Pioneering Spirits!

A voyage of discovery in a beautiful region of the country where we feature a variety of captivating attractions with pioneering backgrounds – some more unexpected than others.

STEAM Swindon • WWT Slimbridge • Bowood House and Gardens • Bath • Dr Jenner's House

Day 1 Travel to hotel in Wiltshire.

Day 2 All aboard and first stop today is STEAM, where the story is told of the men and women who built, operated and travelled on the Great Western Railway. The engineering genius of Isambard Kingdom Brunel led to the Great Western Railway network becoming regarded as the most advanced in the world. Later, travel to Bowood House and Gardens, home to the Lansdowne family since 1754. See exhibition rooms displaying amazing family artefacts and antiques, including the Laboratory where Dr Joseph Priestley isolated oxygen gas in 1774. Surrounding the Georgian House is the Italian-inspired Terrace Garden, the Private Walled Gardens, and the herbaceous border, all radiating colour throughout the seasons.

Day 3 A full day to Bath, with an introductory walking tour of this great Roman city, early pioneers in their own rite. Later enjoy free time to explore the historic sites including the Roman Baths, ancient abbey, Georgian terraces, and picturesque setting.

Day 4 Today, travel to award winning WWT Slimbridge. The reserve, set up by visionary artist and naturalist Sir Peter Scott, opened in November 1946. Step back in time at the Scott House Museum, the home from which he championed the cause of worldwide wildlife conservation. For those wishing to venture further afield, there are numerous hides and paths to wander along, amongst the wildlife of the Severn Estuary. This afternoon is to Jenner's House where a discovery that changed the world was made! Explore the home of innovator Edward Jenner who left the ongoing legacy of vaccination, still shaping our lives today. Wander around the beautiful garden, containing many of the herbs that he would have used, before returning to the hotel.

Day 5 Homeward bound.

All tours are tailored to your requirements and can be adapted for travel by coach and/or air as you prefer. Occasionally itineraries change. Please see our current brochure or contact us for the latest version.

Blunsdon House Hotel, BW Premier Collection, Broad Blunsdon

A welcoming and very well-presented hotel in a quiet village location just north of Swindon, easily accessed from the A417. With atmospheric public areas and lovely views from the bar, guests can also enjoy its garden and short woodland trail.

• 4 star • 108 bedrooms • Lift

• Leisure facilities • Coach parking

Your tour includes:

• 4 nights half board near Swindon with:
Tea/coffee on arrival, Porter service
Full English breakfast
3 course dinner with choice and tea/coffee

• Admission to STEAM, Swindon

• Admission to Bowood House and Gardens

• Introductory walking tour of Bath

• Admission to WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre

• Guided tour of Dr Jenner's House

For a quotation, or to enquire about this tour, fill in our online form, send us an email or call us on 01432 277666.