Oxford, Stratford-upon-Avon, Cotswolds & Warwick Castle Day Trip

Over a thousand years of history are waiting to be discovered at this fantastic medieval castle. Set against the River Avon within 64 acres of landscaped parkland, this beautiful castle once belonged to the most powerful man in England, The Earl of Warwick. Learn how the 'Kingmaker' was the only man who dared defy the King, and how he defeated the armies of King Edward IV in battle before taking the King himself as a prisoner. Explore the lavishly decorated State Rooms and 17th-century Great Hall; a room boasting an impressive collection of artefacts including suits of armour and medieval weapons. In the castle's 14th-century gaol, the original dungeon, see graffiti left behind by prisoners hundreds of years ago. How many names can you spot?

This picturesque market town is most famous for being the birthplace of William Shakespeare, widely regarded to be the greatest writer in English literature and the world's preeminent dramatist.

This ancient market town is perhaps most famous for being the birthplace of William Shakespeare, widely regarded to be the greatest writer in English literature and the world's greatest ever dramatist. You'll have the option to visit the 16th-century half-timbered house where Shakespeare was born in 1564 and grew up. Enjoy a fascinating insight into tales of his family life and admire rare artefacts on displays from the Shakespeare Trust's world-class collections.

Covering almost 800 square miles and no fewer than five English counties, the Cotswolds are the single largest designated Area of Natural Beauty in the UK. Get your cameras at the ready as we drive through the unremittingly pretty countryside on our way to our next destination. Please note that we do not stop any of villages in the Cotswolds.

Our final stop, also known as 'The City of Dreaming Spires', is the UK's most famous university town and home to the oldest university in the English-speaking world, the University of Oxford. Enjoy a walking tour through the city with your expert guide, who will bring the charm and history of this incredible city to life. Oxford is the only place in the country where you will find examples of every architectural period going as far back as Saxon times. Little surprise, then, that this beautiful city has been the filming location for countless movies and TV series over the years, including the Harry Potter film series. As you wander its cobbled streets with your guide, you will see sights including Bridge of Sighs, Trinity College, the Ashmolean Museum and The Sheldonian Theatre.

In Christ Church college, you will be visiting one of the University's most prestigious colleges. Founded by Henry VIII in 1532, Christ Church also functions as the UK's smallest cathedral. Its beautiful architecture has seen it featured in movies such as Harry Potter and The Golden Compass, while it has also inspired replicas around the world. The famous dining hall, for example, has been reproduced in Cornell University & the University of Chicago. The dining hall in all Harry Potter movies is modelled on the Christchurch dining hall!

Hertford Bridge, often called "the Bridge of Sighs", is a skyway joining two parts of Hertford College over New College Lane in Oxford, England. Its distinctive design makes it a city landmark.

The Bodleian Library is the main research library of the University of Oxford, and is one of the oldest libraries in Europe. With over 12 million items, it is the second-largest library in Britain after the British Library.