Elizabethan Warwickshire

Trace the dramatic interplay of playwrights, queens and priests across Elizabethan Warwickshire. Wander Stratford’s “Historic Spine” following tales of Shakespeare, explore Charlecote Park’s deer-studded Tudor estate, and linger in Kenilworth Castle’s restored gardens. Finish with secretive recusant history at Harvington and Coughton Court, with their priest holes, battlement views and Catholic treasures.

ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrival
Arrive independently from 15:00. Evening welcome reception, dinner, and a talk from Dr Nicola Tallis.

Day 2: Stratford-upon-Avon and Charlecote Park
Morning walking tour of the medieval market town of Stratford-upon-Avon, where William Shakespeare, the Bard of Avon, was born and lived. Our walk includes a visit to the historic Holy Trinity Church, a beautiful church where William Shakespeare was baptised, where he regularly worshipped, and where he is buried. There is time to visit his grave which is located inside the church near the altar, rather than the surrounding graveyard. In the afternoon, travel to Charlecote Park, a grand 16th-century estate with deer-dotted parkland and Tudor-Victorian interiors. Evening talk from Dr Elizabeth Norton.

Day 3: Kenilworth Castle, St Mary's Church and The Lord Leycester Hospital
Morning visit to the once formidable medieval fortress, Kenilworth Castle. In 1266, Kenilworth was the scene of one of the longest sieges in English medieval history, and over the centuries has seen significant transformations including by Robert Dudley, the Earl of Leicester, converting the castle into an Elizabethan Palace in the 16th century. Next we visit St Mary’s Church. Founded in 1123, St Mary’s is a historical and architectural landmark, with its Gothic chancel and Norman crypt. End the day with a guided tour of The Lord Leycester Hospital, led by a resident Brother, where centuries-old traditions still thrive.

Day 4: Harvington Hall and Coughton Court
Morning guided tour to Harvington Hall, an Elizabethan moted manor house which boasts rare wall paintings and is renowned for having the largest collection of priest hides in England, having served as a refuge for priests during a time when practicing Catholicism was illegal. In the afternoon, explore Coughton Court, a Tudor house with deep Catholic ties and a rare double priest hole. Return to the hotel by 17:30.

NB: Exact order of excursions may vary according to local conditions and tour manager's discretion.

Please note the maximum group size on this tour is 40 passengers.

Tour grading: This tour has been graded as moderate due to the amount of walking around sites, and lots of standing for viewing at each attraction. At each attraction there are steps and limited places to sit for rest. For more information please visit the mobility page of our website, or phone our team if you have any questions.

INCLUDED

• Three nights' accommodation on bed and breakfast basis at the four-star Alveston Manor Hotel, Stratford-upon-Avon, based on shared occupancy of a twin/double room
• Evening welcome reception and talk from Nicola
• Evening talk from Elizabeth on day 2
• 3 dinners 
• 1 lunch
• All talks, guided tours and admissions as per the itinerary
• Coach touring as per the itinerary
• Expert guides Nicola Tallis and Elizabeth Norton throughout

NOT INCLUDED

• Transport to the hotel is not included
• Double for sole use supplement - £225
• Extra nights on bed and breakfast basis 
• Holiday insurance 
• Meals other than those stated 
• Items of a personal nature such as drinks, laundry, telephone calls etc 
• Porterage and gratuities

HOTEL

Alveston Manor Hotel, Stratford-upon-Avon

Alveston Manor is a handsome 16th‑century manor house set within tranquil gardens by the River Avon. It blends historic Elizabethan charm—timber beams, stained glass—with modern comforts, including an indulgent 18 m spa pool, sauna, steam room, and tranquil relaxation suites. Just a short walk from the centre and Shakespeare’s birthplace, it’s an inviting haven for anyone seeking cultural exploration in a gracious setting.

Hotel Website