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 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.
DoubleTree by Hilton Stratford-upon-Avon
Stratford-upon-Avon
A 10-minute walk from the Royal Shakespeare Theatre and only a 5-minute walk to Shakespeare’s Birthplace, you couldn’t be better placed for all things relating to The Bard. The city centre with its shops and attractions is less than a mile away and you’ll find a warm welcome awaits in this modern and spacious hotel, including a lovely garden area with outdoor seating. All bedrooms are stylish and airy and are equipped with a TV, hairdryer, air-conditioning, mini-fridge, iron/ironing board, Wi-Fi and tea/coffee making facilities. ‘Quills’, the main restaurant, is set as a fresh, bistro-style dining experience whilst the bar offers a range of drinks in a relaxing environment, perfect for discussing the days’ sightseeing.
Stratford Manor Hotel
Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire
Set in 22 acres of landscaped grounds, the 4 star Stratford Manor Hotel is located in rural Warwickshire, just three miles from historic Stratford-upon-Avon and three miles from the M40. The bedrooms are to a high standard with contemporary, stylish designs and modern furnishings. All are equipped with a TV, hairdryer and tea/coffee making facilities. The Shakespeare Restaurant makes the most of locally sourced ingredients, serving up classic British food with a contemporary twist. Guests can also enjoy the more relaxed Terrace Bar and patio for a casual bite and drinks. Leisure facilities include a heated indoor pool, sauna, steam room and spa treatments.
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.
Inclusions
- 1 hour river cruise with cream tea
- Shakespeare Distillery tour & tasting
- Entrance to Shakespeare’s Schoolroom & Guildhall
See quote for hotel inclusions
Crowne Plaza Stratford-Upon-Avon
3 Nights Half Board
Twin from £327pp
Double for Sole Use Supplement from £94
Based on Friday arrivals
Stratford Manor Hotel
3 Nights Half Board
Twin from £321pp
Double for Sole Use Supplement from £135
Based on Friday arrivals