Pioneering Spirits of the Cotswolds

PIONEERING SPIRITS OF THE COTSWOLDS

 

16 – 20 April 2026

Thursday – Monday

5 Days

From £715

 

 

A journey of discovery in a beautiful region of the country, where we feature a variety of captivating attractions with pioneering backgrounds. We visit STEAM which tells the story of the men and women who built, operated, and travelled on the Great Western Railway and A full-day excursion to Bath, including an introductory walking tour of this great Roman city, which was an early pioneer. 

 

 

HOLIDAY HIGHLIGHTS

 

Hereford   |   STEAM   |   Bowood House & Gardens   |   WWT Slimbridge Wetland Cantre   |   Dr Jenners House & Garden   |   Bath  

 

 

DAY ONE – Arrival

We depart from your home and travel to Hereford for lunch then onto your hotel where tea & coffee will be served on arrival whilst your luggage is taken to your room.  Time to relax before dinner.

 

DAY TWO – STEAM and Bowood House and Gardens

This morning, after breakfast our first stop is STEAM, where the story is told of the men and women who built, operated and travelled on the Great Western Railway. The engineering genius of Isambard Kingdom Brunel led to the Great Western Railway network becoming regarded as the most advanced in the world. Later, travel to Bowood House and Gardens, home to the Lansdowne family since 1754. See exhibition rooms displaying amazing family artefacts and antiques, including the Laboratory where Dr Joseph Priestley isolated oxygen gas in 1774. Surrounding the Georgian House is the Italian-inspired Terrace Garden, the Private Walled Gardens, and the herbaceous border, all radiating colour throughout the seasons

 

DAY THREE – Bath and Guided Walking Tour

A full day to Bath, with an introductory walking tour of this great Roman city, early pioneers in their own rite. Later enjoy free time to explore the historic sites including the Roman Baths, ancient abbey, Georgian terraces, and picturesque setting.

 

DAY FOUR – WWT Slimbridge and Dr Jenners House

This morning, we begin with a visit to the award winning WWT Slimbridge. The reserve, set up by visionary artist and naturalist Sir Peter Scott, opened in November 1946. Step back in time at the Scott House Museum, the home from which he championed the cause of worldwide wildlife conservation. For those wishing to venture further afield, there are numerous hides and paths to wander along, amongst the wildlife of the Severn Estuary.

 

This afternoon we visit Dr Jenner's House where a discovery that changed the world was made! Explore the home of innovator Edward Jenner who left the ongoing legacy of vaccination, still shaping our lives today. Wander around the beautiful garden, containing many of the herbs that he would have used, before returning to the hotel.

 

DAY FIVE - Departure

After breakfast, this morning we depart our hotel and travel through Malvern Hills to Worcester for lunch, before continuing our journey home.

 

YOUR HOLIDAY INCLUDES

Luxury coach travel

Home pick-up

4 nights accommodation, dinner & breakfast

Porterage on arrival and departure

Tea / coffee on arrival

Admission STEAM Swindon (Museum of

the Great Western Railway)

Admission WWT Slimebridge Wetland Centre

Admission Bowood House & Gardens

Introductory walking tour of Bath

Guided Tour of Dr Jenners House and Garden. 

 

BEST WESTERN BLUNSDON HOUSE HOTEL, Blunsdon Swindon

Set in 30 acres of beautiful Wiltshire countryside, Blunsdon House Hotel has extensive leisure facilities including indoor pool & gym, two superb restaurants and three comfortable bars.  Bedrooms are tastefully furnished and have all the modern-day facilities you would expect from a hotel of this standard. The hotel has a lift.

 

GROUP BOOKINGS

Looking to take a group, if you book 20 places or more on this tour the tour organiser will go Free of Charge.

YOUR HOLIDAY INCLUDES

Luxury coach travel

Home pick-up

4 nights accommodation, dinner & breakfast

Porterage on arrival and departure

Tea / coffee on arrival

Admission STEAM Swindon (Museum of

the Great Western Railway)

Admission WWT Slimebridge Wetland Centre

Admission Bowood House & Gardens

Introductory walking tour of Bath

Guided Tour of Dr Jenners House and Garden. 

 

BEST WESTERN BLUNSDON HOUSE HOTEL, Blunsdon Swindon

Set in 30 acres of beautiful Wiltshire countryside, Blunsdon House Hotel has extensive leisure facilities including indoor pool & gym, two superb restaurants and three comfortable bars.  Bedrooms are tastefully furnished and have all the modern-day facilities you would expect from a hotel of this standard. The hotel has a lift.

 

HOTEL FACILITIES INCLUDE

General	Rooms	Accessibility
4 star	Tea/coffee making facilities	Lift
Bar	Television	Wheelchair accessible
Restaurant	Hairdryer
Lounge	Wi-Fi

 

GROUP BOOKINGS

Looking to take a group, if you book 20 places or more on this tour the tour organiser will go Free of Charge.

Blunsdon House Hotel Bowood House STEAM Museum ]WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre Dr Jenners House & Garden