Begin the day with a visit to Bourton House Garden which has featured in the BBC’s Gardeners World television program. Its three acres has luxuriant terraces, wide colorful herbaceous borders, a topiary walk, and several spring-fed water features. Later continue to Sezincote. Build in the early 19th-century by Charles Cockerell, formerly of the East India Company, the house which was developed in a unique fantasy of the Italian style, combining Hindu and Muslim elements with Palladian motifs. The gardens include canals and Irish yews evocative of Moghul paradise gardens, a curving conservatory, home to many tender climbing plants, and a pavilion also in Indian style. A stream is crossed by an Indian bridge adorned with Brahmin and ornaments include a temple to Surya the sun god, and a snake coiled around a column in the Snake Pond.
Afterwards drive to Stow-on-the-Wold for lunch at leisure. Stow is a delightful market town and its very large market square recalls it’s important in Medieval times (at its annual fairs 20,000 sheep were sold here). Proceed to visit Snowshill Manor, home to the eclectic collection (including clocks samurai armor and musical instruments) of its former owner, Sir Charles Wade. It also has a very picturesque garden. Before heading back to Broadway enjoy refreshments in at the 15th – century Snowshill Arms. Dinner tonight is at leisure.
Accommodations: Ellenborough Park Hotel (Breakfast)