Avanti Destinations Blog

An English Winter Wonderland

Written by Gaby Anderson | Sep 18, 2017

The days may be shorter but traveling to Great Britain in the wintertime has many benefits, among which are cheaper flights, and smaller crowds. Not to mention the amazing cultural activities like museums, Christmas markets, and varied theater shows.For me Christmas in England evokes thoughts of a certain Dickensian play, charmingly illuminated streets, and cozying up in a small pub next to a fire.

On Avanti Destinations’ Elegant England package, you will enjoy 3 nights in London before being whisked away by your own private driver guide to the stunning and historical Thornbury Castle in the Cotswolds.

While in London, you will enjoy a private half-day panoramic tour of the city that will take you by the most awe-inspiring and iconic sites. After sightseeing, relax and enjoy a traditional English tea complete with dainty finger sandwiches, and delicious cakes and scones.

There are plenty of optional tours to enhance this exciting city stay. Why not book a Champagne Experience at the top of The Shard? Or a dinner cruise on the river Thames? Both experiences are guaranteed to offer some fantastic views of the city and its fantastic light displays.

Or perhaps you are looking to also experience an exceptional trip out of London, in which case I recommend a half-day tour of Greenwich to explore the Christmas Market, or perhaps visit the Royal Observatory, Meridian Line, and Royal Observatory. Windsor is also a stupendous, and easy visit from London. Famous for its castle, which happens to be the largest and oldest inhabited castle in the world. It also happens to be the Queen’s favorite weekend home. The town of Windsor features plenty of cozy pubs and interesting shops.

After a wonderful stay in London, you will be picked up by your own private driver guide who will stay with you for the remainder of the trip. Together you will head west, touring through The Cotswolds and some of the most quintessential English villages. We make it easy to customize your trip if you’d like to visit a specific town, village, or hamlet.

Your stay in the Cotswolds will be at Thornbury, in a 500 year old castle turned hotel which once upon a time housed Henry VIII and his then new bride, Anne Boleyn.

Once in the Cotswolds, you will enjoy a traditional English pub lunch while touring around with your Blue Badge certified driving guide. A suggested touring itinerary might include Bath, Lacock, and Corsham. Three of the most exceptionally picturesque towns in the heart of England.

On the return to London, a stop in Salisbury and Stonehenge is a must. Explore the mysteries of Stonehenge and its standing stones. The newly renovated visitor center houses permanent and temporary exhibitions of nearly 300 archaeological treasures found at the site.