The Cotswolds, Bath and the New Forest Family road trip in the south of England

Day 1 Journey to South Leigh

Ferry journey to Portsmouth. Upon arrival, drive to South Leigh, near Oxford, and stay for two nights in a 16th-century house that blends perfectly into the Oxfordshire countryside with its thatched roof, mullioned windows, stone slab floors and large fireplaces. The interior design blends interesting objects with antiques to create a timeless atmosphere. The rooms are bright and airy with charming rustic touch. The country pub next door has a relaxed feel perfect for a night out. Order a pint of ale or a glass of wine, and snack on a Scotch egg or fish and chips. Or sit down for a full meal showcasing modern British flavours and prepared with locally sourced ingredients. 

Day 2 South Leigh

On your schedule - Tour of the Oxford Botanic Garden, which was founded in 1621, making it the oldest botanic garden in the UK! The garden was created by the Earl of Danby to teach students about medicinal plants. It contains over 5,000 different plant species, some of these growing in centuries old greenhouses. As you walk among the plants, you move from the tropical jungle to the desert and on to the Alps. It's all quite wonderful!
Optional extra - Oxford University private tour.

Day 3 South Leigh - Cheltenham

Drive to Cheltenham and the Cotswolds, a region renowned for its beautiful landscapes, rolling hills and charming villages.
Optional extra along the way - Tour of Blenheim Palace, the birthplace of Winston Churchill. 
Stay for three nights in one of the oldest golden limestone buildings in the Cotswolds, built in the 15th century. A gorgeous landscaped garden spreads to the edge the estate. The property sits on the banks of the River Eye, where ducks can be seen swimming by. Inside, the style is classically British with flashes of contemporary design. Fine fabrics rub shoulders with unusual wallpapers, quilted leather and antique furniture. Every room has its own a unique feel. In the restaurant, the day starts with an authentic English breakfast. Later in the day the highlight is afternoon tea featuring scones, jam and clotted cream. The bar has the feel of a pub, with the ubiquitous fireplaces and a selection of real ales.

Not to be missed - Cotswolds village to village walking tour. The Cotswolds lie between Bath and Stratford-upon-Avon. Spanning over 2,000 square kilometres (770 square miles) , the region covers six counties, including Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire and Worcestershire, and is renowned for its beautiful landscapes. Nestled in the rolling countryside are picture-postcard villages and honey-coloured stone buildings. Bourton-on-the-Water, with its stone bridges across the river and Bilbury are particular favourites. Chipping Campden and Painswick, both surrounded by glorious peaceful countryside, are well worth a visit. Burford, Broadway or Minster Lovell should also feature on a must-see list. And the streets of Castle Combe will be instantly familiar, because they were used to film the village scenes in Downton Abbey!
Optional extras - Horse riding; pottery workshop.

Day 5 Cheltenham

On your schedule - Tour of Warwick Castle, one of the most beautiful medieval castles in the country, with a history dating back to the year 914. On the banks of the River Avon, where William the Conqueror built a wooden fort, the fortress rises majestically. Exceptionally well preserved, the castle's towers, ramparts, keeps, mill, state rooms and Victorian apartments are all open to visitors. The extensive gardens, designed by the famous landscape architect Capability Brown, are quite magical!
Not to be missed - Stroll through Stratford-upon-Avon, a charming town full of half timbered buildings where William Shakespeare was born and died. You can visit the birthplace of the famous playwright and his grave at Holy Trinity Church. Dating from 1210, Shakespeare enthusiasts come to pay their respects here every year. You can also stroll along the River Avon admiring the passing barges and the flower filled gardens on its banks.

Day 6 Cheltenham - Bath

Drive to Bath and check in for two nights at a charming hotel occupying three adjoining Georgian townhouses. The listed buildings have been put to good use preserving many of the historic features. The interior design details and collections of art and objects make the property feel totally modern with the focus on comfort and contemporary elegance. White walls are paired with soft colours and natural tones. The cosy, restful rooms all have modern facilities. And there’s a record player in every room. The restaurant serves the best of English food. The splendid bar is well stocked and you’ll be pleased to hear that afternoon tea is available. The spa is a must. After all, why are you in Bath if not to take the waters.

Day 7 Bath

On your schedule - Afternoon tea at the Pump Room. The Georgian Pump Room in Abbey Church Yard was built in the 18th century so visitors could "take the waters" from the famous hot springs. Today, you can also have afternoon tea there, served as it should be with scones and clotted cream, watercress sandwiches, pastries and champagne. All that’s lacking is some music! Guests are serenaded by live classical music from a piano or a trio. The Pump Room Trio is Europe’s longest-established resident music ensemble carrying on the tradition which started when the Pump Room first opened.
Optional extra - Private tour of Bath.

Drive to Brockenhurst in the New Forest National Park.
Scheduled on the way - Tour of Stonehenge, undoubtedly the most famous prehistoric monument in Europe, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Although it dates back to the Bronze Age, the site is still shrouded in mystery. Even now, it continues to fire imaginations and intrigue historians. Spend some time in the visitor centre, which may not answer all your questions but offers valuable insights. 
Stay for three nights in the heart of the countryside, in a former hunting lodge of King Charles II. The property is quintessentially English, a charming blend of period features, bespoke touches and contemporary furniture. The interiors are beautifully put together, including the bright, elegant and comfortable rooms, which look out over the surrounding park.