Stratford & a Shakespearean New Year
Stratford & a Shakespearean New Year
Stratford & a Shakespearean New Year
5 Days
Visiting: Gloucestershire & Warwickshire Railway, Bourton-on-the-Water & Sudeley Castle Spectacle of Light, Stratford-upon-Avon, Cheltenham Races
Tour operator:
Tour code:
l-ssny
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Celebrate the New Year in the heart of England with the "Stratford & a Shakespearean New Year" tour. This enchanting journey begins in Stratford-upon-Avon, where you'll stay at the 4-star Crowne Plaza for four nights on a half-board basis. Experience the charm of the Cotswolds with a steam railway journey and explore the picturesque village of Bourton-on-the-Water. Marvel at the Spectacle of Light at Sudeley Castle, and enjoy a guided walking tour of Shakespeare's birthplace. Ring in 2025 with a gala dinner and spend New Year's Day at the thrilling Cheltenham Races. This cultural adventure offers a perfect blend of history, festivity, and scenic beauty.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Dec 29
Make your own way to our hotel in Stratford-upon-Avon, where you will meet an experienced Tour Manager and enjoy a relaxing evening with dinner.
Day 2 : Dec 30 Gloucestershire & Warwickshire Railway, Bourton-On-The-Water & Sudeley Castle Spectacle Of Light
Location: Gloucestershire & Warwickshire Railway, Bourton-on-the-Water & Sudeley Castle Spectacle of Light
This morning, we travel by coach to Cheltenham for a return journey on the Gloucestershire & Warwickshire Steam Railway. Using a section of the route from the former Great Western Railway's main line, this journey takes in some of the most stunning scenery in the Cotswolds. Boarding the train in Cheltenham, we will follow the line and enjoy rolling views of quaint hamlets and villages. During the journey, we will enjoy tea or coffee and a mince pie.
On arrival back in Cheltenham, we board our coach and head for the charming village of Bourton–on-the-Water – often referred to as the ‘Venice of the Cotswolds’. With its historic stone houses and low bridges over the River Windrush, there will be plenty to take in during your free time.
After our visit, we will continue to Sudeley Castle. Dating back to the 15th century, the castle is the resting place of King Henry VIII’s last wife, Queen Katherine Parr, making it the only private castle in England to have a queen buried within the grounds. Each winter, the grounds become the stage for the Spectacle of Light, a dazzling light display that illuminates the castle’s stunning architecture and beautiful gardens. Twinkling lights, colourful projections, and immersive soundscapes create a magical landscape, while the castle itself provides a truly grand backdrop. Why not treat yourself to a spiced mulled wine or delicious hot chocolate as you make your way along the trail?
We return by coach to our hotel for dinner this evening.
Day 3 : New Year's Eve Stratford-Upon-Avon
Location: Stratford-upon-Avon
This morning, a Blue Badge guide joins us for a fascinating walking tour of Stratford-upon-Avon. Known as the birthplace of William Shakespeare, the town features the preserved homes of Shakespeare and his family, which can be viewed on Henley Street. After the tour, enjoy an afternoon at leisure to explore at your own pace. Tonight, we ring in 2025 with a fantastic New Year’s Eve gala dinner.
Day 4 : New Year's Day Cheltenham Races
Location: Cheltenham Races
Happy New Year! After breakfast, we board our coach for Cheltenham Racecourse to enjoy the New Year's Day Races. The Club/Tatts Enclosure is the perfect area to be in, with access to all the public areas and fantastic views from the main grandstand, including sights such as the pre-parade ring and the finishing line. Experience the thrill of the races, and who knows, you might even bet on a winning horse! With plenty of food and drink options, you’re guaranteed an afternoon to remember.
Our coach returns us to the hotel for dinner this evening.
Day 5 : Jan 2
After breakfast, it is time to make your own way home.
What's Included
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Meals
Dinner is included on the first night, and breakfast and dinner are included on subsequent days.
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Gloucestershire & Warwickshire Railway Journey
Enjoy a return journey on the Gloucestershire & Warwickshire Steam Railway with tea or coffee and a mince pie.
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Sudeley Castle Spectacle of Light
Experience the Spectacle of Light at Sudeley Castle with a dazzling light display.
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Walking Tour of Stratford-upon-Avon
A Blue Badge guide will lead a walking tour of Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of William Shakespeare.
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New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner
Celebrate with a fantastic New Year’s Eve gala dinner.
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Cheltenham Races
Enjoy the New Year’s Day Races at Cheltenham Racecourse with access to the Club/Tatts Enclosure.
What's Not Included
Make your own way to and from the hotel in Stratford-upon-Avon.
Accommodation
You will stay for four nights on a half-board basis at the 4-star Crowne Plaza.
Mode of Transport
Travel by coach to various destinations including Cheltenham and Bourton-on-the-Water, with a return journey on the Gloucestershire & Warwickshire Steam Railway.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
You will stay for four nights on a half-board basis at the 4-star Crowne Plaza.
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What can I expect on the Gloucestershire & Warwickshire Railway journey?
The journey on the Gloucestershire & Warwickshire Steam Railway offers stunning scenery in the Cotswolds, with views of quaint hamlets and villages. During the journey, you will enjoy tea or coffee and a mince pie.
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What is special about the visit to Sudeley Castle?
Sudeley Castle is the resting place of King Henry VIII’s last wife, Queen Katherine Parr, making it the only private castle in England to have a queen buried within the grounds. During winter, the grounds host the Spectacle of Light, a dazzling light display that illuminates the castle's architecture and gardens.
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What activities are planned for New Year's Eve?
On New Year's Eve, a Blue Badge guide will lead a walking tour of Stratford-upon-Avon, exploring the preserved homes of William Shakespeare and his family. In the evening, there will be a New Year’s Eve gala dinner to ring in 2025.
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What can I expect at the Cheltenham Races on New Year's Day?
At the Cheltenham Races, you will have access to the Club/Tatts Enclosure, which offers fantastic views from the main grandstand, including the pre-parade ring and the finishing line. There are plenty of food and drink options available, making it an afternoon to remember.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
40 years
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Sole use of your own room on all Single Traveller holidays: means you still get your privacy and time out from the group.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Battlefield Tours - Will it be possible to visit a particular cemetery whilst on the tour?
Please contact us and we will check to see whether you can visit a particular cemetery on any of our Battlefield Tours, if we are not able to fit it into our itinerary then you could take some time out of the tour and do this independently by taxi or public transport.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies
Reviews of this operator
Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Leger Holidays requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 75 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of leger holidays charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 42 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 21 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.