The Cotswolds

The Cotswolds covers a huge area – almost 800 square miles – and runs through five counties (Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, Wiltshire and Worcestershire). One of the delights of visiting the Cotswolds is exploring the different areas, each with its own identity, yet all with those defining Cotswold features: golden stone and rolling hills, the ‘wolds’.

Explore quintessentially English villages of honey-coloured stone; take in splendid, lively market towns; visit some of the country’s greatest palaces, castles and country houses.

Oxford

Oxford, the “City of Dreaming Spires” boasts 1,500 listed buildings from every major period of British architectural history from the 11th century onwards. The centre looks like an enchanted fairy-tale city - no wonder Oxford is a firm favourite of filmmakers from all over the world, and has inspired countless famous writers over the centuries.

Oxford is flat and compact, with many of its major attractions, such as the University of Oxford and its 38 colleges; Bodleian Library, the museums, and Oxford Castle right in the centre, which makes it perfect to explore on foot.

Just a little out of the centre, you can find large green spaces like Christ Church Meadows (with excellent views of Oxford’s spires), University Parks, the riverbanks and Port Meadow .

Oxford Botanic Gardens

The Gardens are divided into two main sections, the Walled Garden and the Lower Garden. The range of plantings throughout these areas ensures there is always something of interest to see, whatever the season.

The Walled Garden houses scientific and heritage collections. These include the Order Beds, Geographic Collections, the Hardy Euphorbia Collection, Medicinal Plants, the 1648 Collection and the Woodland Walk.

The Lower Garden comprises of the ornamental and thematic collections. These include the Herbaceous Border, Rock Garden, Gin Border, the Plants that Changed the World exhibit, the Merton Borders, Autumn Border, Water Garden, Oxfordshire Meadows and the Orchard.

Waterperry Gardens

Just a stone's throw from Oxford and within easy reach of London nestles Waterperry Gardens.

Made famous by Beatrix Havergal who established her School of Horticulture for Ladies here from 1932 to 1971, it's now home to 8 acres of beautifully landscaped ornamental gardens, a quality plant centre and garden shop, gallery and gift shop, museum and tea shop.

They are open all year round (except between Christmas and New Years Day), 10am to 5.30pm between March 1st and October 31st and 10am to 5pm in the winter. During Art in Action (July), Waterperry Gardens is only open to visitors attending the event.

Swan Antique Centre

More than eighty dealers are part of the antiques centre which also hosts fortnightly auctions. The next auction contains mostly unredeemed pawn shop jewellery, but also includes two early 20th century chandeliers. The Swan's website reads 'Please note that in spite of recent adverse events we are open for business and the auction next week, on the 5th November, will go ahead as usual.'

The Swan at Tetsworth, High Street Tetsworth, Oxon OX9 7AB

Antique Centre open Every Day - 10am to 6pm t: 01844 281777

Cliveden Manor

A trip to Cliveden would not be complete without a leisurely stroll around the beautiful 376 acre estate. An additional charge of £7 is levied by the National Trust for all guests visiting Cliveden House although if you are already a National Trust member there is no extra charge.

The have afternoon Tea, spoil yourself..

Classic Afternoon Tea - £37

A perfectly prepared selection of finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with home-made jam and clotted cream, miniature delectable bite-size cakes, pastries and delicacies, our famous Cliveden fruit cake and full-bodied and aromatic Cliveden blend teas.

Champagne Afternoon Tea - £54

For true decadence enjoy a glass of Taittinger Champagne with your Classic afternoon tea experience.