Stratford-upon-Avon provides the perfect setting for this delightful holiday. Our base is the 4-star Crowne Plaza, a stunning riverside hotel set amid landscaped gardens beside the River Avon and just a short walk from the town centre. During the stay, enjoy a wonderful variety of included excursions, including a steam train journey on the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway and a visit to Sudeley Castle with a light lunch, home to 1,000 years of royal history and the final resting place of Queen Katherine Parr.
Explore the fascinating Sezincote House & Gardens, where the weathered-copper onion dome offers a glimpse of India, before visiting Bourton House Garden, as featured on BBC2’s Gardeners’ World. The holiday is rounded off with a three-hour fine dining lunch cruise aboard the Countess, gliding along the tranquil River Avon. A centrally based holiday not to be missed!
4 nights from £775pp £1,550 for 2 people Single Room Supplement from £160pp
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Make your own way to our hotel, where you will meet your experienced Tour Manager and enjoy a relaxing evening dinner.
After breakfast, travel by coach to Broadway Station to board the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway. Sit back and relax during a scenic morning journey to Cheltenham Racecourse Station, where the coach awaits to continue to Sudeley Castle.
On arrival, enjoy a light lunch in the beautiful wrought-iron Orangery, followed by time to explore the castle and its stunning gardens. Nestled in the Cotswold countryside, Sudeley Castle & Gardens boasts over 1,000 years of royal history.
Sudeley remains the only private castle in England to have a queen buried within its grounds – Queen Katherine Parr, the last surviving wife of King Henry VIII, who lived and died at the castle. Henry himself, along with Anne Boleyn, Lady Jane Grey, Queen Elizabeth I, and Richard III, all feature in Sudeley’s rich story.
Now home to Elizabeth, Lady Ashcombe, and her family, Sudeley Castle continues to be lovingly preserved for future generations. Later this afternoon, we return to the hotel by coach.
This morning, after winding through the mighty oaks that line the long drive, you see a weathered-copper onion dome straight out of India as we arrive at Sezincote House & Gardens. The south front, complete with curving orangery, unfurls above a Repton landscape that has remained unchanged since the mid-19th century.
The house was the whim of Colonel John Cockerell, and after his death in 1798, it passed to his youngest brother, Charles. He commissioned their brother, Samuel, an architect, to design and build this Indian-style house in the Mogul tradition of Rajasthan, complete with minarets, peacock-tail windows, jali-work railings, and pavilions that can still be admired today. During our visit, we enjoy a guided tour of the house with time to enjoy the gardens at leisure.
In the afternoon, we visit Bourton House Garden, as featured on BBC2’s Gardeners’ World. The garden boasts luxuriant terraces and herbaceous borders rich in texture and colour, along with features such as a topiary walk, White Garden and spring-fed water features, including a raised basket pond from the Great Exhibition of 1851.
You can also explore the Shade House, admire borders filled with tender perennials, and enjoy views of the surrounding Cotswold landscape from a raised 18th-century walk. A seven-acre field planted with specimen trees offers a tranquil extension to the gardens. After exploring, we return by coach to the hotel for dinner.
This morning, enjoy time at leisure to explore Stratford-upon-Avon before gathering at the hotel for a short walk to board The Countess. Settle in for a 3-hour fine dining lunch cruise along the beautiful River Avon, sailing through historic canal locks to the charming village of Luddington, where there’s time to step ashore and admire the picturesque weir. Back on board, savour a luxurious 3-course meal, expertly prepared by the onboard chef using the finest local ingredients, accompanied by half a bottle of wine per person. Enjoy an unforgettable experience combining gourmet cuisine, tranquil waters, and timeless charm.
Later this afternoon, once The Countess returns, enjoy some free time before a light meal is served at the hotel in the evening.
Please note: To board the boat, guests must manage five steps down with handrail assistance and duck slightly on the first step. In the event of adverse weather, flooding, or other circumstances, the skipper may alter the itinerary or complete the function while moored – their decision will be final and should be respected.
After a leisurely breakfast, it is time to check out of the hotel and make your own way home.
You will stay for four nights on a half-board basis at the 4-star Crowne Plaza.
Location: Bridgefoot, Stratford Upon Avon, CV37 6YR
The 4-star Crowne Plaza Hotel enjoys a prime riverside location in the heart of Stratford-upon-Avon, close to Shakespeare’s birthplace and the train station. Modern, well-appointed rooms include all expected amenities, while the stylish Riverside Restaurant and Terrace Bar & Lounge offer lovely views. Additional facilities include an indoor swimming pool, fitness centre and sauna, with complimentary Wi-Fi available throughout (extra charges may apply, payable locally). Complimentary car parking is also available for guests when they register their vehicle on arrival at reception.Need further information? Fill in our enquiry form and we'll get back to you as soon as we can
Single Supplement from £160.00
