Historic Warwickshire

Warwickshire is a county full of historical gems which span hundreds of years of history, and have many an intriguing tale to tell. Join historian Dr Nicola Tallis as we visit castles, churches, manor houses and towns, to uncover the thrilling history of the people and places that make up Warwickshire’s historic past. We’ll be following in the footsteps of William Shakespeare, squeezing into priest hides (optional), and delving into the story of one of history’s longest and most elaborate party’s.

ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrival
Arrive independently from 15.00. Evening welcome reception, dinner, and a talk by Dr Nicola Tallis: ‘Tudor Warwickshire and the Dudleys’.

Day 2: Stratford-upon-Avon and Warwick
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. After lunch (own expense) we coach 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 16^th century. We finish the day with a visit to St Mary’s Church. Founded in 1123, St Mary’s is a historical and architectural landmark, with its Gothic chancel and Norman crypt. Return to the hotel for dinner and evening talk by Dr Nicola Tallis: ‘Elizabeth’s Rival: The Tumultuous Tale of Lettice Knollys, Countess of Leicester’.

Day 3: Harvington Hall and Baddesley Clinton
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. After lunch (own expense) we visit Baddesley Clinton which is also known for its rich history as a safe house for Catholic priests during the Reformation. We enjoy a free flow visit including the beautiful walled garden. Return to the hotel for approx 17.00.

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

Please note: Post tour extra nights are available at a supplement

Please note the maximum group size on this tour is 42 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

• Two nights’ bed and breakfast at the four-star Welcombe Hotel, based on shared occupancy of a twin/double room
• Welcome reception
• First night three-course dinner with wine
• Second night dinner in the hotel restaurant
• All talks, guided tours and entrance fees as per the itinerary
• Coach touring as per the itinerary
• Dr Nicola Tallis throughout
• Tour manager throughout

NOT INCLUDED

• Transport to the hotel is not included
• Double for sole use supplement - from £154
• 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

The Welcombe Hotel

Four-star hotel located on the outskirts of Stratford-upon-Avon offering spa with swimming pool and sauna, tennis courts, restaurant, and gardens. The comfortable bedrooms offer modern amenities including TV, WIFI, hairdryer, desk, and telephone. Complimentary parking is available at the hotel.

Hotel Website