Roundheads and Cavaliers: Oxford, the Cotswolds and the English Civil War Tour

In 1642 the conflict between King and Parliament erupted into Civil War. Join popular historian Julian Humphrys to explore some key Civil War sites including three dramatic battlefields, two Cotswold towns, a beautiful moated manor house and the historic city of Oxford. 

ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrival
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.
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.
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.

NB: Exact order of itinerary may vary according to local conditions and tour manager's discretion 

Please note: Post tour extra nights are available at a supplement

Please note the maximum group size on this tour is 42 passengers.

Tour grading: This tour has been graded as demanding due to the amount of walking around sites, and lots of standing for viewing at each attraction. Please note that on day 3 there are a total of 161 stairs on the tour of Broughton Castle. For more information please visit the mobility page of our website, or phone our team if you have any questions.

INCLUDED

• Two nights’ bed and breakfast at the three-star Mercure Hatfield Oak Hotel, based on shared occupancy of a twin/double room
• Welcome reception
• First night three-course dinner with wine
• Second night dinner in the hotel restaurant
• All talks, guided tours and entrance fees as per the itinerary
• Coach touring as per the itinerary
• Julian Humphrys throughout
• Tour manager throughout

NOT INCLUDED

• Transport to the hotel is not included
• Double for sole use supplement - from £150
• Extra nights on bed and breakfast basis
• Holiday insurance 
• Meals other than those stated 
• Items of a personal nature such as drinks, laundry, telephone calls etc 
• Porterage and gratuities

HOTEL

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.

Hotel Website