Newton Abbot Travel Club
KENILWORTH CASTLE, RICHARD III CENTRE LEICESTER, BOSWORTH & STRATFORD ON AVON
Thursday 18th/Saturday 20th May 2023
Thursday
Morning departure with coffee stop enroute to Kenilworth Castle & Elizabethan Garden, seen recently on BBC Antiques Roadshow.
Kenilworth Castle is one of the great historical sites of the United Kingdom. First built in the 1120s and a royal castle for most of its history, it was expanded by King John, John of Gaunt and Henry V. In 1563 Elizabeth I granted it to her favourite, Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester, who converted the castle into a lavish palace fit to entertain his queen.
Although the castle’s fortifications were dismantled in 1650, many of the buildings remain unaltered since Elizabeth I’s reign, and the spectacular ruins reveal much of Kenilworth’s medieval and Tudor past. The Elizabethan garden, is a recreation of the one built by Robert Dudley for Elizabeth I’s visit in 1575.
Friday
Today should be the highlight of the trip with a day spent in learning about King Richard III the last English King to die on the battlefield and the first to be DNA tested. In the morning we visit Leicester and visit the King Richard III Visitor Centre as we discover the incredible story of King Richard III. Learn about the intricate story of medieval murder, mystery and mayhem & 500 years later in a car park where his remains were discovered. In the afternoon we visit Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre. In this picturesque location one of the turning points in British & Medieval history occurred. The centre tells the story of the Battle of Bosworth in 1485 which heralded the start of Tudor dynasty. We will have a talk and short informative walk with guide bringing the landscape & battle to life.
Saturday
Today we visit Stratford upon Avon where you could enjoy a boat trip, a guided walking tour, visit Shakespeare's Schoolroom & Guildhall which is very interesting or New Place, I don't know if tours of Royal Shakespeare Theatre will be available today, please check on their web site if you are interested.
Included in the price of the break
Coach travel with pickups, Newton Abbot, Greenhill Way route Kingsteignton & Exeter Services
2 nights dinner bed & breakfast at Marriott Delta Warwick
Entry to Kenilworth Castle & Gardens
Entry to Richard III Visitor Centre & talk
Entry to Bosworth Heritage Centre with guided walk/talk
Visit to Stratford
Cost per person sharing £259.00
Single Supplement £50.00
£50pp non refundable deposit with booking
Balance due by 1st April 2023
Kenilworth is managed by English Heritage and a refund will be given on return to any English Heritage Members. Please advise when booking
Please note insurance is NOT included