Stratford & a Shakespearean New Year

December 2021

The medieval town of Stratford-upon-Avon will be our base for this one-of-a-kind, New Years’ experience.

Steam train journey on the Gloucestershire & Warwickshire Railway
Shakespeare experience guided tour – visiting Shakespeare's Schoolroom and Guildhall and Shakespeare’s Birthplace
Tickets to see The Magician’s Elephant at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre

Description
Itinerary
What's Included
Travel Options
Dates & Prices

The medieval town of Stratford-upon-Avon will be our base for this one-of-a-kind, New Years’ experience. On this five-day rail holiday, you will be able to immerse yourself in all things Shakespeare, as we discover the playwright’s birthplace, tucked away in the middle of Stratford’s pretty high street. We will also visit the Shakespeare's Schoolroom and Guildhall, before taking in a matinee performance of The Magician’s Elephant - a brand new musical adapted from Kate DiCamillo's prize-winning novel, at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. You will also enjoy a fascinating steam train ride on the Gloucestershire & Warwickshire Railway before celebrating the New Year in style at a fabulous five course gala dinner. There is no better way to bring in the New Year!

Day 1: Stratford-upon-Avon
Make your own way to our hotel in Stratford-upon-Avon, where you’ll meet our Tour Manager and enjoy a relaxing evening.
Day 2: Stratford & Shakespeare’s Birthplace plus Shakespeare's Schoolroom and Guildhall
This morning we will be joined by a local guide who will take us on a sight-seeing tour of Stratford and surrounding areas by coach. Our tour ends at Shakespeare’s Birthplace, a small cottage amongst the high street of Stratford. We then continue to Shakespeare's Schoolroom and Guildhall where you’ll have time to explore the building. You can also participate in the Tudor lesson, write with quills and hear about the Medieval paintings, Priests’ Chapel and the Court of Record. We will have some free time for lunch, before we head to the Royal Shakespeare Theatre to watch a matinee performance of The Magician’s Elephant - a brand new musical adapted from Kate DiCamillo's prize-winning novel. It is directed by Sarah Tipple (Associate Director for The Boy in the Dress) and designed by Colin Richmond (Wendy & Peter Pan). We return to our hotel for dinner this evening.
Day 3 New Year’s Eve: Gloucester & Warwickshire Railway

Today we travel by coach to Broadway where we enjoy a return trip on the Gloucestershire & Warwickshire Railway to Winchcombe. The train travels along part of the route of the former Western Railway’s main line. We return to Broadway where you’ll have some free time in this quaint picture postcard village. After some free time, we return to our hotel ready for our New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner.
Day 4 New Year’s Day: Stratford-upon-Avon
Today is yours to spend at leisure, doing as much or as little as you like. Relax in the hotel or explore Stratford-upon-Avon and take a walk along the river, taking in the pretty half-timbered buildings of this medieval market town. Dinner is served at the hotel this evening.
Day 5: Home
After breakfast we say goodbye to our Shakespearean setting and depart at leisure.

Please note: We cannot guarantee that all rail journeys will be steam hauled. The running order of the itinerary will be confirmed in your final travel documents.

Overview

The 4 star Crowne Plaza hotel is located in the heart of Stratford-upon-Avon. The hotel provides complimentary Wi-Fi and features a riverside restaurant and terrace lounge bar with lovely river views, perfect for relaxing and enjoying a drink after a busy day of exploring. You can also take advantage of the hotel’s heated indoor pool and fitness centre, which also features a sauna.