BARD AND BRETHREN
Stratford and Warwick

Adults: £13.90  Seniors: £13.40
Availability: All year, Tuesday to Sunday
Coach miles: 15
Walking: Moderate
Wheelchair access: Limited

www.britainonview.com

Small but beautifully preserved, Warwick and Stratford are world famous and deservedly so. Our day starts in Warwick where our guide will be waiting for you at 10.30a.m. After coffee we visit two of the most historic buildings in the town – St Mary's Church and Lord Leycester's Hospital. St Mary's, one of the biggest and most magnificent parish churches in the country, is famous for its lavish Beauchamp Chapel. This was built in the 15th century to house the tomb of Richard Beauchamp, Earl of Warwick. Later the tomb of Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester was added. He founded Lord Leycester's Hospital in 1571 for his old and disabled solders. He

was a bit lucky to do so as he had narrowly escaped execution for his part in putting Lady Jane Grey on the throne. The Hospital is still a home for ex-service men, the 'Brethren', and it's no surprise that this collection of charming medieval buildings is popular with film companies. For lunch we travel to Stratford, William Shakespeare's home town. After our break we follow Shakespeare's life story on our stroll around and see his birthplace, his school and the site of his last home which now features a delightful garden. We also pass the theatres which make his words come alive. There will be time for tea before you leave for home at 4.45p.m.

Download tour