Enjoy an Autumnal break in Shakespeare’s England

Enjoy an Autumnal break in Shakespeare's England

Enjoy an autumnal break in Shakespeare's England with a host of exciting things to see, do and experience. Stroll through vibrant and spectacular coloured gardens, enjoy top line comedian acts, live music, food and beer festivals, coffee and culture at a stately home or simply relax in front of roaring log fires in historic hotels and traditional inns. Take advantage of some special autumn hotel offers or indulge in an overnight stay in a deluxe tower suite at Warwick Castle!
The world famous and multi-award winning lyricist Sir Tim Rice plus TV Chef Tom Kerridge, actor Brian Blessed and best-selling historian Max Hastings headline Stratford Literary Festival's autumn programme. Sir Tim Rice will be talking about his way with words on 1 November. The 2 Michelin starred Kerridge will be talking about his new book, Tom's Table, to the award-winning food writer Lucas Hollweg on 22 October at Stratford Artshouse. Earlier in the day the multi-award-winning poet, Jo Bell, will be holding a workshop for poets of all abilities. 22 October also sees the launch of 'Festival Faces', a free exhibition of photographs taken by Lorentz Gullachsen during the Literary Festival last spring. On 29 October, journalist and historian Max Hastings will reveal the details of his latest book, The Secret War - Spies, Codes and Guerrillas 1939-1945. Brian Blessed will then take the audience on a journey through his career from Z Cars to Star Wars.
See top comedians at the Stratford Artshouse during October and November including Jo Brand, Rob Beckett, Josh Widdicombe, Andy Parsons, Fred Macauley and Ruby Wax. Ragtime, swing and jazz duo Ivory and Gold will perform with reeds legend George Huxley plus Showaddywaddy and Barry Steele's Roy Orbison tribute. Radio 2 presenter Clare Teal will celebrate the life of Doris Day with a trio of accomplished musicians. Orchestra of the Swan continues its residency with Tamsin Waley-Cohen opening the season playing Mendelssohn. Later In the season the Orchestra marks the 600th anniversary of the Battle of Agincourt, presenting a special programme that features William Walton's compositions for the 1943 Laurence Olivier film. Commemorating the centenary of World War One, brand-new play Brummegem Pals performs about two Birmingham boys who serve together in WWI. And with local restaurant El Greco offering ArtsHouse visitors 3 courses for £16.50, there is no better time to visit.

Soak up the spectacular colour at Batsford Arboretum which is ablaze with colour. Enjoy 56 acres of magical walks as the Arboretum changes from green to a kaleidoscope of reds, pinks and golds. Wander along the paths beside streams and waterfalls, enjoy stunning

views across the Cotswold countryside and discover beautiful statues hidden in shady glades. Browse the selection of gifts and indulge in a home-baked lunch or afternoon tea in the Garden Terrace Café. A perfect day out which is also dog friendly.

Embrace the outdoors and take a 5 mile guided walk exploring the local views and vistas at Upton House & Gardens on Saturday 24 October from 10am - 3pm. Bring your lunch although further refreshments will be available to purchase in the café on your return. After the walk there will also be time to explore the stunning house and gardens. Cost is £5 per person. Booking essential.

Explore the picturesque Cotswolds with a guided tour by Go Cotswolds throughout autumn on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Tours cost £35 for adults, £25 for children and £95 for a family (2 adults & 2 children). The cost includes a pick up from accommodation providers, the train station or town centre in the morning.

Enjoy delicious afternoon teas at Ragley Hall until the end of September for £5 per person. Then on 30 September and /1/7/8/14/15/21 & 22 October enjoy 'Coffee and Culture' from 10am - 4pm with a tour of the stunning state rooms, a stroll around the gardens and coffee of your choice for just £5.

Church Street Townhouse in Stratford-upon-Avon launched a brand new menu from Friday 18 September with new wines, spirits and after dinner beverages. Plus there's a fantastic new afternoon menu priced at £14 or £20.95 with a glass of champagne. Sit back and enjoy live music from local bands on 27 September, 4, 11 and 18 October.

Visit the Alcester Autumn Food Festival on 17 October. The Holly Bush, a traditional heritage pub, will be serving an autumnal inspired Game BBQ with homemade sauces and chutneys. The pub's Mini Winter Beerfest runs from Friday 27 - Sunday 29 November from 5pm. Enjoy a wealth of seasonal beers, focussing on the dark and delicious! Free entry.

Stay overnight at Warwick Castle in one of their Tower Suites which offer deluxe accommodation in a dream-come-true location. Each suite enjoys its own floor in the 14th century Guy's Tower, commanding views of the Courtyard and the countryside in all its autumnal glory. With draped four-poster beds and bespoke furniture, the suites evoke Georgian opulence and start from £500 per night including champagne on arrival, 2 days access to the Castle, 2 days VIP car parking and breakfast. Visit 24 October - 1 November for the truly scary all-new Condemned and Outbreak attractions.

Spend an evening with Fuzz Townshend, the Master Mechanic from TV's Car SOS & Drummer for PWEI at Wroxall Abbey on 24 October from 7pm. Enjoy fine dining, hear tales of his past, ask questions and talk cars. The cost is £39.95pp which includes a drink on arrival, 3 course dinner and speaker. There are also great rates for overnight stays.

Make a weekend of it and book into The Arden. Take a walk around historic Stratford-upon-Avon or along the river before enjoying a hot chocolate in the lounge by the fire. In the evening dine in the Waterside Brasserie with £20 per person included towards any menu and breakfast served the next morning. From £179.00* Sun - Thurs or from £189.00* Fri and Sat. *Based on 2 people sharing a room. Book before 30 September and get 10% off. Offer valid between 1 October and 30 November.

Take advantage of a special autumn offer at Avonlea Guest house in Stratford-upon-Avon. Book 2 nights at full price and get your third night for just £20. Valid for stays Sun - Thurs before 30 November. £20 must be taken during the same stay as the two full price nights.

Enjoy special party nights at Ardencote Manor Hotel with tribute act Robbie Williams on 30 October and tribute act Bruno Mars on 13 November. The package includes full use of the leisure facilities, 4 star accommodation, drinks reception, 4 course dinner, disco and full English breakfast the following morning from £99 per person.

Treat yourself to a luxurious relaxing one night stay at Mallory Court Hotel. Their 'Autumn with Eden' offer includes an overnight stay and full English breakfast, plus a glass of red wine per person and a cheese board in your room on arrival. Prices start from £165 mid-week & £205 weekends, based on a couple sharing a room. To book call 01926 330214 and quote 'autumn with Eden'. Valid from 21 September - 30 November.

For more information on Shakespeare's England please visit
http://shakespeares-england.co.uk or call 01789 260 677

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