Fairytale Castle, Steam & Cruise Weekend

Itinerary

Day 1

Join your comfortable coach this morning and head to the lovely town of Stratford-upon-Avon, forever associated with William Shakespeare. It is a thriving market town on the banks of the River Avon, filled with lovely half-timbered buildings and scenic riverside walks. Have time to explore before we continue our journey making our way to Leicester to check in to your centrally located hotel with time to relax before enjoying your included evening meal. You may want to venture out to sample the city's nightlife, or enjoy a drink in the hotel and get to know your fellow travellers.

Day 2

After a filling breakfast, we will head out to board a nostalgic train on the unique Great Central Railway - the only railway in the world where steam trains can still be seen passing each other! Enjoy your journey back in time on this nostalgic journey. We then make our way to the fairytale Belvoir Castle (pronounced beaver) for a fascinating visit. The ancestral home of the Duke of Rutland with an unbroken line for almost a thousand years is a historic gem in the heart of Leicestershire. From the grandeur of its regal architecture to the serenity of its beautifully landscaped gardens, a visit to Belvoir Castle promises a journey through time, culture, and the tranquil splendour of the English countryside. Have time to explore the beautiful castle, gardens, grounds and Engine Yard which celebrates local food and drink, artisan shopping and the best of country living.

After our visit, we make our way back to the hotel where dinner is again included.

Day 3

After a final hearty breakfast, it is time to make your way to the lovely Rutland Water, England's largest man made lake set in 3,000 acres of rolling countryside. Sit back, relax and enjoy a cruise taking in the beautiful views. We will also include a stop in the pretty, traditional market town of Oakham, full of little shops and boutiques. Look out for the unusual stocks that were used to detain criminals by the legs - the five hole stocks are somewhat of a mystery! After a little free time here, rejoin your coach this afternoon with time to relax as you head homewards with lots of amazing memories.

Stratford-upon-Avon

INCLUDED Visitor DestinationStratford-upon-Avon is best known as the birthplace of England’s most famous bard, William Shakespeare. It is a pretty historic market town situated on the banks of the River Avon and a popular tourist destination attracting over three million visitors a year. With its beautiful surroundings, wide range of tourist attractions and great shopping, it’s not hard to see why this town is such a hit with coach trip visitors.

Delve into the Bard's life and legacy with a visit to Shakespeare's Birthplace. Take a leisurely stroll along the picturesque streets of the town centre, adorned with charming Tudor buildings, and visit the historic Holy Trinity Church, where Shakespeare is buried. For a scenic perspective, embark on a tranquil River Avon cruise, meandering through the picturesque countryside and passing by some of the town's most iconic landmarks. The historic Garrick Inn is one of the towns oldest buildings, dating back to the 16th century, though some parts of this traditional half-timbered building may be as old as the 14th century, and has witnessed centuries of stories, including tales of the plague!

Click here for further information. Some attractions are subject to seasonal opening times.

Great Central Railway

INCLUDED Visitor DestinationThe Great Central Railway is the UK's only double track, main line heritage railway. Featuring period signalling, locomotives and rolling stock, it’s the only place in the world where full size steam engines can be seen passing each other – just as it was when steam ruled the rails! The origins of the old GCR can be traced back to the earliest days of railways around Manchester in 1847, named after the company that originally built this stretch of railway. It runs for 8.25 miles between the town of Loughborough and a new terminus in the north of Leicester.

These days volunteers and staff have reinstated a double track section from Loughborough Central to Rothley and opened a single track to Leicester North, and have restored stations, signals and signalboxes, carriages, wagons and steam and diesel locomotives. The results you see today are the results of more than forty years of hard work and dedication to keeping main line steam alive, so join us and step back in time to the golden age of steam!

Belvoir Castle

INCLUDED Visitor DestinationBelvoir Castle (pronounced Beaver) is a grand stately home on the borders of beautiful Leicestershire, still used as the home of the Manners family and the seat of the Dukes of Rutland. In the amazing interior you can learn about the rare treasures and the impressive painting collection and walk in the footsteps of past Dukes and Duchesses. Meander through the beautifully established formal gardens and 'Capability' Brown parkland on a variety of walks and trails – including the Rose Garden, Spiral Walk, Japanese Woodland, Duchess Garden, Hermit’s Garden and Duke’s Walk. Make sure you leave time to visit the Engine Yard, for unique shopping, and fantastic food and drink which the county is famous for. Don't miss the Belvoir Gin, founded by The Duchess herself and designed to echo the estate in character, style and taste. In case you think you have seen the Castle before, it also doubled as Windsor Castle in season 3 of The Crown!

Rutland Water Cruise

INCLUDED Visitor DestinationSee the beautiful countryside surrounding of Rutland Water on a 45-minute cruise.

Rutland Water provides a scenic setting for the fairy-tale splendour of Normanton Church, a structure that appears to float on the lake when the reservoir is full. With a commentary highlighting points of interest, passengers can sit back, relax and enjoy the scenery and wildlife.

Tour includes

• 2 nights hotel with breakfast & evening meal
• Visit to Stratford-upon-Avon
• Journey on the Great Central Railway
• Entrance to Belvoir Castle & Engine Yard
• Rutland Water cruise and time in Oakham
• Direct Coach Travel
• Net Zero Carbon Offset Certificate

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Accommodation

Ibis Leicester City Leicester

The Hotel Ibis Leicester City is conveniently located in the centre of Leicester, just a few minutes’ walk from the city’s great attractions. The hotel has 94 contemporary rooms all with wireless internet access, TV and tea and coffee making facilities. Guests have a choice of double or twin rooms, both of which feature en-suite bathrooms and big desks. Dinner is available in the hotel's restaurant and there is an all-you-can-eat breakfast each morning to make sure you start your day right! There is a lift to all floors.

For more information, click here for the hotel website (opens in a new window)

Hotel Location

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