Sudeley Castle & gardens, Winchcombe GL54 5JD
The ticket to Sudeley includes a visit to the castle and we strongly recommend this as there are 1000 years of royal history to be had here. It is now a home to Lady Ashcombe and her family although the Dent family in Victorian times did much toward the restoration work and to St Mary’s Church which includes the tomb of Queen Katherine Parr. However, the gardens are very extensive and a complete delight, so if the castle does not beckon you the gardens will certainly not disappoint. There is a good visitor centre and café where refreshments can be had at your leisure and there should be time to see and do everything at your own pace.
Nearby Stanway House GL54 5JD
We shall hopefully arrive here just in time to see the amazing water fountain. At 3000ft, the highest gravity fed fountain in the world which, drought permitting, will display at 2.45 – 3.30. The water garden has seen gradual restoration of the original 18th century one which was probably designed by the greatest of British landscape gardeners, Charles Bridgeman. The formal Canal, on a terrace above the house, the striking Pyramid and eight ponds have been reinstated. The Jacobean manor house is still lived in by the Earl of Wemyss and our ticket allows entry to the house with its fascinating furniture.

COACH TRIP   PRICE  £38

Pick up points: 8.15 Caversham – by Mapledurham Playing Fields
8.30 Valpy Street Bus Stop, Central Reading 9.00 Theale Car Park