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Historic Warwickshire
3 Days Starting and ending in Warwickshire, United Kingdom
Visiting: Warwickshire, Stratford-upon-Avon, Harvington Hall
Tour operator:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
0 - 42
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Cultural, Gardens & Nature Tours, History, Special Guest Tours
Activities:
Tour Overview
Immerse yourself in the rich history of Warwickshire with our "Historic Warwickshire" tour. Stay at the luxurious four-star Welcombe Hotel, located on the outskirts of Stratford-upon-Avon, and enjoy its spa, tennis courts, and beautiful gardens. Explore the medieval market town of Stratford-upon-Avon, birthplace of William Shakespeare, and visit the historic Holy Trinity Church. Discover the ancient town of Warwick, the formidable Kenilworth Castle, and the Elizabethan Harvington Hall. Enjoy two engaging lectures by Dr. Nicola Tallis, an esteemed historian, and savor delightful dinners, including a three-course meal with wine. Join us for an unforgettable journey through time.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival
Location: Warwickshire
Accommodation Name: The Welcombe Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
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
Location: Stratford-upon-Avon
Accommodation Name: The Welcombe Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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 16th 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
Location: Harvington Hall
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
What's Included
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Two nights’ bed and breakfast at the four-star Welcombe Hotel
Includes shared occupancy of a twin/double room.
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Welcome reception
A reception to welcome guests upon arrival.
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First night three-course dinner with wine
A three-course dinner with wine on the first night.
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Second night dinner in the hotel restaurant
Dinner at the hotel restaurant on the second night.
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All talks, guided tours and entrance fees
Includes all talks, guided tours, and entrance fees as per the itinerary.
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Coach touring
Coach touring as per the itinerary.
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Dr Nicola Tallis throughout
Dr Nicola Tallis will be present throughout the tour.
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Tour manager throughout
A tour manager will be present throughout the tour.
What's Not Included
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Transport to the hotel
Transport to the hotel is not included.
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Double for sole use supplement
Double for sole use supplement - from £154.
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Extra nights on bed and breakfast basis
Extra nights on a bed and breakfast basis are not included.
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Holiday insurance
Holiday insurance is not included.
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Meals other than those stated
Meals other than those stated in the itinerary are not included.
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Items of a personal nature
Items such as drinks, laundry, telephone calls, etc.
, are not included. -
Porterage and gratuities
Porterage and gratuities are not included.
Mode of Transport
Coach touring as per the itinerary. Transport to the hotel is not included.
Accommodation
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.
MORE INFO
Your GuideDr Nicola Tallis
Dr Nicola Tallis is an independent historian and researcher, who has also worked as a curator and lecturer. She received her doctorate from the University of Winchester in 2019, and is a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society. Nicola has worked with Historic Royal Palaces and the National Trust, and has appeared on BBC’sCountryfile, Who Do You Think You Are?andBooktalk. She is also a regular contributor to history magazines and radio. Nicola has given talks at the Emirates Literature Festival, Hampton Court Palace, the Tower of London, the National Archives, and the British Library to name but a few. She is the author of four critically acclaimed books:Crown of Blood: The Deadly Inheritance of Lady Jane Grey,Elizabeth’s Rival: The Tumultuous Tale of Lettice Knollys, Countess of Leicester,Uncrowned Queen: The Fateful Life of Margaret Beaufort, Tudor Matriarch, andAll the Queen’s Jewels, 1445-1548: Power, Majesty and Display.
Please note that all our UK tours start and finish at the relevant hotel. You can normally check in from 3pm onwards but hotels will always be happy to store your luggage if you arrive earlier in the day.
For full details of how to get to the hotel, directions and the nearest train station, please click on the hotel website or call our office for details. These will also be sent automatically with your confirmation.
The welcome reception and first evening dinner / talk will commence at about 6pm - full details will be sent with your joining instructions about 10 days prior to the arrival date.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes two nights' bed and breakfast at the four-star Welcombe Hotel, located on the outskirts of Stratford-upon-Avon. The hotel offers amenities such as a spa with swimming pool and sauna, tennis courts, a restaurant, and gardens. The comfortable bedrooms come with modern amenities including TV, WIFI, hairdryer, desk, and telephone.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour package includes a welcome reception, a three-course dinner with wine on the first night, and dinner in the hotel restaurant on the second night. Breakfast is also included for both mornings.
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What activities are included in the tour?
The tour includes guided tours and entrance fees to various historical sites such as Stratford-upon-Avon, Kenilworth Castle, Harvington Hall, and Baddesley Clinton. There are also two engaging lectures by Dr. Nicola Tallis and coach touring as per the itinerary.
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Who will be guiding the tour?
Dr. Nicola Tallis, an independent historian and researcher, will be guiding the tour. She has extensive experience working with Historic Royal Palaces and the National Trust and has appeared on various BBC programs. She is also a published author and a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society.
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What is the schedule for the first day of the tour?
On the first day, you will arrive independently from 15.00. The evening will include a welcome reception, dinner, and a talk by Dr. Nicola Tallis on 'Tudor Warwickshire and the Dudleys'.
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What historical sites will be visited on the second day?
On the second day, the tour includes a morning walking tour of Stratford-upon-Avon, including a visit to Holy Trinity Church where William Shakespeare is buried. In the afternoon, the tour will visit Kenilworth Castle and St Mary's Church.
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What can I expect on the third day of the tour?
The third day includes a morning guided tour to Harvington Hall, known for its rare wall paintings and priest hides. After lunch, the tour will visit Baddesley Clinton, a historical site known for its role as a safe house for Catholic priests during the Reformation. The day concludes with a return to the hotel around 17.00.
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Are there any additional costs not included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour package does not include transport to the hotel, a double for sole use supplement, extra nights on a bed and breakfast basis, holiday insurance, meals other than those stated, and personal items such as drinks, laundry, and telephone calls. Porterage and gratuities are also not included.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Final joining instructions and documentation will be despatched approximately 10 days before travel.
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Do I need any Visas or Vaccinations for my holidays?
Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change. Please check with your local doctor/GP about the current Vaccination requirements of the country you are visiting. For Visa enquiries, please contact the Embassy of the country you are visiting.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Generally, single and double rooms carry the same price, which means that single supplements for certain itineraries can seem high. We would be pleased to arrange for clients travelling alone to share with another client, however this is subject to somebody in the same situation booking on the tour. If you would be interested in this option, please let us know at the time of enquiry/booking.
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Where does the tour manager meet us?
In most cases the tour manager will travel out with the tour group from the UK. However, this is not always the case and the tour manager may meet you at the destination station / airport. The exact details specific to your tour will be given to you in your final documentation, 10 days prior to departure.
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1 Select your preferred date
Tuesday - Thursday
May 13, 2025 - May 15, 2025Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
CTS demo white label allows you to make 20 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
CTS demo white label requires a minimum deposit of 55% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.
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