Steaming through the Cotswolds & Cruising the River Avon

Stratford-upon-Avon is a historic market town in Warwickshire situated on the banks of the River Avon and a popular tourist destination attracting over three million visitors a year. With its beautiful surroundings it’s not hard to see why it’s such a hit with coach trip visitors.

Best known for being the birthplace of the poet and playwright William Shakespeare and home to the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford plays host to a rich programme of events and activities from festivals and music in the park to river racing and cruises.

Nestled in the lovely county of Gloucestershire and with its delightful riverside setting, the market town of Tewkesbury is bursting with charm and character. Enjoy a stroll through the network of alleyways and quaint streets, lined with black and white half-timbered buildings, or admire Tewkesbury Abbey, famous for its beautiful stained glass windows, intricate 12^th-century ceiling and historic Norman tower.

Find out more about the town’s history at the heritage centre or Tewkesbury Museum, housed in a well-preserved 17^th-century building, or why not browse the unique shops? Alison’s Bookshop boasts a range of different titles, Sweets & Treats offers traditional chocolates, jellies and sweets and look out for Tewkesbury Mustard to continue a tradition that dates back to the 16^th century. The artisan product was once famous throughout the land and was even mentioned in Shakespeare's Henry IV and many old recipe books!

The Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway offers a lovely chance to step back in time and experience the nostalgia of steam travel. Using part of the old Great Western Railways main line from Birmingham to Cheltenham, the heritage railway now operates journeys between Cheltenham Racecourse and quintessential Broadway.

Sit back, relax and enjoy meandering through the stunning countryside, dotted with sleepy hamlets, and take in the stunning views of the Malvern Hills and beyond. This is a real highlight of any trip to the Cotswolds!  

One of the unspoilt regions of England, the lovely Cotswolds, an area of outstanding natural beauty, covers six English counties and draws coach trips visitors from all over the world.

Renowned for its rolling meadows, meandering river valleys, pretty woodland, gentle hillsides and of course it’s sleepy ancient limestone villages and market towns, the area hasn’t changed much for over 300 years.