S FASCINATING COMMENTARY’
CHIPPING CAMPDEN
The
Best of Both
Tour
‘HE WAS A PERFECT TRAVEL COMPANION AND GUIDE!’
CHIPPING CAMPDEN
The
Best of Both
Tour
‘I WOULD HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS TOUR!’
STOW-ON-THE-WOLD
The
Best of Both
Tour
‘WONDERFUL TOUR, TERRIFIC SERVICE AND WORTH EVERY PENNY’
UPTON WOLD
The
Best of Both
Tour
The Best of Both Tour
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The Best of Both tour offers a blend of picturesque villages, a charming garden and scenic landscapes, landmarks and views along the way. You will visit one of the gardens from a choice of six which we will select depending on the best seasonal displays at the time of your visit. Take a leisurely stroll through colourful flower borders, intricate topiary and tranquil water features, marvelling at the sights, sounds and smells, learning something of their history and perhaps finding inspiration for your own green spaces. A wonderful opportunity to relax and savour the slow pace of life in the countryside.
We will then move on to explore some of the beautiful nearby towns and villages. From the busy shops and eateries in Chipping Campden and Broadway to the quieter villages of Snowshill and Blockley. All characterised by honey coloured stone and steeped in history and charm. Perhaps indulge in a little retail therapy or a traditional cream tea.
In between village visits and garden explorations, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the rolling Cotswold hills and verdant countryside. As we wind our way along scenic country lanes lined with hedgerows or dry stone walls, past fields of grazing sheep and ancient oak trees.
The Best of Both Tour offers an unforgettable experience for travellers of all interests and tastes with a broad view of the areas beauty and history which make it such an incredibly popular destination.
Johnnie will collect you from the train station at Moreton-in-Marsh or your accommodation (by prior arrangement, please see booking form). You will then be taken to one of the following gardens, Hidcote, Kiftsgate, Snowshill Manor, Sezincote, Upton Wold or Bourton House. You will have ample time to explore the garden before going on to one of the larger towns or villages for lunch. You will then see the Historic Landmark Broadway Tower with its stunning views plus a selection of other towns and villages which may include Chipping Campden, Broadway, Snowshill, Blockley and the Slaughters. You will then be returned to the station or accommodation.
If you have any special requests or requirements please email us before booking.
Please note that the price of the tour does not include any food, drinks, refreshments or entrance fees to the gardens or sights. Bottles of water will be provided and you will have the use of umbrellas if you do not wish to bring your own.
KIFTSGATE COURT GARDENS
Kiftsgate Court Gardens, is another notable garden. Originally established by Heather Muir in the 1920s and later expanded by her daughter Diany Binny, Kiftsgate is known for its impressive collection of roses. The garden offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside and features a mix of traditional and contemporary elements, making it a unique and picturesque destination for nature lovers and garden admirers.
HIDCOTE GARDENS
Hidcote Gardens, is a renowned Arts and Crafts garden known for its intricate design and diverse plant collections. Created by Lawrence Johnston in the early 20th century, it features a series of distinct "rooms" with unique themes, offering a delightful journey through various horticultural styles and atmospheres. The garden showcases Johnston's passion for plants and design, making it a celebrated destination for garden enthusiasts.
Some Places you May Visit
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CHIPPING CAMPDEN
Although Chipping Campden has ancient Stone Age and Roman origins, it was really founded in the Medieval era. The wealth of the wool trade saw the building of St James Church, one of the finest in the Cotswolds, and many impressive buildings you can still see today. As one of the best preserved and most historically important towns, it is frequently described as the ‘jewel in the crown of the Cotswolds’.
LOWER SLAUGHTER
This quaint and Romantic village sits on either side of the river Eye and is known for its unspoilt stone cottages and picture perfect watermill. There are stone footbridges and flower filled gardens. Very little building has taken place here for over 100 years so it really is like stepping back in time.
BROADWAY
The village centres around its long, wide high street or ‘broad-way’ and remains as it has done for centuries. It was once a prominent stage coach stop on the route between Worcester and London. More recently it attracted famous artists, designers and writers such as JM Barrie, John Singer Sargent and Edward Elgar. Today it has many wonderful cafes, restaurants and pubs, a fine delicatessen and some rather special shops and boutiques.
STOW-ON-THE-WOLD
Stow on the Wold has an impressively large square where once sheep markets took place. The narrow alleys and roads leading from the square were to enable the counting and control huge flocks. These streets were said to run with blood during the last battle of the English Civil war. Here you will find The Porch House, the oldest inn in England dating from 947 AD, and the Yew tree door said to be the inspiration for Tolkien’s entrance to Moria.