The Cotswolds is an area of about the shape of a rough diamond in the heart of England stretching through the counties of Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Wiltshire, Worcestershire and Warwickshire and it is Britain’s largest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). It is centred on the gentle slopes of the Cotswold Hills, which are typical of true English countryside. The Cotswolds is world famous for the beauty of its towns and villages and is one of the most beautiful areas in the UK, which is why it attracts so many visitors. William Morris, one of the leaders of the Arts and Crafts Movements in the early 20th century, was greatly influenced by the Cotswolds countryside and left us with a wonderful and extremely valuable collection of his works of art. The Cotswolds are a haven for honey coloured limestone houses and fine gardens including some small but charming hidden gardens. There are so many places to visit and one of the best ways to explore the Cotswolds is walking by using public footpaths so that you can appreciate and enjoy the picturesque scenery.  

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Stratford-Upon-Avon is set on the beautiful River Avon in the heart of England in Warwickshire and has evidence of its 800-year history in every corner of the town. Stratford is visited by many tourists from all over the world every year and is one of the most visited places in England. The town found fame as the birthplace of William Shakespeare who was born on 23 Apr 1564 and died on 23 Apr 1616. Many actors have performed his plays at the Royal Shakespeare Company. There are annual events connected to William Shakespeare and the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust owns 5 buildings connected to “the bard”.

Many ancient timber-framed buildings can still be seen, they were probably built by successful and wealthy merchants during the middle ages. The town’s connection with the world famous playwright William Shakespeare and his family is a national treasure. There are many hotels, restaurants/bars and shops to accommodate visitors to the town.

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Blenheim Palace is an impressive and monumental country house situated in Woodstock, near Oxford. It is one of the largest houses in England built between 1705 and 1722 and home to the Spencer-Churchill family for the last 300 years. The estate and the cost of building was a gift from Queen Ann and a grateful nation to the heroic John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough who achieved a series of military triumphs during the War of Spanish Succession in the 18th century. It is also the birthplace of a national hero, Sir Winston Churchill who loved the palace and spent a great deal of time here. His birth room and the Churchill Exhibition including his paintings is a must see.

The house covers 3 acres and the estate covers 2,500 acres of the Old Woodstock, beautifully landscaped by ‘Capability’ Brown in the 18th century. Today, Blenheim Palace is a World Heritage site and the palace, park and gardens are open to the public. Many events are staged in the park throughout the year.

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At the early Anglo-Saxon town of Warwick, England’s great leaders and monarchs, in their quest for power and influence built a magnificent castle on a sandstone bluff overlooking the river Avon as protection against enemies or to control key positions in the country. The moment you walk through the gates of Warwick castle, we take you through 1,000 years of history where you experience the sights and sounds as the Earl of Warwick prepares for battle. Enjoy lavishly decorated State Rooms and imagine a Victorian party, see gruesome dungeons where prisoners were tortured and experience the magnificent views of the surrounding countryside.

Over the centuries Warwick castle was transformed into one of the finest mediaeval castles ever to be seen in Britain, today we see a powerful reminder of great leaders and historic events all within 60 beautiful acres of landscaped grounds and gardens.

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Renowned throughout the world for its fine china, the city of Stoke-on-Trent is known as ‘The Potteries’. Since the 18th century visitors have been coming to be impressed by the skills of the craftspeople and to buy outstanding quality products. The internationally acclaimed visitor centres at Wedgwood and Spode have so much to offer - enjoy craft demonstrations, factory tours, unique museum collections and shopping opportunities. Neighbouring towns of Burslem and Longton are home to the manufacturers such as Moorcroft and Burleigh and have factory shops offering selection of Portmeirion, Aynsley and Royal Doulton etc.

Staffordshire itself offers many other attractions, such as the first National Park of the Peak District, other outdoor locations and a great family day out to the exiting Alton Towers.