Day 1. Monday We travel to Stratford-upon-Avon via Royal Leamington Spa, a vibrant and elegant town with a proud spa heritage. Once a fashionable retreat for Victorian high society, Leamington developed around its natural mineral springs and became renowned for its health-giving waters and graceful charm. Today, it retains that elegance with wide boulevards, Regency architecture, and well-kept parks - perfect for a gentle stroll or riverside picnic along the River Leam. It offers excellent shopping, a mix of high-street names and independents, and a thriving café culture, making it a charming stop before reaching Shakespeare’s Stratford.
Day 2. Tuesday Following breakfast, we include an excursion to Evesham and a scenic drive through the Cotswolds. Evesham, a peaceful medieval market town on the River Avon, lies between the Cotswolds, the Malvern Hills, and Shakespeare Country. Once a major abbey town, it retains traces of its rich monastic history. Enjoy its riverside gardens, independent shops, and charming town centre. Later, we continue into the Cotswolds, an area renowned for its unspoilt landscapes and some of the most picturesque towns and villages in England. The honey-coloured stone buildings lend a quintessential English charm found nowhere else in the world.
Day 3. Wednesday Today we travel further afield to visit Oxford, the City of Dreaming Spires. Steeped in rich and fascinating history, Oxford is renowned for its prestigious university, home to 38 colleges that have shaped the minds of poets, Prime Ministers, and Nobel Prize winners alike. Its charming streets, historic architecture, and peaceful riverside setting have inspired generations of writers and artists. Explore the grand halls of the university and walk in the footsteps of literary giants, world leaders - and even Harry Potter. Oxford is also a favourite filming location for many iconic productions, including Inspector Morse, and Lewis.
Day 4. Thursday Following breakfast, today is free to explore the historic market town of Stratford-upon-Avon. Birthplace of the world’s greatest playwright, William Shakespeare, this charming town invites you to follow his life story - from his childhood home to his final resting place at the Holy Trinity Church. With over 800 years of rich history, Stratford-upon-Avon offers more than just Shakespearean connections. Many original buildings remain, providing a glimpse into the past he would have known. Alongside its heritage, it boasts a vibrant atmosphere, bustling markets, riverside walks, and a welcoming community full of character and charm.
Day 5. Friday We depart after breakfast and begin our journey home via Warwick, a picturesque and historic market town nestled on the River Avon. Warwick is famously home to Britain’s ultimate medieval fortress, Warwick Castle, originally founded by William the Conqueror in 1068. The historic town is full of character, with narrow cobbled streets lined with delightful shops, cosy tearooms, and quaint cafes to enjoy and explore. With its rich heritage, striking architecture, and vibrant atmosphere, Warwick offers a perfect blend of history and charm. There will be free time to explore at your leisure before we continue our relaxing journey home.
Excursion days are subject to change and will be confirmed with your final travel documents.
