Stratford & a Shakespearean New Year

Stratford & a Shakespearean New Year

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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:

Leger Holidays

Tour code:

l-ssny

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Low

Trip Styles:

Special Events

Activities:

Rail Excursion, Walking

This tour is no longer available

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

  • Travel on the Gloucestershire & Warwickshire Steam Railway through the stunning Cotswolds scenery.

  • Explore the charming village of Bourton-on-the-Water, known as the 'Venice of the Cotswolds'.

  • Visit Sudeley Castle and experience the Spectacle of Light, a dazzling winter light display.

  • Enjoy a guided walking tour of Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of William Shakespeare.

  • Celebrate New Year's Eve with a gala dinner in Stratford-upon-Avon.

  • Experience the excitement of the New Year's Day Races at Cheltenham Racecourse.

Itinerary

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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

  • Meals

    Dinner is included on the first night, and breakfast and dinner are included on subsequent days.

  • Gloucestershire & Warwickshire Railway Journey

    Enjoy a return journey on the Gloucestershire & Warwickshire Steam Railway with tea or coffee and a mince pie.

  • Sudeley Castle Spectacle of Light

    Experience the Spectacle of Light at Sudeley Castle with a dazzling light display.

  • Walking Tour of Stratford-upon-Avon

    A Blue Badge guide will lead a walking tour of Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of William Shakespeare.

  • New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner

    Celebrate with a fantastic New Year’s Eve gala dinner.

  • 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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    40 years

  • 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.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • 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.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies

Reviews of this operator

Gary White (Google Reviewer)  

Just got back from a...

27-May-2024

Just got back from a holiday with leger holidays to callea spain which my wife done as a surprise for my 60th and wedding anniversary together my wife and i had a great time the coach journey there was excellent regular stops for toilet breaks and a stretch. Our two drivers Geoff and katrina were brilliant serving regular drinks and making the trip pleasant all the people on the coach were pleasant the hotel in spain was so nice the best we've stayed in lovely staff lovely bar the guy at the bar was great really friendly nice room. Overall our journey there and our return journey was brill the only thing that was not good at all was the ibis hotel on the return journey the room was horrible not a nice breakfast not polite French staff. Not really interested in trying to speak some english if i was leger should try and use a different hotel. Once again a big thank you to Geoff and katrina well done guys for making our holiday lovely. Hope to see you on another holiday soon

Will (Google Reviewer)  

I went on the 4...

05-Jan-2024

I went on the 4 countries trip and swiss glacier express and overall it was a great trip. The coach I was on was silver service, it was tidy had nice seats and other accessories such as charging points and headsets which was very handy. The drivers Alex and Dave were fantastic, very kind, funny and respectful throughout the whole trip and a pleasure to talk to. The excursions were very pleasant and all ran very smoothly. The hotels were decent and offered a good service. I overall very much recommend leger holidays.

Sally Matson  

Excellent customer service

10-Jan-2023

Booked our ‘Christmas in Austria & Scenic Trains of the Tyrol’ through George on the customer Helpline. Nothing was too much trouble, everything clearly & patiently explained. He even had permission to log in on his day off to finalise the sale! A charming and helpful young person and a credit to the company.

Euan Donald (Google Reviewer)  

Been on two tours now...

10-Oct-2023

Been on two tours now the “D Day beaches” and “ All Quiet on the Western Front” tour of the Somme and Ypres. Both four days in total, two travelling and two on the site of the various battles. This is outstanding value for money, picked up from Carlisle , Cumbria and literally looked after all the way through the tours. The coaches are great and the accommodation spot on . The guides are very knowledgeable ( Mark Hope brilliant guy)and the bus drivers professional . Absolutely fantastic .

Remon Wanis (Google Reviewer)  

We have been working with...

05-Aug-2024

We have been working with them for nearly a year now as Sussex Airports Taxis, and they offer the best customer service ever. All their customers are always happy when they return from their holidays. We look forward to continuing our partnership for many more years to come.

William Olley (Google Reviewer)  

I recently went on a...

21-Aug-2024

I recently went on a coach holiday with this company. Everything was on time but there can be traffic hold ups with jams and roadworks! The coach was comfortable and the driver stopped for rest periods. The hotel was a 3 star close to a spectacular beach and was adequate. The catering was excellent! I went on the excursions included in the package and visited some lovely places.

Gordon Price (Google Reviewer)  

just returned from Italian holiday....

21-Jul-2024

just returned from Italian holiday. It was great spoilt a little by the high temperature even Ledger can't control that. The only real thing to spoil the trip was one of the hotels. The Krystall hotel in Diano Marina was terrible the room was dire with cracks in shower bogged up shower fittings noe control for AC end so on. The food was very poor, limited choice luke warm food on cold plates. After 4 evening meals (3 or four courses) we were only able to remember 2 we enjoyed. Breakfast was poor no bread except for hard rolls. No fresh fruit if you liked cake for breakfast you were good. If this is a 3 star hotel Italian standards have fallen which I don't think they have. Ledger brochure states "some of Europes most fascinating unique hotels" for Luxuria trips. This hotel should be removed from your list at once. The holiday was other wise good I cannot praise your coach crew too to much they were excellent. A highlight of the trip was the return trip through the swiss alps. It was superb and deserves mention in your holiday iteniary description.

Hilary Jackson (Google Reviewer)  

I recently went on a...

12-Jun-2024

I recently went on a 4 night tour to Scarborough. Driver was great hotel superb. My criticism is too many destinations crammed into day excursion. Example visit to Flamborough head stop for 1 hour it was teeming nobody got off coach but even if fine pointless. Then on to Bridlington coach Park 1.5 ml from centre. Most people are hard pressed to get to center & back in 1.5 hours pointless. Incidentally if Leger paid a permit they could alight us in the resort. Very bad logistics. On to Whitby with a decent stop should have taken us there & bypassed the other stops. I will not go with them again. I will source a better holiday with excursions to one place only.

Suzanne Maylin (Google Reviewer)  

Having returned from a fabulous...

24-Sep-2024

Having returned from a fabulous tour of Austria with excellent tour guides/ drivers, it's disappointing to say the least that I'm left chasing a return for an excursion that was cancelled. I called Leger 5 days ago and am still waiting in a call back. Leger if you want to retain customers you need step up on service. Good training , good service costs very little, and once embedded in a company produces more income. I don't suppose anyone from Leger will respond to this, but who knows

aled blackshaw (Google Reviewer)  

just returned from a solos...

25-Mar-2024

just returned from a solos break to valkenburg and rhine valley i enjoyed the break overall although both journeys were considerably longer than expected due to several picks ups. I could have done without the 3 countries meeting point excursion to be honest and the lunch on rhine cruise was very basic. The drivers/couriers were efficient and good humoured and provided free lunch vouchers on the ferry which were much appreciated. I probably would book another break with leger but to somewhere a lot closer to home.

Book with Confidence

  • 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.

  • 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.