The Cotswolds With Pam Ayres Episode Rating Graph

Pam visits the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust to look through an edition of the First Folio - a collection of the bard's works that is worth millions of pounds.

The poet heads to Stow-on-the Wold to meet antiques expert Paul Martin, and also explores one of Britain's best-known arts and crafts gardens in the Cotswolds - Hidcote Manor Garden.

In this episode, Pam's journey begins beyond the Cotswolds borders at Highclere Castle, one of Britain's most recognisable stately homes. Highclere is better known as Downton Abbey, and Pam's finding out about this famous home with owner Lady Carnarvon. Pam's next destination lies to the northwest and the Malvern Hills. She meets TV presenter Anne Diamond, who gives her a guided tour of her hometown of Great Malvern. They taste the water, visit Malvern College, where Anne tells the story of her dad working on radar there during the war. They then visit the Malvern Hills, where a spectacular view awaits. Pam's journey continues back in the heart of the Cotswolds and her hometown of Cirencester.

The poet sets off on a journey around the region that takes in parts of Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, Wiltshire and Worcestershire, beginning in the picturesque village of Bourton-on-the-Water. Pam soaks up the scenery that attracts thousands of tourists every year - along with a Cotswold cream tea - before visiting Andy Wallington's antique shop, followed by a world-famous perfumery that's made scents for the Queen. Pam also visits Blur bassist Alex James at his farm to discover why he swapped London for country life.