Roundheads and Cavaliers: Oxford, the Cotswolds and the English Civil War Tour
Roundheads and Cavaliers: Oxford, the Cotswolds and the English Civil War Tour
3 Days Starting and ending in Oxford, United Kingdom
Visiting: Oxford, Banbury
Tour operator:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
0 - 42
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Immerse yourself in the rich history of the English Civil War with the "Roundheads and Cavaliers: Oxford, the Cotswolds and the English Civil War Tour." This captivating journey includes visits to the picturesque Cotswold town of Stow-on-the-Wold, the historic Christ Church in Oxford, and the stunning moated Broughton Castle. Enjoy two engaging lectures by historian Julian Humphrys, who will accompany you throughout the tour, providing insightful commentary and fascinating stories. Stay at the tranquil Mercure Oxford Hawkwell House, where you'll enjoy a welcome reception, a three-course dinner with wine, and comfortable accommodations. This tour offers a unique blend of historical exploration and modern comfort, perfect for history enthusiasts.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival
Location: Oxford
Accommodation Name: Mercure Oxford Hawkwell House
Meals Included: Dinner
Check in from 15.00 to the Mercure Oxford Hawkwell House. Welcome reception followed by dinner with wine. After dinner Julian Humphrys will give a talk on ’This war without an enemy’, looking at how and why mid-17th century Britain found itself involved in a bloody civil war.
Day 2: Stow-On-The Wold, St Edward’S Hall, And Christ Church In Oxford.
Location: Oxford
Accommodation Name: Mercure Oxford Hawkwell House
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
We begin our day with a visit to the beautiful Cotswold town of Stow-on-the-Wold. The First Civil War effectively ended here in March 1646 and we’ll stand on the very spot in the market place where Sir Jacob Astley, commander of the last Royalist army, finally surrendered and visit the church where many of his men were held captive. We’ll also enjoy a private visit to St Edward’s Hall, home to probably the finest collection of civil war portraits in the country and hear the remarkable stories behind many of the faces, both Roundhead and Cavalier, looking down on us. We’ll then make the short drive to Burford and pay a short visit to the church where, after ruthlessly suppressing a mutiny by some of his soldiers, Oliver Cromwell had three of the ringleaders shot in the churchyard in 1649. Next we move onto Oxford, the Royalist capital during the Civil War. There will be free time for lunch and to explore Oxford independently before visiting Christ Church, the largest of the University’s Colleges and home to Charles I’s court during his occupation of the city, and Oxford cathedral where many notable cavaliers are buried. We return to the hotel in the late afternoon. After dinner, Julian Humphrys will give an illustrated talk on the war and discuss why the Parliamentarians won.
Day 3: Broughton Castle, Banbury, Cropredy Bridge, And Edgehill.
Location: Banbury
Accommodation Name: Mercure Oxford Hawkwell House
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast we make the short drive for a guided visit around Broughton Castle, a stunningly beautiful moated fortified manor house and one of only twenty places to be awarded five stars in Simon Jenkins’ ‘England’s thousand best houses’. The home of the Fiennes family (both Ranulf and Ralph are relatives), Broughton was a centre of opposition to the rule of Charles I and we’ll climb the stairs to visit ‘the room with no ears’ where Parliamentarian plotters are said to have gathered secretly to plan their resistance to the king. There will be time for coffee and a stroll in the castle grounds before we return to Banbury for lunch (not included) and a chance to visit the excellent Banbury Museum. After lunch we’ll drive to Cropredy Bridge, where Charles I defeated William Waller’s Roundheads in June 1644. It was one of the last major Royalist victories of the Civil War. We’ll conclude our tour with a visit to Edgehill and refreshments at the 18th century Castle Inn. Built by noted architect Sanderson Miller to mark the centenary of the battle of Edgehill, it’s one of the most unusual pubs in the country. Its garden offers unrivalled views of the fields where, in October 1642 Royalists and Parliamentarians fought each other to a bloody standstill. Return to the hotel for approx. 17.30.
What's Included
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Two nights’ bed and breakfast at the three-star Mercure Hatfield Oak Hotel, based on shared occupancy of a twin/double room
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Welcome reception
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First night three-course dinner with wine
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Second night dinner in the hotel restaurant
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All talks, guided tours and entrance fees as per the itinerary
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Coach touring as per the itinerary
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Julian Humphrys throughout
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Tour manager throughout
What's Not Included
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Transport to the hotel is not included
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Double for sole use supplement - from £150
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Extra nights on bed and breakfast basis
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Holiday insurance
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Meals other than those stated
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Items of a personal nature such as drinks, laundry, telephone calls etc
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Porterage and gratuities
Mode of Transport
Coach touring as per the itinerary. Transport to the hotel is not included.
Accommodation
Mercure Oxford Hawkwell House Located in the tranquil surrounds of Oxford, only 10 minutes’ drive from the city centre, this four-star hotel is set among three acres of private gardens. Facilities include a bar, restaurant and refined bedrooms with modern amenities including TV, WIFI, hairdryer, safe, and tea and coffee making facilities. Complimentary parking is available at the hotel.
MORE INFO
Your GuideJulian Humphrys
Julian read history at Emmanuel College, Cambridge, has worked at historical sites both in Britain and overseas and is nowa trustee of the Battlefields Trust and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts. He has a very infectious enthusiasm for history and has published numerous books on castles and battles.He currently leads more than a dozen tours for Travel Editions and imparts his extraordinary historical knowledge with wit and panache, making a tour led by him both an educational and entertaining experience.Please note that all our UK tours start and finish at the relevant hotel. You can normally check in from 3pm onwards but hotels will always be happy to store your luggage if you arrive earlier in the day.
For full details of how to get to the hotel, directions and the nearest train station, please click on the hotel website or call our office for details. These will also be sent automatically with your confirmation.
The welcome reception and first evening dinner / talk will commence at about 6pm - full details will be sent with your joining instructions about 10 days prior to the arrival date.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes two nights' bed and breakfast at the Mercure Oxford Hawkwell House, a four-star hotel located in the tranquil surrounds of Oxford, only 10 minutes’ drive from the city centre. The hotel is set among three acres of private gardens and offers facilities such as a bar, restaurant, and refined bedrooms with modern amenities including TV, WIFI, hairdryer, safe, and tea and coffee making facilities. Complimentary parking is also available at the hotel.
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What meals are included in the tour package?
The tour package includes a welcome reception, a three-course dinner with wine on the first night, and dinner in the hotel restaurant on the second night. Breakfast is provided on both mornings.
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Are there any additional costs not covered by the tour package?
Yes, the tour package does not include transport to the hotel, a double for sole use supplement (from £150), extra nights on a bed and breakfast basis, holiday insurance, meals other than those stated, and items of a personal nature such as drinks, laundry, telephone calls, etc. Porterage and gratuities are also not included.
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What historical sites will be visited during the tour?
The tour includes visits to several historical sites such as the Cotswold town of Stow-on-the-Wold, St Edward’s Hall, Burford church, Christ Church in Oxford, Broughton Castle, Banbury Museum, Cropredy Bridge, and Edgehill.
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Who will be guiding the tour and what is their background?
The tour will be guided by Julian Humphrys, who read history at Emmanuel College, Cambridge. He has worked at historical sites both in Britain and overseas and is a trustee of the Battlefields Trust and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts. Julian has published numerous books on castles and battles and leads more than a dozen tours for Travel Editions, imparting his extraordinary historical knowledge with wit and panache.
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What time does the welcome reception and first evening dinner start?
The welcome reception and first evening dinner/talk will commence at about 6pm. Full details will be sent with your joining instructions about 10 days prior to the arrival date.
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Is there any free time during the tour to explore independently?
Yes, there will be free time for lunch and to explore Oxford independently on the second day of the tour.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Final joining instructions and documentation will be despatched approximately 10 days before travel.
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Do I need any Visas or Vaccinations for my holidays?
Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change. Please check with your local doctor/GP about the current Vaccination requirements of the country you are visiting. For Visa enquiries, please contact the Embassy of the country you are visiting.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Generally, single and double rooms carry the same price, which means that single supplements for certain itineraries can seem high. We would be pleased to arrange for clients travelling alone to share with another client, however this is subject to somebody in the same situation booking on the tour. If you would be interested in this option, please let us know at the time of enquiry/booking.
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Where does the tour manager meet us?
In most cases the tour manager will travel out with the tour group from the UK. However, this is not always the case and the tour manager may meet you at the destination station / airport. The exact details specific to your tour will be given to you in your final documentation, 10 days prior to departure.
Reviews from travellers on this tour
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Wednesday - Friday
Apr 02, 2025 - Apr 04, 2025Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
CTS demo white label allows you to make 20 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
CTS demo white label requires a minimum deposit of 55% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.
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