This is a lovely time of the year to spend the morning hiking in the National Arboretum, Westonbirt, home to 2,500 species of trees and collections that reflect the country's long history of plant hunting, landscaping and planting exotic trees. It was created by the wealthy, plant-obsessed landowner Robert Holford, whose rebuilt Westonbirt House is now a girls' school, and who funded Victorian plant hunters to cross the globe.

After our sojourn in the woods, we welcome you to antiques central: the market town at Tetbury is famous for its antique, vintage and bric-a-brac shops large and small, as well as charming little boutiques selling everything from clothes to homewares. Tetbury is another wool town and a hill village, with many stepped streets and a Grade I listed 1655 Market Hall (architecture alert: we will learn the difference between a Grade I and a Grade II listing). Enjoy free time on your own to shop and have lunch.

After figuring out how to fit that purchase of an 18th century garden folly into your luggage, our afternoon excursion takes us to nearby Highgrove Gardens, the private residence of Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla. On our private tour, led by an expert guide, learn about the gardens’ history and organic management, as well as their sources of inspiration. After our tour, indulge in a delicious afternoon tea, featuring Highgrove Champagne, in the elegant surroundings of the Orchard Room. (Note: we are poised to pounce on this reservation which can only be made in 2024).

Dine this evening on the hotel’s stunning outdoor terrace with sink-into-sofas and a flame-flickering fire pit... just grab a blanket for a cozy pow-wow under the stars. For al fresco feasting, there’s a wood-fired pizza oven and BBQ for chefs to perform a little mouth-watering outdoor kitchen alchemy, right in front of your eyes! 

CALCOT & SPA (B, Afternoon Tea, D)