Autumn Leaf Colours Around the Cotswolds
Autumn Leaf Colours Around the Cotswolds
5 Days Starting and ending in Cheltenham, United Kingdom
Visiting: Cheltenham, Chipping Campden, Oxford, Westonbirt, Bristol
Tour operator:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
0 - 30
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Cultural, Gardens & Nature Tours, History, Special Guest Tours
Activities:
Tour Overview
Experience the vibrant hues of autumn with the "Autumn Leaf Colours Around the Cotswolds" tour. This enchanting journey takes you through the picturesque Cotswold countryside, featuring visits to renowned arboretums and botanic gardens. Begin your adventure with a warm welcome at the four-star DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Cheltenham, where you'll enjoy comfortable accommodations and a welcome reception with horticultural expert Tony Russell. Explore the vast collections at Batsford and Harcourt Arboretums, and discover the historic beauty of the University of Oxford Botanic Garden. Marvel at the ancient trees of the National Arboretum at Westonbirt and the hidden gem of Tortworth Court Arboretum. Conclude your tour with a visit to the Bristol Botanic Gardens, showcasing a diverse range of global flora. This tour promises a captivating exploration of nature's autumnal splendor, guided by an expert in the field.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Independently At The Doubletree By Hilton Cheltenham Hotel From 15.00
Location: Cheltenham
Accommodation Name: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, Cheltenham
Meals Included: Dinner
Welcome reception, dinner with wine and introductory talk from your horticulturalist tour expert, Tony Russell.
Day 2: Batsford Arboretum And Ernest Wilson Memorial Garden, Chipping Camden
Location: Chipping Campden
Accommodation Name: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, Cheltenham
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Our first visit today is to Batsford Arboretum, one of the largest tree collections in private ownership. We enjoy a guided tour which takes in some of the 1500 different species of trees, shrubs and bamboos set within 55 acres of glorious countryside overlooking the Evenlode valley. After lunch (own expense) we drive to the picturesque town of Chipping Camden where we visit the Ernest Wilson Memorial Garden. Ernest Wilson was probably the greatest plant collector of the early 20th century. He discovered and introduced over 1200 new species of trees and shrubs to Britain including the Pocket-handkerchief tree and the Paper-bark maple. He was born in Chipping Campden hence the Memorial Garden which is planted solely with trees and shrubs he introduced. Our final stop of the day is to St. James’ Churchyard in Chipping Campden, which has an avenue of lime trees known as the 12 apostles. They were planted in 1770 and have been pollarded into amazing shapes.
Day 3: Harcourt Arboretum And The University Of Oxford Botanic Garden
Location: Oxford
Accommodation Name: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, Cheltenham
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Established in 1835 by the Harcourt family, Harcourt Arboretum is now managed by the University of Oxford Botanic Garden. Here there are trees and shrubs from all corners of the temperate world, including Giant Redwoods from North America, Magnolias from the Himalayas, the rare Golden Larch from China and the South American Lantern tree. We have time in Oxford for lunch (own expense) before visiting the Oxford Botanic Garden, the oldest botanic garden in Britain. Founded in 1621, it has a spectacular collection of trees and shrubs including South American Monkey puzzles, the largest Black pine in England and a superb collection of rowans including the Chinese rowan, Sorbus sargentiana. Couple with this a palm house, bog gardens and walled gardens and this makes a wonderful afternoon tour.
Day 4: National Arboretum, Westonbirt
Location: Westonbirt
Accommodation Name: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, Cheltenham
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
We spend today at he finest and oldest arboretum in Europe, with more than 18,500 specimens spread over 600 acres. The morning will be spent exploring the Old Arboretum, created by Robert Holford from 1829. Here we will see numerous ‘champion’ trees including rare magnolias, tree rhododendrons and both Japanese and American maples. The afternoon will be spent in the ancient woodland of Silkwood. Here we will view the national collection of maples and 2,000 year-old lime tree.
Day 5: Tortworth Court Arboretum, And Bristol Botanic Gardens
Location: Bristol
Accommodation Name: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, Cheltenham
Meals Included: Breakfast
Our final day begins with a visit to Tortworth Court, once home of Lord Ducie and now a majestic hotel surrounded by the spectacular remains of Tortworth Arboretum. The arboretum was created by Lord Ducie over 150 years ago. At one time it rivalled Westonbirt for sheer grandeur and diversity of species. Today it is one of the horticultural worlds best kept secrets and a must for tree enthusiasts. Here North American oaks stand proudly alongside rare Himalayan pines in a beautiful setting. Our final visit is to the Tortworth Chestnut in a nearby churchyard. A magnificent old tree which some believe dates back to the time of the Romans and one which was recently nominated as one of the nation’s favourite trees.After time for lunch (own expense) we make our final visit of the tour to Bristol Botanic Gardens which boasts an impressive tree collection, featuring a diverse range of species from around the world. The garden also features collections that highlight plant evolution, Mediterranean flora, and local and rare native plants. Return to the hotel for approx. 17.30.
What's Included
-
Four nights’ dinner, bed and breakfast
Four nights’ dinner, bed and breakfast at the four-star DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, Cheltenham based on shared occupancy of a twin/double room.
-
Welcome reception and talk
Welcome reception and talk by Tony Russell.
-
All talks, guided tours and admissions
All talks, guided tours and admissions as per the itinerary.
-
Coach touring itinerary
Coach touring itinerary is included.
-
Tour expert Tony Russell
Tour expert Tony Russell will be present throughout the tour.
What's Not Included
-
Transport to the hotel
Transport to the hotel is not included.
-
Double for sole use supplement
Double for sole use supplement costs £299.
-
Extra nights
Extra nights on bed and breakfast basis are not included.
-
Holiday insurance
Holiday insurance is not included.
-
Meals other than those stated
Meals other than those stated are not included.
-
Items of a personal nature
Items of a personal nature such as drinks, laundry, telephone calls etc are not included.
-
Porterage and gratuities
Porterage and gratuities are not included.
Mode of Transport
Transport to the hotel is not included, but the tour features a coach touring itinerary for all guided tours and admissions as per the itinerary.
Accommodation
The four-star DoubleTree by Hilton hotel in located on the outskirts of Cheltenham and boasts excellent facilities. Hotel facilities include a restaurant, bar, fitness centre, swimming pool, and terrace. Bedrooms are comfortable with en-suite bathroom, TV, telephone, wifi, safe, hairdryer and tea/coffee making facilities. Parking available at the hotel at a cost of £5 per day.
MORE INFO
Your Guide/Lecturer: Tony RussellTony Russell has worked in horticulture for almost 40 years, including 14 years in charge of Britain's National Arboretum at Westonbirt and 10 years as plant consultant to the National Trust. During this time Tony has also presented several television and radio programmes, as well as appearing as a panellist on BBC Radio 4's Gardeners Question Time. He is the author of 20 published books on gardens, plants and trees and the editor of the annual publication Great Gardens to Visit. Tony is currently consulting on a large, new arboretum being created at Rahanna House in Ireland and in 2024 will be leading a number of exclusive garden and plant-based tours, both in the UK and overseas.Please note that all our UK tours start and finish at the relevant hotel.You can normally check in from 3pm onwards but hotels will always be happy to store your luggage if you arrive earlier in the day.
For full details of how to get to the hotel, directions and the nearest train station, please click on the hotel website or call our office for details. These will also be sent automatically with your confirmation.
The welcome reception and first evening dinner / talk will commence at about 6pm - full details will be sent with your joining instructions about 10 days prior to the arrival date.
Check out our Q&As
-
Who will be leading the tour and what is their expertise?
The tour will be led by Tony Russell, a horticultural expert with almost 40 years of experience. He has worked in charge of Britain's National Arboretum at Westonbirt for 14 years and has been a plant consultant to the National Trust for 10 years. Tony has also presented television and radio programs and is an author of 20 published books on gardens, plants, and trees.
-
What can I expect on the first day of the tour?
On the first day, you will arrive independently at the DoubleTree by Hilton Cheltenham Hotel from 15:00. There will be a welcome reception, followed by dinner with wine and an introductory talk from your horticulturalist tour expert, Tony Russell.
-
What are some of the highlights of the visit to Batsford Arboretum?
At Batsford Arboretum, you will enjoy a guided tour of one of the largest tree collections in private ownership, featuring 1500 different species of trees, shrubs, and bamboos set within 55 acres of countryside overlooking the Evenlode valley.
-
What unique trees can be seen at the Harcourt Arboretum?
At Harcourt Arboretum, you can see trees and shrubs from all over the temperate world, including Giant Redwoods from North America, Magnolias from the Himalayas, the rare Golden Larch from China, and the South American Lantern tree.
-
What makes the National Arboretum at Westonbirt special?
The National Arboretum at Westonbirt is the finest and oldest arboretum in Europe, with more than 18,500 specimens spread over 600 acres. It features numerous 'champion' trees, rare magnolias, tree rhododendrons, and both Japanese and American maples.
-
What is significant about the Tortworth Chestnut?
The Tortworth Chestnut is a magnificent old tree located in a nearby churchyard, believed by some to date back to the time of the Romans. It was recently nominated as one of the nation’s favourite trees.
-
What facilities are available at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Cheltenham?
The DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Cheltenham offers a restaurant, bar, fitness centre, swimming pool, and terrace. Bedrooms are comfortable with en-suite bathrooms, TV, telephone, wifi, safe, hairdryer, and tea/coffee making facilities. Parking is available at a cost of £5 per day.
-
What documents will I receive before I travel?
Final joining instructions and documentation will be despatched approximately 10 days before travel.
-
Do I need any Visas or Vaccinations for my holidays?
Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change. Please check with your local doctor/GP about the current Vaccination requirements of the country you are visiting. For Visa enquiries, please contact the Embassy of the country you are visiting.
-
Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Generally, single and double rooms carry the same price, which means that single supplements for certain itineraries can seem high. We would be pleased to arrange for clients travelling alone to share with another client, however this is subject to somebody in the same situation booking on the tour. If you would be interested in this option, please let us know at the time of enquiry/booking.
-
Where does the tour manager meet us?
In most cases the tour manager will travel out with the tour group from the UK. However, this is not always the case and the tour manager may meet you at the destination station / airport. The exact details specific to your tour will be given to you in your final documentation, 10 days prior to departure.
Reviews of this operator
1 Select your preferred date
Monday - Friday
Oct 27, 2025 - Oct 31, 2025Book with Confidence
-
Low Deposit
Travel Editions requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of travel editions charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 45% of booking price.
At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.