SLSHOP’s Four Night Cotswolds Tour 2022
Since our last Cotswolds Tour over three years ago now, the world has changed dramatically. In May 2022, fuel prices reached an all-time high, and the political context of the world was particularly negative. With this backdrop, one thing remained apparent… Classic Mercedes escapism is still an extremely desirable retreat and one that we all need occasionally – to remind ourselves of the wonderful experiences life has to offer. Our Cotswolds Tour is the perfect remedy to the fast-paced activity of the world, giving driver and passenger a chance to really enjoy the visceral experience of classic Mercedes motoring.
This year’s tour had been carefully curated by SLSHOP’s directors, who had traced a careful route all the way through the Cotswolds and down to Bath, with the option for the braver drivers to head into Somerset. The tour commenced in Stratford-upon-Avon with guests arriving at SLSHOP for their lights and levels checks – essential when taking your classic Mercedes on a long drive after being stored for some time.
The start of the trip saw the new owners of a very special 280 SL Pagoda take hold of the keys for the first time. The smiles per gallon were clear from the moment they walked through the showroom. The 280 SL in question is one of 35 five-speed manual 280 SLs in existence, making it extremely unique. Delighted we were to see the Pagoda put through its paces across the four-day tour.
The convoy departed from the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Stratford-upon-Avon heading for Homewood Hotel, Bath, winding and skirting its way around the region’s major towns and cities; and instead favouring the open country roads where all eras of SL could utilise the horses galloping away beneath their bonnets. The run would include the famed road used by Aston-Martin as part of their shakedown trials – a truly phenomenal stretch of road to drive at pace or in a leisurely manner. The convoy rested for the evening at Homewood Hotel, Bath.
After a restful evening, day two awaited. Configured by local experts, this day was all about enjoying the local region and exploring its hidden gems (as well as more popular ones). With no destination, owners were free to enjoy a trip to Diddly Squat Farm Shop or a trip to Royal Wooton Bassett. The route card provided featured an array of routes and stop offs, giving plenty of choice to driver and passengers. Cars scattered off individually and in groups, returning later in the day to tell their tales of exploration. The convoy would reconvene for dinner at Homewood Hotel for drinks and dinner, as well as ounces of laughter.
Day three gave the convoy the option to head home at their leisure, or utilise the route provided by SLSHOP. With the convoy on the cusp of Somerset, some SLs fled to Glastonbury in pursuit of the flowing B-roads, while others opted for the Haynes Motor Museum before heading home.
The learnings from this tour? There’s so much to explore on our doors, why leave the country? Simply grab your keys, your phone and wallet, and head south west.
You can watch the full experience below.
Book a space on our upcoming Borders Tour Here.
Share With Your Fellow Enthusiasts
SLSHOP’s Four Night Cotswolds Tour 2022
Since our last Cotswolds Tour over three years ago now, the world has changed dramatically. In May 2022, fuel prices reached an all-time high, and the political context of the world was particularly negative. With this backdrop, one thing remained apparent… Classic Mercedes escapism is still an extremely desirable retreat and one that we all need occasionally – to remind ourselves of the wonderful experiences life has to offer. Our Cotswolds Tour is the perfect remedy to the fast-paced activity of the world, giving driver and passenger a chance to really enjoy the visceral experience of classic Mercedes motoring.
This year’s tour had been carefully curated by SLSHOP’s directors, who had traced a careful route all the way through the Cotswolds and down to Bath, with the option for the braver drivers to head into Somerset. The tour commenced in Stratford-upon-Avon with guests arriving at SLSHOP for their lights and levels checks – essential when taking your classic Mercedes on a long drive after being stored for some time.
The start of the trip saw the new owners of a very special 280 SL Pagoda take hold of the keys for the first time. The smiles per gallon were clear from the moment they walked through the showroom. The 280 SL in question is one of 35 five-speed manual 280 SLs in existence, making it extremely unique. Delighted we were to see the Pagoda put through its paces across the four-day tour.
The convoy departed from the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Stratford-upon-Avon heading for Homewood Hotel, Bath, winding and skirting its way around the region’s major towns and cities; and instead favouring the open country roads where all eras of SL could utilise the horses galloping away beneath their bonnets. The run would include the famed road used by Aston-Martin as part of their shakedown trials – a truly phenomenal stretch of road to drive at pace or in a leisurely manner. The convoy rested for the evening at Homewood Hotel, Bath.
After a restful evening, day two awaited. Configured by local experts, this day was all about enjoying the local region and exploring its hidden gems (as well as more popular ones). With no destination, owners were free to enjoy a trip to Diddly Squat Farm Shop or a trip to Royal Wooton Bassett. The route card provided featured an array of routes and stop offs, giving plenty of choice to driver and passengers. Cars scattered off individually and in groups, returning later in the day to tell their tales of exploration. The convoy would reconvene for dinner at Homewood Hotel for drinks and dinner, as well as ounces of laughter.
Day three gave the convoy the option to head home at their leisure, or utilise the route provided by SLSHOP. With the convoy on the cusp of Somerset, some SLs fled to Glastonbury in pursuit of the flowing B-roads, while others opted for the Haynes Motor Museum before heading home.
The learnings from this tour? There’s so much to explore on our doors, why leave the country? Simply grab your keys, your phone and wallet, and head south west.
You can watch the full experience below.
Book a space on our upcoming Borders Tour Here.
Share With Your Fellow Enthusiasts
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