28 Sep 2021
This was not the typical rigidly-structured tour at routine destinations. If you need a break from tourist traps, want to see places and do things that you'd normally never see/do, and spend time with a very personable local, then this may be the tour for you. It was pricier than other tours I have taken, but it was one of several I'd booked for my longer-than-normal vacation in the UK, and honestly, I'd forgotten about the cost completely when the day came. In my case (and admittedly, there are still a lot of folks in lock-down mode), I was the only one on the tour. I think it would be enjoyable for a couple or singles traveling together, etc. It probably would not appeal to families with young children. Those who love antiquing, want to explore without self-driving, or avoid tourist areas (e.g., if this is not your first trip to Bath), may enjoy this outing best. As for the itinerary -- Jules drove out into the Cotswolds on the little winding roads surrounded by rolling fields that always look so charming in films. We made a couple of early stops off the beaten path, but the best was at an unassumingly large home structure that, oh by the way, was originally built as a castle. It was situated next to a gorgeous old church and magical-looking cemetery, and you'd probably never know it was there at all. Throughout the day's drive, Jules pointed out stone walls and gates of great estates, grazing sheep, the landscape, and he talked in depth about the history of the region. He is knowledgeable and interesting, and talks engagingly on many subjects. If you are looking for large-scale antiques to ship home, Jules knows where to find them, but the antique store where I found packable tidbits was in Tetbury, and we had our lunch stop in a nice cafe there. (Lunch was included in the tour price.) The autumn aspect of the trip was best enjoyed whilst walking the paths at the arboretum (entry included); however, even in late September, we were a bit too early for what should be a colorful show of maple leaves. The grounds are very level and its paths are well-maintained and well-marked. It was a beautiful and quiet place to take photographs and walk in nature without feeling like one had to call it a hike. Throughout the day, Jules frequently asked me what I wanted to do, and if I wanted to stop for a photo in the middle of the road to take a picture of a rainbow-framed field, we stopped. He was keen to ensure I was enjoying myself. As for the royals, that aspect was mainly that we were traversing their lesser known stomping grounds. This tour felt like a friend had picked me up at my hotel and taken me out for a day's ramble and conversation in the surrounding area.