At the southern fringes of the Cotswolds, on the border of Wiltshire and Somerset, your journey begins. Explore the quaint market town of Bradford-on-Avon, following in the footsteps of those who crafted the town’s many historic buildings, then settle in for a refreshing tea and cake at the iconic Bridge Tea Rooms. Further along the valley sits Iford Manor, whose gardens are well worth a visit – catch them in May for the impressive wisteria display!

Stay at Homewood Hotel & Spa, with views of the rolling Somerset hills, this is a place to switch off and enjoy a little slice of indulgence.

Next up, Bath – the original well-being destination! Built for pleasure and relaxation, Bath has been a wellbeing destination since Roman times. The waters at the ancient Roman Baths are still a big draw, as are the city’s numerous places to eat and drink, plus some of the finest museums and galleries. Georgian architecture welcomes you straight from a Jane Austen novel – highlights include the iconic Royal Crescent and the majestic Circus. There’s plenty to see beyond the city, too, with stunning Somerset countryside to explore, as well as attractions like Avebury and Longleat Safari Park.

Stay at The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa, set amongst the listed buildings that sit within this iconic, sweeping street. For music lovers, the Friday night DJ nights in the summer are a must!

Wind your way north of the city through rolling hills and past timeless manor houses to arrive in Castle Combe. This picture-perfect village is known as one of the most beautiful in England, and you can certainly see why as you wander the quiet streets. A popular film location, most recently in The Wolf Man, Stardust, and Stephen Spielberg’s War Horse, it was also used in the original Dr Doolittle film. You’ll find a Market Cross and St Andrew’s Church which dates from the 13th century. The church houses a faceless clock which is reputed to be one of the oldest working clocks in the country. For golfers, there are some lovely courses to be discovered in this region too.

Stay at Lucknam Park, where the scene is set from the moment you turn into the magnificent mile-long driveway guiding you to the restored Palladian mansion set within 500 acres of glorious parkland and paddocks.

Journeying deeper into the Cotswolds now, pause to wonder at one of the most beautiful and important plant collections in the world at Westonbirt Arboretum, before stopping in the bustling market town of Tetbury. Packed with intriguing antique shops and independent eateries, you can while away a few hours browsing and indulging here.

Stay at Calcot & Spa near Tetbury for a cool country escape complete with stylish spa and family-friendly activities, or stay at Whatley Manor near Malmesbury where you’ll indulge in Michelin-star dining and an attractive eco-friendly spa.

The picturesque Stroud valleys draw you to Painswick, a village perched atop the edge of the Cotswold hills. Don’t miss the unique Rococo Gardens on the edge of the village, and take time to wander the winding streets lined with Cotswold stone houses. The centre of the village, the churchyard here is famous for its 99 yew trees – and legend has it, you’ll find them impossible to count!

Stay at The Painswick, tucked away in the beauty of the Cotswolds, this Palladian house is the epitome of English charm. Think boutique bedrooms, delicious dining, and picture-perfect panoramic views.

The Capital of the Cotswolds calls – Cirencester. Visit on farmers’ market day to see the town at its best or learn about the Roman roots of the Cotswolds in the Corinium Museum. Just outside the town, the allure of the serene Coln Valley is hard to resist, with the much-loved Bibury village making for picture-perfect memories. A country walk to an inventive gastropub is on the cards, so head to Burford. This pretty hillside town’s lively high street sits in the Windrush Valley, whose villages hide some of the best dining pubs in the Cotswolds.

Head west, where the town of Cheltenham sits below the edge of the Cotswolds. This is a place known for its lively festivals of jazz, literature, and horse racing, and is packed with independent bars, restaurants, and boutiques. From here, the Cotswold Way rises to both the north and south – it’s 102 miles long but walking just a small section of it brings you to the essence of the local countryside.

Stay at Ellenborough Park, a British manor house with 90 acres of glorious grounds next to the famous Cheltenham Racecourse.

Follow the Cotswold Way north, where it brings you to Broadway Tower, a local landmark folly with spectacular views over sixteen counties on a clear day. If you haven’t got a head for heights, the roaming deer in the surrounding parkland are a stunning sight of their own.

Crowning your journey through the Cotswolds is Stratford-upon-Avon, the celebrated birthplace of William Shakespeare, characterised by distinctive timber-framed houses. With over 800 years of history, pockets of this little market town would still look familiar to the Great Bard. Today you’ll not only find historic buildings and the Royal Shakespeare Theatre but also a thriving community buoyed by lively events on the banks of the pretty River Avon.

Stay at The Elms, a boutique manor escape like no other in the Worcestershire countryside.