Avon's Calling- Painswick, Westonbirt & SS Great Britain

Day 1: Following your home taxi collection we join our luxury tour coach and head to Bristol for our 4 night stay at the Aztec hotel on a dinner bed and breakfast basis.

Day 2: Our day begins at Painswick Rococo Garden which was designed in the 1740’s as a fanciful pleasure garden for the owner of Painswick House and his guests. Visitors will be delighted by the magical follies and spectacular views of the Cotswold countryside. This afternoon we make our way to Gloucester for a canal cruise with commentary from the skipper, followed by time at leisure to explore the famous Docks. The restored warehouses make this a remarkably complete example of a Victorian port.

Day 3: This morning we have a scenic drive through the Somerset Levels, Mendip Hills and Cheddar Gorge to the lovely medieval city of Wells. The history of Wells goes right back to Roman times when we know that there was a settlement, probably because of the springs that bubble up here. Wells gets its name from these springs which can today be found in the gardens of the Bishop's Palace. Why not head off to see the magnificent Cathedral and unique Bishop’s Palace Moat and Gardens. We then continue to Bristol where we will discover the modern harbourside, meander the Old City and step aboard the SS Great Britain - the ship that changed the world! This passenger steamship was designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel and was the first iron steamer to cross the Atlantic. The complex includes the Dockyard Museum (which charts the ship’s history from her conception to the modern day, featuring some helpful historical context to steamships and personal effects from those associated with the ship), the ‘Being Brunel’ exhibition which explores Bristol’s most famous resident in greater depth, and the ship itself, which has been lovingly restored. The ship in particular is fantastic to wander around: from the first class dining saloons to the engine rooms, you get a real feel for what the ship would have felt like, and how impressive it would have been to contemporaries (as well as how cramped it would have felt with 700 passengers).

Day 4: We start the day at Westonbirt Arboretum, home to one of the most spectacular tree collections in the world, which now features a treetop walkway, accessible to all. This afternoon we visit the beautiful Georgian City of Bath. Upon our arrival we are joined by a local guide for a tour of this fabulous City before free time to explore at your own pace. We recommend visits to the famous Royal Crescent, the Jane Austen Centre and the Roman Baths before exploring the various lanes of specialist shops.

Day 5: This morning we sadly depart our hotel and head back to Norfolk where we find our door to door taxi service waiting to return you home.

Holiday Information:
4 Nights Dinner, Bed & Breakfast (Evening meals will be table service)
Price: £791pp
Single Supplement: £nil (Limited Availability)
Additional Singles Beyond Allocation From: £145pp (Will be allocated a twin or double room for sole occupancy, depending on availability)
Insurance: TBC (Insurance not currently available)
Tour Reference: AWE5063

Deposit Required: £50pp
Balance Due: 8 weeks prior to departure