Full day tour of Stratford-upon-Avon and Warwick Castle

The River Avon at Stratford
Stratford-upon-Avon
Warwick Castle
Anne Hathaway's Cottage

Stratford-upon-Avon is one of Britain's most visited towns due to its association with William Shakespeare, whose birthplace, now containing a small museum, is one of several attractive, timbered buildings that have been preserved or reconstructed. Others include the thatched cottage of his wife, Anne Hathaway and Harvard House, associated with the founder of the eponymous university.

The town of Warwick is dominated by its castle, one of England's grandest and best preserved. It was built in stages between the 10th and the 18th centuries, with impressive fortifications dating from the 14th century. Now it provides an entertaining day out, with waxwork figures illustrating its turbulent history, a stunning array of historic arms and armour and an extensive garden. In summer, there are sometimes jousting displays on the lawn. The town itself is rich in timbered buildings dating from Tudor times and earlier. In one of them is the popular Warwick Doll Museum, with a fascinating collection of toys from all over the world.