Warwick
5 day holiday - Tuesday 22nd September 2026
Highlights...
- Warwick Castle
- Lord Leycester Hospital Tour
- ο»ΏSt. Marys Church
Welcome to Warwick—a town where history, elegance, and a relaxed pace of life combine to create a truly memorable escape. Nestled on the banks of the River Avon, Warwick offers the perfect setting for those seeking a refined and enriching visit.
Its location also places it close to Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of William Shakespeare, links the area to England’s literary heritage as well as its political and architectural past.
At its heart lies the iconic Warwick Castle, a magnificent reminder of England’s medieval past, originally established by William the Conqueror shortly after the Norman invasion. Over time, it evolved from a simple wooden fort into one of the most formidable stone castles in England. It later became home to powerful nobles such as Richard Neville, whose influence during the Wars of the Roses earned him the nickname “The Kingmaker” because of his ability to shape who sat on the throne.
Much of Warwick’s current appearance is the result of the Great Fire of Warwick, which destroyed a large portion of the medieval town. The rebuilding effort that followed introduced more uniform architecture and wider streets, which still define the town today. This gives Warwick a distinct character compared to other English towns that retained more of their medieval street patterns.
During our visit to this historic city we will have the opportunity to explore The Lord Leycester Hospital, which has a long and layered history dating back to the 12th century. The site began in 1126 with the construction of the Chapel of St James the Great over Warwick’s West Gate, forming part of the town’s medieval defences. By the 14th century, it had passed into the hands of local religious guilds, which later united as the United Guilds of Warwick. During the 15th century, these guilds developed the timber-framed buildings that still stand today, including the Great Hall and surrounding courtyard, using the complex as a centre for worship, administration, and community life. However, this changed dramatically during the Reformation, when the guilds were dissolved under Henry VIII in 1546.
Today, the Lord Leycester Hospital remains both a working charity and a historic attraction. It still provides accommodation for former servicemen, maintaining its centuries-old mission, while also welcoming visitors to explore its remarkably preserved medieval architecture. The combination of continuous use, strong Tudor connections, and its role in caring for veterans makes it one of the most significant historic sites in Warwick and a rare example of living history in England.
Over the course of our break, we will get to explore some of the very best places of interest with the benefit of them being situated a short walk from one another within a small area of the town. An experienced Guide will lead us on an enlightening and entertaining tour, at a leisurely pace, to discover some of the landmarks and rich history of Warwick, aswell as Lymington Spa which is a short 2 mile ride away.
Hotel Du Vin, Stratford-upon-Avon β
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We will be staying at the Hotel du Vin Stratford-upon-Avon, which elegantly resides in the heart of one of England's most historic and picturesque towns. This chic hotel, set within a beautifully restored 18th-century building, seamlessly marries modern luxury and traditional charm throughout. All rooms are individually decorated to ensure a unique and comfortable experience. Each of the 46 hotel rooms feature luxurious handsprung mattresses, fine Egyptian linen and powerful drench showers, Smart TVs and air conditioning. In order to maintain its unique features, no two guest rooms are the same. The hotel features a Lanson Champagne Terrace where you can sit back and relax in a claming and cosy atmosphere, full of class and style.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Tuesday 22nd September
Arriving by door-to-door car at the Crowne Plaza, Gerrards Cross, you will be greeted by your Tour Manager who will be with you throughout the holiday. Coffee or tea with pastries will be served before we board the coach. At the end of our journey we will be treated to afternoon tea at the beautiful Ettington Park Hotel, Stratford-Upon-Avon, one of Warwickshires finest resorts; before arriving at our home for the duration of our stay, Hotel Du Vin. After check-in, we will have time at leisure before dinner.
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Day 2 – Wednesday 23rd September
Following a full English or continental breakfast, we will leave the hotel and take the short walk in to the town centre and make our way to where the ceremonial showpiece takes place. The grand Birthday Procession begins with Stafford’s primary school children led by the Air Training Corps band. They are followed by a multitude of musicians, costumed players and street performers. The procession continues to the Holy Trinity Church, where flowers are lain on the poet’s grave. When the parade moves on we will make our way to the Thatch Tavern for a light lunch. After lunch there is the option to return to the hotel for some free time or to stay in the town to enjoy a leisurely look around the shops and market stalls.
Day 3 – Thursday 24th September
Today we will begin with a guided tour of St. Marys Church. Steeped in history, people have been worshipping at the site for over 1,000 years. The tour will focus in depth on the most important historic areas of the church; the iconic and incomparable Beauchamp chapel, the Dean’s chapel and the chancel. After lunch we will be visiting Warwick Castle for a self -led tour. The Castle offers historical and interactive activities, featuring live shows (jousting, birds of prey), the Horrible Histories® Maze and the immersive Castle Dungeon. The towers, rampart and the Great Hall are also a must see. (The main pathways within the grounds are tarmac. However, we recommend guests using mobility aids to avoid entering the Castle Barbican which has an original cobbled entrance.)
Day 4 – Friday 25th September
Our day will start in the city centre , where we will meet our very knowledgeable guide for a 1-hour gentle paced walking tour of Warwick, which will conclude at the Thomas Oken tea rooms. Thomas Oken came from a humble family, but became the richest man in Warwick, making his fortune dealing in wool and woven fabrics. He lived during the reigns of Henry VII, Henry VIII, Edward VI, Mary I and Elizabeth I, during a period of great religious change and social upheaval. Our walking tour will continue after lunch in the small town of Leamington Priors, a fashionable Regency spa town with a lasting legacy we still see today.
Day 5 - Saturday 26th September
Today is departure day. We will have a leisurely breakfast at the hotel and your Tour Manager will assist you with check-out. We will then board the coach for our short journey back to The Crowne Plaza, Gerrards Cross. Tea, coffee and cake will be awaiting our return before meeting our chauffer driven cars.
Total Price of the Holiday: £2,495 per person
Deposit: £300
Balance due:
24th June 2026
Whats Included:
• Return door to door car service
• Coach travel throughout the holiday
• 4 nights at the Hotel Du Vin Stratford-Upon-Avon
• 3-course dinner with two glasses of wine every night
• Full English or continental breakfast every morning
• Light lunch with coffee or tea on four days
• Morning refreshments on the first day
• Afternoon refreshments on the last day
• Admission/talks/tours at all properties visited on excursions stated in the programme:
β Lord Leycester Hospital
β Markey Hall Museum
β St. Marys Church
β Warwick Castle
β Guided Walking Tour
• Gratuities
• The services of your Tour Manager throughout your stay
• V.A.T.
The minimum number required for this holiday is 10.
For more information or to book call
020 4568 3377
