Stratford & a Shakespearean New Year

Make your own way to our hotel in Stratford-upon-Avon, where you will meet an experienced Tour Manager and enjoy a relaxing evening with dinner.

This morning, we board our coach and head for the pretty Cotswolds village of Bourton–on-the-Water, known for its traditional stone houses and low bridges that straddle the River Windrush in the centre. You'll have time to meander through the village before travelling by coach to Toddington for our return journey on the Gloucestershire & Warwickshire Steam Railway.

The Railway uses part of the route of the former Great Western Railway's main line from Birmingham to Cheltenham and now operates steam and heritage diesel trains between Cheltenham Racecourse and Broadway, through some of the most spectacular scenery in the Cotswolds. We board the train in Toddington and follow the line which offers wonderful views of the nearby sleepy hamlets and villages. During the journey, we will enjoy a tea/coffee and a mince pie.

Sudeley Castle Spectacle of Light is our next stop of the day. Sudeley Castle remains the only private castle in England to have a queen buried within the grounds – Queen Katherine Parr, the last and surviving wife of King Henry VIII – who lived and died in the castle. We arrive late afternoon at Sudeley and, as darkness falls, we enter the gardens for the outdoor Spectacle of Light event. Explore the beautiful night-time illuminated trail around Sudeley Castle's stunning grounds and enchanted woodland. Gaze at the sparkling water features and the mesmerising carpet of colour, with light beams, lanterns and much more. Why not treat yourself to festive warmers of spiced mulled wine and sprinkled hot chocolate, as you make your way along the trail? We return by coach to our hotel for dinner this evening.

This morning, a Blue Badge guide joins us for a fascinating walking tour of Stratford-upon-Avon. Known as the birthplace of William Shakespeare, the town features the preserved homes of Shakespeare and his family, which can be viewed on Henley Street. After the tour, enjoy an afternoon at leisure to explore at your own pace. Tonight, we ring in 2025 with a fantastic New Year’s Eve gala dinner.

Happy New Year! After breakfast, we board our coach for Cheltenham Racecourse to enjoy the New Year's Day Races. The Club/Tatts Enclosure is the perfect area to be in, with access to all the public areas and fantastic views from the main grandstand, including sights such as the pre-parade ring and the finishing line. Experience the thrill of the races, and who knows, you might even bet on a winning horse! With plenty of food and drink options, you’re guaranteed an afternoon to remember.

Our coach returns us to the hotel for dinner this evening.

After breakfast, it is time to make your own way home.