Historic Wells & Bath

Day 1. Friday We depart and travel to Regency Cheltenham. A wonderful mix of the traditional and the new, Cheltenham nestles against the Cotswolds as the perfect place to enjoy for a few hours. As you would expect from the most complete Regency town in Britain, Cheltenham is brimming with history. As you stroll along the promenade, it’s easy to see why it became the hip 18th century hang out for holidaying Brits, after its health-giving spa waters were unearthed by enterprising Henry Skillicorne. We depart later this afternoon for the journey to Wells and the Swan Hotel. This evening enjoy a three-course evening meal.

Day 2. Saturday Following breakfast, we enjoy a free day to explore Wells. Wells qualifies as England’s smallest, and Somerset’s only city and lies sheltered beneath the southern slopes of the Mendip Hills. It is home to a magnificent cathedral, and the unique moated Bishop's Palace. Built between 1175 and 1490, Wells Cathedral has been described as “the most poetic of the English Cathedrals”. The Bishop’s Palace and Gardens has been home to the Bishops of Bath and Wells for over 800 years and this stunning medieval palace is now open for all to enjoy. Adjoining the Cathedral is Vicars’ Close, believed to be the only complete medieval street left in England. The Wells Market Place has been a focal point of the City over the ages and is still today, with its twice weekly market on a Wednesday and Saturday selling local produce and goods.

Day 3. Sunday We depart after breakfast and enjoy a visit to Bath. The golden city of Bath has been welcoming visitors for over 2,000 years. Designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, it presents some of the finest architectural sights in Europe including the Royal Crescent, majestic Abbey and Georgian terraces. At the heart of the city next to Bath Abbey is the Roman Baths, which gives a fascinating insight into the bathing complex and Roman Temple of Sulis Minerva. Bath’s Museums and galleries help to capture the lives of those that were here before us and The Jane Austen Centre illustrates the famous author’s links with Bath. We depart later this afternoon to make our journey home.

Excursion days are subject to change and will be confirmed with your final travel documents.

This hotel has a fantastic location in the city of Wells, being right in the centre with plenty of shops and places to visit. For 600 years they have had many guests enjoy this wonderful inn, with a few famous faces too. The Cathedral is directly opposite the hotel and you can admire its magnificence from the outside seating area, directly leading into the Cathedral gardens. All bedrooms are en-suite with television, telephone, and tea/coffee making facilities. Additional facilities include a restaurant, bar, lounge, and terrace. NO LIFT. Limited ground floor bedrooms.