Lord Leycester Hospital
River Avon Cruise
Blenheim Great Courtyard © Blenheim
UPDATED TOUR
Based centrally in Stratford-upon-Avon at either the Crowne Plaza or DoubleTree by Hilton, this tour makes the most of the area with a day to explore this fabulous medieval market town complete with river cruise, as well as visits to Blenheim Palace, Charlecote Park and the Lord Leycester Hospital.
PACKAGED ITINERARY
Day 1 Arrival
We arrive at our hotel in time for dinner.
Day 2 Stratford & River Cruise
We begin our day with a relaxing 45-minute river cruise with an engaging guide who will bring Shakespeare’s Stratford to life. After disembarking, we have time for a stroll of our own and lunch, before getting a bit more involved in the town’s history as we head to Shakespeare’s Birthplace. A fascinating visit, here we can walk in the playwright’s famous footsteps, exploring his childhood home at our own pace, hearing tales of his family life and seeing objects from the Trust’s world class collection. Alternatively, we could use the afternoon to visit Anne Hathaway’s Cottage instead, the 500-year-old Tudor cottage where Shakespeare courted his bride-to-be. Resplendent in thatch, the Hathaway’s family home has acres of gardens and orchards to enjoy and a sculpture trail to follow, inspired by The Bard’s plays.
Day 3 Blenheim Palace
We spend today at the fabulous Blenheim Palace, the seat of the Dukes of Marlborough. One of England’s largest houses, it was built in the early 1700s and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. The palace is a family home, a mausoleum and national monument, and is notable as being the birthplace and ancestral home of Sir Winston Churchill. Here, we can explore the gilded State Rooms, visit the Churchill Exhibition and wander the Formal Gardens.
During 2026, Blenheim Palace is undergoing an extensive and much-needed roof restoration project with scaffolding. Some areas may be restricted so three new extraordinary experiences that unveil hidden treasures above and below this historic landmark and offer unprecedented views and intimate insights into life at Blenheim Palace will be available.
Day 4 Charlecote Park & Lord Leycester Hospital or St Mary’s Guildhall
This morning, we make our way to Charlecote Park, a grand National Trust property which was one of the first great Elizabethan houses. Queen Elizabeth I stayed here and, as a boy, William Shakespeare got into trouble for poaching here. Nestled in the Warwickshire countryside, along the banks of the River Avon, we can enjoy the house and the gardens with their colourful parterres. Afterwards, we make the short journey to beautiful Warwick to visit the Lord Leycester Hospital, which was built in the 1300s as a Guildhall for meetings, a Great Hall for entertaining and a kitchen, and later used as a “hospital” and place of sanctuary caring for fallen and deserving warriors. Considered one of the best-preserved examples of medieval architecture in England, the Lord Leycester Hospital re-opened as a visitor attraction in summer 2023 following a £4.5 million investment. As we are transported back in time to the medieval age, we discover stories of the heritage timber-framed buildings and their residents, past and present.
OR
Visit St Mary’s Guildhall and experience a combined 45-minute private tour, a 1-hour Coventry Cathedral guided tour plus enjoy a delicious cream tea within their Tales of Tea restaurant.
Day 5 Departure
After breakfast, we make our way home.
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.
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.
4 Nights Half Board
Twin from £479pp
Double for Sole Use Supplement from £180
Based on Sunday arrivals
Inclusions
• River Avon cruise with live commentary
• Entrance to Shakespeare’s Birthplace
• Entrance to Blenheim Palace
• Entrance to Charlecote House
• Entrance to Lord Leycester Hospital or St Mary’s Guildhall
Please refer to your quote for hotel inclusions.
4 Nights Half Board
Twin from £428pp
Double for Sole Use Supplement from £119
Based on Sunday arrivals
Inclusions
• River Avon cruise with live commentary
• Entrance to Shakespeare’s Birthplace
• Entrance to Blenheim Palace
• Entrance to Charlecote House
• Entrance to Lord Leycester Hospital or St Mary’s Guildhall
Please refer to your quote for hotel inclusions.
