Friday 15th: Our outward journey takes us via Cheltenham and Cirencester to the Mercure Hotel Swindon.
Saturday 16th: Visit Lacock Abbey, Fox Talbot Museum & Village, set in rural Wiltshire, the picturesque National Trust village where the parkland surrounding the 13th century abbey is believed to be the work of ‘Capability’ Brown. Lacock has appeared many times in TV and film productions from Pride & Prejudice to the Harry Potter films. You can also explore the museum which celebrates the achievements of former Lacock resident, William Henry Fox Talbot, famous for his contributions to the invention of photography. The afternoon will be to the historical market town of Chippenham is one of the West Country’s most vibrant towns.
Sunday 17th: Full day tour takes us to Longleat Safari & Adventure Park. With over 20 fabulous attractions, including Longleat House, one of the most stunning stately homes in Britain, where you go back in time and experience over 450 years of history. Enjoy incredibly close encounters with some of the world’s most amazing animals in a drive through the UK’s number one safari park, which first opened its gates to the public in 1966.
Monday 18th: Today we head to Bowood House the magnificent family home of the Marquis and Marchioness of Lansdowne and enjoy the 100 acres of beautiful ‘Capability’ Brown designed parkland, offering a lake, arboretum, pinetum and cascade. Bowood House hosts a wealth of unique historical artifacts from Queen Victoria’s wedding chair to Napoleon’s death mask and an extensive art collection. Interesting rooms include Robert Adam's Library, the Laboratory where Dr Joseph Priestley discovered oxygen in 1774, and the Chapel that is still used for family services. The Gardens are one of the special glories of Bowood, encompassing almost every period of English garden design from the early Georgian period onwards. We depart mid-afternoon for our journey home.