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Itinerary
Herefordshire’s Black & White Trail, Oxford & the Cotswolds
From a morning pickup in your local area, we travel by coach to our hotel.
Herefordshire’s Black & White Trail, Oxford & the Cotswolds
We take a scenic drive in the Wye Valley and follow the Black and White Trail, where the medieval timber-framed architecture offers lovely symbols of this region’s past. The trail begins in the historic market town of Leominster, particularly famous for its beautiful black-and-white timber-framed buildings and the Priory Church, which dates back to the 7th century. After some time here, we then continue with a guide, taking in the trail highlights of Dilwyn, Weobley, Sarnesfield, Eardisley, Kington and Lyonshall.
Full Day
Herefordshire’s Black & White Trail, Oxford & the Cotswolds
Our day of sightseeing begins with the delightful market town of Tewkesbury, with origins spanning back to Saxon times. There’s time to look around the abbey, with its stunning Norman architecture, intricate stained glass and one of England’s largest surviving medieval towers, and wander the narrow streets lined with half-timbered houses, Tudor buildings and independent shops. There are some charming riverside walks and fascinating museums on offer too, or to continue a tradition that dates back to the 16th century, why not head to Tewkesbury Mustard? The local artisan product was once famous throughout the country and was even mentioned in Shakespeare’s Henry IV!
We continue to Broadway. Often referred to as the ‘Jewel of the Cotswolds’, this picturesque village is known for its charming streets lined with honey-coloured stone buildings, boutique shops and art galleries. It’s the perfect place to treat yourself to a cream tea if you so wish, either in a little café or luxurious hotel such as The Lygon Arms. On the way back to the hotel, sit back and soak up the rolling Cotswold scenery as we pass through towns such as Northleach and Stow-on-the-Wold.
Full Day
Herefordshire’s Black & White Trail, Oxford & the Cotswolds
We enjoy time at leisure in Oxford. This beautiful ‘City of Dreaming Spires’ has plenty to offer, with many historic university buildings to see, including the famous Bodleian Libraries, and postcard-perfect scenes of students and visitors punting on the river. Oxford also has a wide variety of shops, from High Street stores to quaint individual boutiques and bookshops, peppered with plenty of restaurants, cosy tearooms and olde worlde taverns. The city’s literary connections include J.R.R Tolkien, C.S. Lewis and Oscar Wilde and it also provided inspiration for some of the sets in the Harry Potter films and Inspector Morse TV series.
Half Day
Herefordshire’s Black & White Trail, Oxford & the Cotswolds
After breakfast, we check out of the hotel and board the coach for the journey home.
Tewkesbury Abbey & Historic Market Town Walk
Explore the historic market town of Tewkesbury on foot, pausing at Tewkesbury Abbey to admire its stunning Norman architecture. Wander medieval streets of timber frames and gables, browse independent shops, and follow riverside walks where the Avon meets the Severn.
Hear stories from the 1471 Battle of Tewkesbury and a condiment once praised by Shakespeare as “Tewkesbury mustard.” Inside the abbey, look for intricate stained glass and the mighty Norman tower; outside, museum cottages and alleys reveal centuries of trade, worship and craftsmanship in this riverside town.
Broadway Village Visit & Cotswolds Scenic Drive
Stroll Broadway, the ‘Jewel of the Cotswolds’, among honey-coloured Cotswold stone cottages, art galleries and cosy tearooms; step into the storied Lygon Arms if you wish. On the ridge above, Broadway Tower crowns the skyline, hinting at centuries of hill-top watchfulness.
Continue on a Cotswolds scenic drive past drystone walls, sheep-grazed meadows and handsome market towns. Glimpse the squares of Stow-on-the-Wold and Northleach, where elegant “wool churches” speak of medieval prosperity, and pause for photos as the afternoon light warms the limestone hills.
Oxford City Visit – Dreaming Spires at Leisure
Visit Oxford, the City of Dreaming Spires, and explore at your own pace. See the Bodleian Library and Radcliffe Camera, admire the Sheldonian Theatre, and wander past college quads while punts drift along the Cherwell.
Trace literary footsteps from Tolkien to C.S. Lewis, browse the historic Covered Market, or drop into bookshops and cloisters seen on screen. This flexible city visit is unguided, allowing you to enjoy time at leisure among spires, cobbles and mellow stone.
Wye Valley Drive & Herefordshire’s Black & White Villages (Guided)
Discover a scenic drive in the Wye Valley before joining the Herefordshire’s Black & White Villages Trail with your group. Begin in Leominster to admire the Leominster Priory Church and streets lined with half-timbered houses, where dark oak frames contrast with white limewash and cottage gardens.
Learn how medieval wool wealth shaped villages such as Weobley, Dilwyn, Eardisley, Kington and Lyonshall. Your guide points out jettied upper floors, carved doorheads and churchcraft; in Eardisley, the 12th-century Norman font evokes the Herefordshire School, while orchards and hop fields frame village greens.
