Centre Stage for Gin & Tea & Shakespeare 2026
Shakespeare’s New Place
Stratford Sightseeing Cruise
Shakespeare Distillery
Shakespeare Express
RSC Theatre, Stratford
Straddling the River Avon, Stratford-upon-Avon is the 16th-century birthplace of William Shakespeare and a vision of beamed houses, medieval halls and quaint alleyways. Our hotel is perfectly placed to enjoy this romantic market town. Our packaged tour includes a cream tea cruise along the Avon, tastings at the artisanal gin-making Shakespeare Distillery and a day free to trace the hallowed footsteps of the Bard himself.
PACKAGED ITINERARY
Day 1 Arrival
We arrive at our hotel in time for dinner.
Day 2 Sightseeing Cruise & Shakespeare Distillery
We begin today with a 1-hour morning River Avon sightseeing cruise, gliding past Stratford’s sights and tree-lined riverbanks. Admire the views from our comfortable boat and tuck into a cream tea as we sail. This afternoon, we visit the Shakespeare Distillery, an artisan producer of historically themed spirits, including Stratford Gin. Here, we enjoy a guided tour and tasting experience, seeing how the drinks are made in the working distillery, discovering their history and ingredients, and finishing with a tutored tasting of the hand-crafted spirits, including a refreshing gin & tonic.
Day 3 Shakespeare’s Schoolroom & Guildhall & Stratford-upon-Avon at Leisure
Today is at leisure in this wonderful town and birthplace of our greatest playwright, William Shakespeare. We enjoy a visit to Shakespeare’s Schoolroom & Guildhall where we discover more about his early schooldays and where he first experienced theatre. The rest of the day is free, perhaps visit Anne Hathaway’s cottage, a 500-year-old Tudor cottage where the Bard courted his bride-to-be. We have time for a stroll along the river, or pop in and out of the varied shops, making sure to stop for lunch in one of the many cafés, pubs and restaurants, before getting a bit more involved in the town’s history, there is plenty of it. Visit Shakespeare’s Birthplace, and walk in the playwright’s famous footsteps, exploring his childhood home, hear tales of his family life and see objects from the Trust’s world class collection.
Day 4 Departure
After breakfast, we make our way home.
HOW ABOUT?
Why not enjoy a return journey on the steam-hauled Shakespeare Express. Travelling from Stratford-upon-Avon to Birmingham and back again, we steam along the scenic Shakespeare Line at speeds of up to 75 mph, taking in the pretty Warwickshire countryside as we go. Selected Sundays. Ask your Account Manager for details.
Day 1 Arrival
We arrive at our hotel in time for dinner.
Day 2 Sightseeing Cruise & Shakespeare Distillery
We begin today with a 1-hour morning River Avon sightseeing cruise, gliding past Stratford’s sights and tree-lined riverbanks. Admire the views from our comfortable boat and tuck into a cream tea as we sail. This afternoon, we visit the Shakespeare Distillery, an artisan producer of historically themed spirits, including Stratford Gin. Here, we enjoy a guided tour and tasting experience, seeing how the drinks are made in the working distillery, discovering their history and ingredients, and finishing with a tutored tasting of the hand-crafted spirits, including a refreshing gin & tonic.
Day 3 Shakespeare’s Schoolroom & Guildhall & Stratford-upon-Avon at Leisure
Today is at leisure in this wonderful town and birthplace of our greatest playwright, William Shakespeare. We enjoy a visit to Shakespeare’s Schoolroom & Guildhall where we discover more about his early schooldays and where he first experienced theatre. The rest of the day is free, perhaps visit Anne Hathaway’s cottage, a 500-year-old Tudor cottage where the Bard courted his bride-to-be. We have time for a stroll along the river, or pop in and out of the varied shops, making sure to stop for lunch in one of the many cafés, pubs and restaurants, before getting a bit more involved in the town’s history, there is plenty of it. Visit Shakespeare’s Birthplace, and walk in the playwright’s famous footsteps, exploring his childhood home, hear tales of his family life and see objects from the Trust’s world class collection.
Day 4 Departure
After breakfast, we make our way home.
HOW ABOUT?
Why not enjoy a return journey on the steam-hauled Shakespeare Express. Travelling from Stratford-upon-Avon to Birmingham and back again, we steam along the scenic Shakespeare Line at speeds of up to 75 mph, taking in the pretty Warwickshire countryside as we go. Selected Sundays. Ask your Account Manager for details.
Crowne Plaza Stratford-upon-Avon
Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire
With a picturesque setting amid landscaped gardens and beside the River Avon, the hotel is ideally situated just off the M40 motorway and within walking distance of central Stratford-upon-Avon and its many attractions. The welcoming bedrooms are bright and modern and are equipped with a TV and tea/coffee making facilities. Guests can enjoy lovely views from the riverside restaurant or relax with a drink in the spacious terrace bar and lounge. Leisure facilities include a heated indoor swimming pool, sauna, spa pool,
steam room and gym.
• Lift • Bar • Restaurant • Tea/coffee in room • Leisure facilities • Coach parking is on-site & free of charge
Crowne Plaza Stratford-Upon-Avon
Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire
3 Nights Half Board
Twin from £319pp
Double for Sole Use Supplement from £89
Based on Friday arrivals
Inclusions
• 1 hour river cruise with cream tea
• Shakespeare Distillery tour & tasting
• Entrance to Shakespeare’s Schoolroom & Guildhall
Please refer to your quote for hotel inclusions.
Call to tailor this tour 01732 879191
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