Bells & Whistles

Itinerary

Monday
Depart from Leyland at 9.00am for our journey to Coleford with a lunch stop at the National Arboretum en-route, on arrival at the hotel receive a warm meet and greet with a welcome fruit juice while your case is taken to your room.

Tuesday
Take a journey to Wales to visit Monmouth with time to explore and obtain lunch before heading to Symonds Yat for a leisurely cruise, sit back, relax and enjoy the surrounding sights as a local experienced captain navigates you through some of the most wonderful scenery in Britain where peregrine falcons and mink are regularly sighted, there is a possibility of otters however they are more elusive! Overlook rapids where hillside streams trickle into the river between mature woodlands all set against the magnificent backdrop of views that extend three counties.

Wednesday
Following a leisurely start from the hotel take a scenic drive through the Forest of Dean following the Royal Forest Route with a stop at Beechenhurst Lodge Visitor Centre. Later in the afternoon take a step back in time on a heritage train journey on the Dean Forest Railway, a lovely 1.5hr round trip from Norchard Station through beautiful woodland and countryside, offering the chance to experience the relaxed pace of yesteryear on a typical country branch line with five stations along the way.

Thursday
Today discover the history and heritage of Gloucester with free time to explore and time to obtain lunch. Perhaps visit the magnificent cathedral dating back to 1089, one of the most beautiful cathedrals in England, parts may seem familiar having been used as backdrops for popular productions Harry Potter and Mary Queen of Scots or explore Gloucester docks, the most inland port in the UK with 15 Victorian Warehouses, all now listed buildings a great area for museums, food, drink and retail opportunities. Visit one of the many Gloucester Museums including the Museum of Gloucester, Beatric Potter's House of the Tale of Gloucester or the National Waterways Museum. Whatever your interests are, Gloucester's varied offering will keep you busy. Re-join the coach at 14.00hrs, for those wishing to visit Coleford there will be an opportunity on the way back, giving you a chance to explore our host town before making your own way back to the hotel on foot, just over a 5-minute walk away. If you wish to remain on the Coach the rest of the afternoon can be spent at leisure at the hotel.

Friday
Check out of our hotel following breakfast for the return journey home with a lunch stop in historic Shrewsbury en-route.