Day 1: We begin our tour with a visit to the ever-popular RHS Garden Wisley. Wisley is the flagship garden of the RHS and one of the UK’s most visited and best-loved gardens, attracting around one million visitors each year. It is home to some of the largest plant collections anywhere in the globe and showcases inspirational gardening. Planting schemes are constantly evolving to ensure there's always something new to excite and inspire visitors. There is so much to see at Wisley but at this time of year make sure you visit these highlights. The Exotic Garden, an intriguing tropical inspired space with a jungle-like atmosphere, The Glasshouse, a cathedral-like structure featuring three climatic zones for you to explore and The Orchid House, opened in 2023 and home to over 3000 orchids. After our visit, we continue on to our hotel, arriving in time to freshen up before dinner.
Day 2: This morning we make the very short journey into the centre of Stratford-upon-Avon; the day here is yours to explore at leisure. This charming, historical town is famous as the birthplace of William Shakespeare, the most famous playwright in history. You may wish to visit his childhood home, a fascinating visit where you can walk in Shakespeare’s footsteps, hear tales of his family life and see objects from the Trust’s world-class collection. Alternatively, visit Anne Hathaway’s cottage, a 500 year old Tudor cottage where the Bard courted his bride-to-be. Wander the quaint streets, with their unique and individual shops, or enjoy a stroll by riverside. Make sure to treat yourself to coffee and cake or maybe lunch in one of the many excellent cafes and restaurants. There are so many things to explore in this wonderful town, which is why visitors flock back every year to discover more.
Day 3: Today we make the short journey to Warwick to visit the majestic Warwick Castle. As you step within the castle’s ancient walls, prepare to be transported through time. With more than 1,000 years of unbelievable history, the castle’s attractions include a maze, a Time Tower and the Mighty Trebuchet – the largest working siege machine in the world; this colossal catapult is an authentic recreation of one of the biggest and most deadly military machines of all time. Behind the castle’s mighty walls, you will find the real heart of the castle, its beautiful grand interiors. Whether you explore its staterooms or gaze upon the River Avon from its ramparts, Warwick Castle will immerse you in a rich tapestry of the past. If you have time after your castle explorations, why not visit Warwick’s pretty and intriguing town. There are ancient churches, interesting museums and a wealth of quality independent shops, restaurants and cafes nestled amongst Warwick’s stunning historic buildings.
Day 4: We bid farewell and begin our journey home. A visit to this beautiful part of the country though, wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Cotswolds. This morning we travel to Broadway, often referred to as the ‘Jewel of the Cotswolds’. The pretty High Street is lined with horse chestnut trees and includes a mixture of period houses & picturesque honey coloured Cotswold stone cottages which have lured visitors for centuries. The wide tree lined street is packed with independent shops, cafes and restaurants, there are also a couple of excellent museums. After buying a memorable souvenir of your trip or enjoying some tea and cake, we continue our journey homeward.
Please note: It is advisable to pre-book visits to places of interest in Stratford-upon-Avon.