Make new adventures Great things to do in Bath, Cheltenham and Windsor

It would not be a trip to Windsor without a visit to this world-famous castle and resting place of her late Majesty. Explore the State Apartments, the Semi-State Rooms and St George’s Chapel, which has hosted the nuptials of many royals. Make sure you book your tickets in advance and check opening times ahead of your visit or take a look at our Discover Royal Windsor package.

Known as the home of jump racing and for the famous Cheltenham Festival – four-days of world-class racing combined with high fashion, a visit to Cheltenham Racecourse is a must. Experience the thrill of racing and soak up the history with the stunning Cotswolds hills in the background. As well as race events, the popular venue also plays host to a number of music, theatre and comedy events throughout the year. It is also possible to arrange a behind the scenes racecourse tour if there are eight or more of you.

Thermae Bath Spa is the UK’s original, natural thermal spa.  Dating back to Roman times, the springs were first used in around 43 AD.  Today, they are a popular spot for tourists to Bath and a must visit if you are seeing the city for the first time.  The Francis Hotel is just a short stroll away, relax in the baths, relax back at the hotel, look after your wellbeing.

Famed for its beautiful setting and friendly and intimate atmosphere, a trip to the Windsor Racecourse is sure to add excitement your trip. Whether it’s for their Monday Night fixtures or theme days, this is definitely an evening out to back.

Damien Wager is the pastry chef sensation behind Edible Art and his local patisserie can be found just around the corner from The Queens Hotel in the Montpellier District. Throughout the year he runs a host of hands-on masterclasses, offering the chance to master the art of creating sweet treats including the ever-popular macaron, patisserie tarts and chocolate creations.

Up to two or three times per week, the changing of the guard at Windsor Castle passes right in front of The Castle Hotel doors .  It takes place in the morning around 10am and days will vary in summer and winter. Just a quick hop outside the hotel to watch it pass by or pick a prime spot in Leaf Bar to enjoy from the comfort of the hotel.  A delightful procession and plenty of Instagram photo opportunities. 

With a history that dates back to 675 AD, Bath Abbey is a spectacular piece of architecture to behold in the heart of Bath. Step inside to marvel at the King Edgar and the Great East Windows, the fan vaulted ceiling and Birde’s Chantry Chapel.  Immerse yourself in a tour of this fascinating, historic building or gaze at interactive displays and period costumes in the Abbey’s brand new Discovery Centre, opening March 2023.

Take to the water to see more of this stunning city. A boat tour is the perfect way to sit back, take in and reflect on the enchanting scenery of Windsor. We will arrange a trip along the Thames for you with a brilliant local company as part of our Discover Royal Windsor Package.

Thorndale Farm on the edge of Cheltenham in Andoversford is home to champion national hunt horse racing trainer Kim Bailey.  We highly recommend a behind the scenes tour and breakfast at the Kim Bailey stables to see the champion horses up close. Watch them on their early morning gallop before heading to the farm for a delicious breakfast.  Speak to the team about organising a stable tour during your stay.

Recently voted producers of one of the world’s best Sauvingnon Blanc with their 2021 vintage, we are proud to hold a close partnership with Woodchester Valley vineyard in the Cotswolds.  Guided Tours and wine tasting events are available all year round and you will be taken by an expert on a tour of the vineyard to understand the intricacies of wine making before sitting down to taste some of the Woodchester fine wines.

Since 2010, Windsor and Eton Brewery have brought brewing back to the heart of Windsor with the goal to make beer the city’s top attraction. Whether it’s for one of their Duke Street Experience Brewery Tours or live events such as Open Mic or Comedy Nights in the Unit Four Brewery Taproom, they are well worth a visit. You can even try some of the Brewery’s delicious produce at our Castle Hotel Bar or Leaf Restaurant before you visit.

The Royal Crescent is one of Bath’s most iconic landmarks and may be recognised as the film set for the Netflix hit Bridgerton. It was built between 1767 and 1775 and designed by John Wood the Younger.

This impressive landmark is arranged around a perfect lawn overlooking Royal Victoria Park and forms a sweeping crescent of 30 Grade I Listed terrace houses.

Many notable people have either lived or stayed in the Royal Crescent since it was built, and some are commemorated on special plaques attached to the relevant buildings.

Founded in 1971, Cotswold Farm Park is a total countryside experience for all the family. Meet over 50 rare breeds of British farm animals, hold little chicks and pedal on tractors. There is something for all ages to enjoy while learning all about farming. You will also find outdoor play areas, bouncy pillows, a muddy kitchen, and plenty of food and drink outlets along with a farm shop. You might also spot owner Adam, who frequently presents on BBC’s Countryfile.

There is fun for the whole family at one of the UK’s most popular family attractions and it’s only a seven minute drive from The Castle Hotel.  Enjoy wild rides, tootle along in miniature cars and boats, take a wander around a miniature version of the UK or get drenched in Drench Towers.  Regardless of your age, there is magic and memories to be shared.

The Queens Hotel is located in the heart of the trendy Montpellier District of Cheltenham.  Here you will find vintage boutique and unique designers, artisan bakers and local butchers, street cafes and the Imperial Gardens to wander.  Find a comfy corner, grab a book and watch the world go by.

Take in the beauty of the Cotswolds by exploring the 102-mile footpath of The Cotswolds Way. Running between the market town of Chipping Campden in the north and the city of Bath in the south, whether you walk the whole route or wander along parts of it, there are many beautiful locations along the way to discover. Sample the shops and cafes in Broadway, one of the Cotswolds most popular villages. Stop off at Bourton-on-the-Water – the Venice of the Cotswolds.

The Bath Skyline walk is a lovely six-mile circular route above the city line giving you a bird’s eye view of our World Heritage City.  Take the walk in a clockwise direction and encounter an Iron Age hillfort, 18th century follies and, in spring, watch the lambs frolic in the fields. It will take between 3-4.5 hours but is a great way to explore the local area and give your pup a run out too as the walk is really dog friendly.

Windsor Great Park offers over 5,000 acres of verdant countryside for families, couples and solo travellers to explore. Horticulturalists will adore the Savill Garden, with its unique floral displays and impeccably designed gardens, and Virginia Water Lake is a tranquil place to walk (or run) around, while taking in the 100ft Totem Pole and stunning waterfall. The Long Walk is one of Windsor’s most photographed sites – and home to over 500 deer.

Follow in the footsteps of the Romans and dive into their fascinating history with a visit to The Roman Baths.  You can explore the Roman Baths complex, walk on the original Roman pavements and see the ruins of the Temple of Sulis Minerva.  For younger visitors, they will be enchanted with the adventures of Hoot the Owl as they follow his activity trails.  Slightly older children can immerse themselves in Roman history as read by Michael Rosen.

Enjoy a joyful day out in the fresh air at Pittville Park. Opened in 1825, it is the city’s largest ornamental park and is less than a 30-minute walk from The Queens Hotel. If you are looking for a peaceful walk, there are lakes and 44 acres of parkland to explore, or for family fun, there is a children’s play area, tennis courts, and aviary and even a skate park. For history buffs, head to the grade 1 historic Pump Room.

Pulteney Bridge is one of the most romantic and photographed bridges in the UK and located right in the heart of Bath.  It is a fine example of Georgian architecture dating back to the 1770s. A Grade I listed building and one of only four bridges in the world that has shops and restaurants spanning both sides.  It is well worth a visit during your time in Bath.

Whether you are a novice looking to try a spot of clay pigeon shooting for the first time or an experienced shotgun enthusiast, put a visit to the Ian Coley shooting school on your itinerary when visiting Cheltenham. Ian Coley is renowned in the shooting world, with his school being one of the best in the UK. Set in mature woodland and offering over 24 shooting stands, it is ideal for all abilities.

Bath Festivals is a 10-day city-wide event taking place every May in the heart of Bath.  The 2023 event is being held from 12-21 May and will bring together the best authors and musicians across 130 events, talks, readings and concerts in over 50 venues in the city.  Launching with a free Party in the Park on 12th May in Queen Square, The Francis Hotel is proud to be one of the main accommodation partners to the festivals and host to a couple of events.

In the heart of Cheltenham, you will find the Everyman Theatre which has been entertaining Cheltenham since 1891. Full of history, the main auditorium is an architectural masterpiece designed by Frank Matcham. Throughout the year it puts on a wide range of productions from dramas, operas, ballets and music events to family pantomimes and community projects.