Heritage Railways of the Cotswolds and Avon Valley
Heritage Railways of the Cotswolds and Avon Valley
$794
Heritage Railways of the Cotswolds and Avon Valley
5 Days Starting and ending in United Kingdom
Visiting: United Kingdom, Brunel's SS Great Britain, Great Western Railway, Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway, Broadway, Bristol Packet Boat Trips, Avon Valley Railway (Bitton Station)
Tour operator:
Guide Type:
Partially Guided
Age range:
0-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Nestled amongst 30 acres of wonderful Wiltshire countryside, the 4-star Blunsdon House awaits you in the charming village of Broad Blunsdon. With a fantastic restaurant serving fresh and flavoursome à la carte cuisine, rooms furnished to an exceptional standard, and an irresistible range of leisure facilities, you’re guaranteed a relaxing stay. From here, join us on a journey of discovery as we explore some of the West Country’s most idyllic landscapes and memorable rail journeys. Take in a unique blend of fascinating history and spectacular scenery as we travel along heritage railways through the Cotswolds and the Avon Valley, enjoy a ride on the Bristol Packet Boat, and visit Brunel’s SS Great Britain – formerly the biggest passenger ship in the world. With many more exciting experiences on offer, this break is sure to leave you with many incredible memories.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : United Kingdom
Location: United Kingdom
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Blunsdon House Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
Make your own way to our hotel, where you meet an experienced Tour Manager and enjoy a relaxing evening.
Day 2 : Brunel's Ss Great Britain And Museum Of The Great Western Railway
Location: Brunel's SS Great Britain, Great Western Railway
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Blunsdon House Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
After a leisurely breakfast, we travel by coach to Bristol for a visit to Brunel's SS Great Britain. This magnificent steamship was the biggest passenger ship in the world when she came into service. We have time to explore the painstakingly restored ship, fascinating dry dock and original settlement. Wander through the quiet courtyards and enjoy the vibrant mix of traditional shops and pubs alongside modern outlets and stylish cafés.
Later, we continue by coach to the Museum of the Great Western Railway in Swindon. The museum is located in a beautifully restored Grade II listed railway building in the heart of the former Swindon railway works and tells the story of the men and women who built, operated and travelled on the Great Western Railway. See famous locomotives, 'drive' the train simulator and work the signals in the interactive signal box.
We return by coach to our hotel for dinner this evening.
Day 3 : Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway And Broadway
Location: Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway, Broadway
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Blunsdon House Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today, we travel by coach to Cheltenham and board the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway, which is a volunteer-operated heritage railway that runs along the Gloucestershire and Worcestershire border. It uses part of the route of the former Great Western Railway's main line from Birmingham to Cheltenham, operating steam and heritage diesel trains between Cheltenham Racecourse and Broadway through some of the most spectacular scenery in the Cotswolds. Enjoy wonderful views of the nearby sleepy hamlets, villages, the Malvern Hills and beyond as we follow the line to Broadway.
On arrival, you’ll have some free time to wander around this picture-postcard village which is steeped in cultural heritage. The charming high street is lined with chestnut trees and a mixture of period houses and honey-coloured cottages.
We return to the hotel by coach and enjoy dinner this evening.
Day 4 : Bristol Packet Boat Trip And Avon Valley Railway
Location: Bristol Packet Boat Trips, Avon Valley Railway (Bitton Station)
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Blunsdon House Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today, our coach transfers us to Bristol, where we board the Bristol Packet Boat for a ride through the Docks.
Later, we travel by coach to Bitton Station and join the Avon Valley Railway for a memorable journey. Sit back, relax on board the restored carriages and locomotives, and soak up the scenery along the re-laid Bitton track. We also include a traditional English cream tea which is served at your seat.
We return to our hotel by coach later this afternoon and enjoy dinner at the hotel.
Day 5 : On Way Home
Location: United Kingdom
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, it is time to check out of the hotel and make your own way home.
What's Included
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Accommodation
As detailed in the itinerary
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Additional Services
Travel from a wide range of joining points across the UK is included within your coach holiday price; some carry a supplement. Please contact us for our full list of joining points.
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Meals
As detailed in the itinerary
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Transport
Comfortable, air-conditioned motorcoach
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Porterage at Hotels
What's Not Included
Accommodation
You will stay for four nights at the Blunsdon House Hotel, Best Western Premier Collection.
Check out our Q&As
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What is the fitness level required to do this tour?
Low
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
No
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Is there a limit to luggage that can be brought on the tour?
Your allowance is one medium sized suitcase per person, which should weigh no more than 20kg when full. Hand luggage should be stored in the overhead racks aboard the coach.
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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Is the tour coach air conditioned?
Yes
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
Yes, 6 years or above
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Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?
As detailed in the itinerary
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Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?
You can be assured of a high level of service and reliability from our expert-trained coach crews, who will be on hand to assist and escort you along the way
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Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?
Yes
1 Dates & Availability
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Thursday - Monday
Aug 08, 2024 - Aug 12, 2024Thursday - Monday
May 15, 2025 - May 19, 2025Thursday - Monday
Sep 11, 2025 - Sep 15, 2025Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Shearings requires a minimum deposit of 75 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of shearings charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 42 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 21 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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