Stratford-Upon-Avon & Blenheim Palace

Day 1

We depart for Stratford-upon-Avon, making comfort stops en-route including a suitable lunch stop. Arriving at the DoubleTree by Hilton, Stratford-upon-Avon this afternoon.

Day 2

This morning we have a gentle stroll from the Hotel to meet the boat for a 45 minute Stratford-upon-Avon river cruise. During the trip you will enjoy unparalleled views of the Theatre, Holy Trinity (Shakespeare's burial place) experience local water fowl and travel through one of the oldest and most iconic locks in the country, which fuelled the industrial revolution.

After the cruise, we make our way on foot to Shakespeare's Birthplace. Here John Shakespeare lived and worked for fifty years. When he married Mary Arden she came to live with him and they had a total of eight children, including their son William Shakespeare. The house doubled as a glover's shop where John worked at the eastern end of the building, with a barn and workshops in the backyard. William Shakespeare was born in this house and grew up here with his parents and siblings. He also spent the first five years of his marriage living here with his wife Anne Hathaway.

After our visit, enjoy some free time to purchase lunch and explore Stratford-upon-Avon at your own leisure.

Day 3

Today we take you to Blenheim Palace. Home to the 12th Duke of Marlborough and his family and the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, Blenheim Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site boasting a long and diverse history. Blenheim Palace was built as a gift to John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough, from Queen Anne and a grateful nation in thanks for his victory at the Battle of Blenheim on 13th August 1704.

Day 4

This morning we visit National Trust's, Charlecote Park.

The Victorian home set in a landscaped deer park, has over 180 acres to explore. Wander, picnic and play in the parkland, inspired by ‘Capability’ Brown. Enjoy tranquil views across the rivers Avon and Dene and spot a wide variety of wildlife around every corner, including the historic herds of Jacob sheep and fallow deer which roam freely in the parkland all year round.

Stroll through the garden that Mary Elizabeth loved so dearly, from the formal parterre to the shady woodland garden with rare plants and borders full of colourful herbaceous planting.

Tiptoe through the Scullery and Victorian Kitchen, to see them quietly preserved in time. Wander across the Service Courtyard to explore the Laundry and Brewhouse which once hummed with the activity of a busy working estate. Discover the stables which house the family’s carriage collection, each with its own story to tell.

Still the Lucy family home after 900 years, the house usually tells a story of the vision of the Victorian owners George Hammond Lucy and his wife, the formidable Mary Elizabeth, who extended their home and filled it with treasures from their European travels.

Day 5

We depart the hotel after breakfast, making our way home with comfort stops en-route and a suitable lunch stop, arriving back in East Sussex late afternoon.

FB=Full Breakfast, EM=Evening Meal