Shakespeare, The Cotswolds & The Welsh Marches

Depart US/Arrival

Upon arrival at Heathrow Airport, a private transfer will take you to our hotel, Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill, where we stay for two nights. In the evening, join the group for a welcome drink and canapés, followed by dinner.

Globe Theater & the British Library

For our first visit, we head to Shakespeare’s Globe on the River Thames, where we enjoy a fascinating tour to learn more about this iconic theater and its most famous playwright; from colourful stories of the original 1599 Globe to the faithful reconstruction process of the 1990s.

We then have lunch at a riverside pub, boasting wonderful views and fresh seasonal menus, before visiting the British Library, one of the world’s greatest research libraries. Developed over 250 years, the collections include more than 150 million items in over 400 languages, representing items from every age of written civilisation. From manuscripts and journals to maps and books, there is plenty to discover, including first editions of Romeo and Juliet and Richard III.

Banqueting House

After checking out of the hotel, we visit Banqueting House, open once again after an extensive renovation programme. A survivor of the lost royal Palace of Whitehall (the residence of English monarchs from 1530 to 1698), the crowning glory here is the magnificent nine ceiling paintings by Peter Paul Rubens, installed in 1636 and commissioned by Charles I. 13 years later, the Stuart king walked beneath this glorious ceiling to his death after being found guilty of treason, with his execution taking place outside Banqueting House.

Later, we travel to Stratford-upon-Avon and check into Hotel du Vin, where we stay for the next two nights.

Shakespeare’s Birthplace, RSC Swan Theater & Shakespeare’s New Place

An exciting day awaits, beginning with Shakespeare’s Birthplace in the heart of Stratford-upon-Avon. We explore the beginning of the Bard’s extraordinary story in the half-timbered house where he was born and grew up in, admiring the treasures of the permanent exhibition and exploring the fascinating room, from the parlour and the bedrooms to the dining room.

Next, we visit the iconic RSC Swan Theater, housed in a Grade II listed building and where Shakespeare’s plays are regularly performed. We are treated to lunch at the rooftop restaurant, with its lovely views and delicious British food.

As part of our Shakespeare’s Story ticket, we also visit Shakespeare’s New Place, the family home from 1597 until Shakespeare’s death in 1616. Although the house was demolished in 1759, a beautiful garden has been designed to commemorate the importance of the site with commissioned artworks plus a sunken Knot Garden and exhibition centre.

Anne Hathaway’s Cottage & Coughton Court

In the afternoon, we travel to Anne Hathaway’s idyllic thatched cottage, the setting of the young Shakespeare’s courtship with his future bride. Here we can see original furniture and rooms, preserved to reflect the 16th-century lifestyle, and uncover the stories of 13 generations of the Hathaway family who lived here. There are also nine acres of beautiful cottage gardens and woodland walks to enjoy.

We continue to the stunning Coughton Court, where we enjoy an indulgent afternoon tea. Home to the Throckmorton family for 600 years, Coughton is still very much a family home with an intimate feel. While the interior gives us a unique insight into the history of the Catholic faith in this country, the spectacular award-winning gardens feature colourful rose displays in the walled garden, herbaceous borders, a bog garden, orchards and, a lake and a pleasant riverside walk.

Later, we check into the Diglis House Hotel, our base for the next three nights.

Croft Castle & Newton Court

After breakfast, we head to Croft Castle in Herefordshire, home to the Croft family for almost a thousand years and believed to have been built by a Norman knight (Bernard de Croft). The house’s exterior is an interesting blend of castle and country house, surrounded by historic woodland, farm and parkland, while the interior is a fine example of grand Georgian elegance. We learn more about the captivating history of the family and the house during our guided tour.

Afterward, we head to Newton Court, which sits on a 157-acre Herefordshire farm, for an interesting cider tour to learn about how the Stephens family have been crafting their organic cider here for decades. Be sure to pick up a few treats in the lovely farm shop too!

Hellens Manor & Eastnor Castle

This morning, we are treated to a private visit to Hellens Manor, a Tudor/Jacobean gem in the Herefordshire village of Much Marcle. Renowned for its spectacular collection of art, discover paintings by the likes of Gainsborough, Van Dyke and Goya, along with the English Renaissance frieze in the panelled Music Room, heirlooms of Anne Boleyn and the supposed haunted bed chamber prepared for Queen Mary Tudor. Outside, the grounds are perfect for a stroll, ranging from ancient Site of Special Interest woodland and wild flower meadows to a rare octagonal dovecote and a knot garden, all framed by the stunning Malvern Hills.

We then make our way to Eastnor, a dramatic fairytale castle at the foot of the Malvern Hills, surrounded by a beautiful deer park, arboretum and lake, boasting magnificent views of the rolling countryside. The princely and imposing fortress (as it was described in 1812 when it was being built to pitch the owner, the 1st Earl Somers, into the aristocracy), continues to be inhabited by the 1st Earl’s descendants; the Hervey-Bathurst family. The State Rooms offer a wonderful dive into this world, adorned with fine art, tapestries and medieval armour.

Worcester Cathedral & Hidcote Manor Garden

After checking out of the hotel, we take a guided tour of Worcester Cathedral, which rises majestically above the River Severn. Built between 1084 and 1504, the cathedral represents every style of English architecture, from Norman to Perpendicular Gothic, and boasts royal tombs, medieval cloisters, a Norman crypt and magnificent Victorian stained glass.

Next, we head to Hidcote Manor Garden, an exquisite Arts and Crafts garden created by the reclusive American horticulturist, Major Lawrence Johnston. The garden is laid out as a series of colourful and intricately designed ‘rooms’ and features many plants that were collected on Johnston’s trips to far flung places, all set against the backdrop of the honey-hued manor. It’s easy to see how the stunning garden is believed to be the inspiration behind the magical settings of Shakespeare’s comedies. We enjoy exclusive entry in the garden with a guided tour and two glasses of Prosecco or refreshing elderflower: a wonderful way to spend a balmy autumnal afternoon in the Cotswolds.

Afterward, we make our way to Ellenborough Park, where we stay for the next two nights.

Sudeley Castle & Snowshill Manor

Today begins with a behind-the-scenes tour of the exquisite Cotswolds gem of Sudeley Castle, focusing on its extensive history and its important role in England’s turbulent past. Once a royal residence closely associated with famous monarchs such as Henry VIII and Charles I, it remains the only private castle in England to have a queen buried within the grounds – Queen Katherine Parr, the last wife of King Henry VIII. The castle rooms contain many fascinating treasures from ancient Roman times to the present day while outside are award-winning gardens (look out for Percy the peacock here)!

Our next stop is Snowshill Manor, which dates back to the 16th century. This Cotswold manor house was bought by the eccentric Charles Wade for just one purpose; to house the extraordinary treasures he collected over his lifetime. Every room is filled with hundreds of objects, from the everyday to the extraordinary, including Japanese samurai armour, bicycles and in particular, musical instruments. The gardens, set out in a series of rooms and with far-reaching views, are also a delight to explore.

Waddesdon Manor

We make our way to Waddesdon Manor, built by the wealthy Rothschild family in the style of a Renaissance château and one of the National Trust’s most visited properties. Built by Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild in the 1870s, the French-inspired château was lavishly designed to entertain guests and showcase his enthusiastic interest in art. From Dutch paintings to British portraiture, Waddesdon has one of the finest collections of French decorative arts, which we discover on a guided tour, followed by a sumptuous afternoon tea amidst these lavish surroundings. Nestled within 5,000 acres of beautiful parkland, the formal gardens are one of the finest examples of late Victorian gardens in England and include a Rococo-style aviary, a Parterre, sculptures and more.

This evening, we stay at Hartwell House & Spa, one of the National Trust’s Historic House Hotels, where we enjoy a farewell dinner together.

Departure

A private transfer will take you back to Heathrow Airport for your return flight home.

Please note: the order of excursions is subject to change and guided tours are subject to restrictions.