Loading search...
4 days exploring the landscape of the Cotswolds, botanising, birding and 'butterflying' - in a small group with 2 excellent leaders. Naturetrek are true experts in this type of holiday. Their trips are so well organised; their leaders are first rate, both in terms of their areas of knowledge and interpersonal skills; the accommodation is always well selected. The company really understand the needs and expectations of their clients.
V.Y. London, Jun 21
Tour Itinerary and Reports
Can I help you?
The Best of the Cotswolds
Tour Code: GBR234A new 4-day holiday in search of the very best of the Cotswolds, focusing on its varied natural history alongside the beautiful scenery, villages and architecture.
4 days
from
£685
£685
Highlights
Tour Itinerary and Reports
Can I help you?
Summary
The Cotswolds was designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty back in 1966 and is the second largest protected landscape in England after the Lake District. The boundaries of the Cotswolds are around 25 miles across and 90 miles long and the area includes several counties. Most of the area is within Gloucestershire (the county on which we will be focusing the majority of our time) and Oxfordshire with smaller parts in Wiltshire, Somerset, Worcestershire and Warwickshire.
The Cotswolds' varied habitats will provide views of a host of special butterflies, including the rare Duke of Burgundy, Pearl-bordered and Marsh Fritillary, Green Hairstreak, Brown Argus, Adonis Blue and the very special Large Blue amongst others.
Orchids proliferate in the limestone grasslands, abandoned quarries, Beech woodlands and sheltered valleys here, and across our three full days we hope to find a superb array of species and we will know the locations of everything possible and try to see them all during the tour. Such delights as Bee Orchid, Fly Orchid, Greater and Lesser Butterfly Orchid and later in the season, Broad-leaved, Green-flowered, Narrow-lipped and possibly even Violet Helleborine may be found, amongst others. Whenever you chose to visit it is sure to be a most rewarding short break.
- Explore the scenic and beautiful Cotswolds with an expert local naturalist.
- Orchids may include Lesser Butterfly, Bee, Southern Marsh and possibly Lizard Orchid.
- Butterflies may include Large Blue, Duke of Burgundy and Marsh Fritillary.
- Birds may include Redstart, Cuckoo, Corn Bunting, Hobby, Spotted Flycatcher.
Outline Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive Frampton Mansell
Day 2/4
Exploration of the Cotswolds
Reviews
-
-
This was our first holiday with Naturetrek, and our excellent leaders took us to a range of sites to see flowers, orchids and the few birds that were about. Duncan and Tom were excellent naturalists though new to guiding. They had clearly done their homework to find accessible sites. The hotel was good as were the lunch stops. We would certainly travel with Naturetrek again.
W.H. Berkshire, Jun 21
Dates & Prices
2025
Departures
Availability
Cost
Sun 8th Jun – Wed 11th Jun
SPACES
£685
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£685
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£195
Tour Leader:
Please note that, whilst we assign leaders to particular tours well in advance, we reserve the right to make changes if necessary
Oliver Smart
Tour Leader: Oliver Smart
Following a childhood fascination with the natural world, Oliver went on to study ornithology at the University of Birmingham during his mid-twenties. Alongside an emerging interest in photography, learning the art of bird ringing and volunteering for the Avon Wildlife Trust, BTO and RSPB, Oliver has put time to good use. His main passion is birds and through photography he has built a diverse collection of imagery, which is represented by both RSPB Images and Alamy. Combined with a desire to travel, Oliver has explored many parts of the world; his favourite destinations usually including a seabird colony or two, where the sight, sound, smell and opportunities for a photographer are second to none. His claim to fame to date though is an image he took in the Seychelles which has been used on a bank note!
Prefer to Travel in a Private Group?
For any interested natural history club or society, we can arrange for a private departure of this tour.
Enquire
Why Naturetrek?
At Naturetrek we craft expertly-guided group and tailor-made wildlife holidays and cruises to all seven continents. On one of our holidays, you can be assured that our passionate team will enable you to experience and enjoy the best of the world's wildlife and natural spectacles in as comfortable and rewarding a manner as possible, caring as best we can for the environment in the process. We are proud to provide:
- The widest choice of wildlife holidays worldwide
- Tours managed and led by naturalists, for naturalists
- Outstanding value and exceptional customer service
Furthermore, as a Naturetrek client, our office team are always to on hand to help you – so if you have any queries about your holiday, whether before or after you have booked, we will be delighted to answer them on the phone. Please just give our team a call!
