England’s Commonwealth Games lawn bowls team enjoyed a day off the green exploring major attractions in Warwickshire in the run up to Birmingham 2022.
The 15-strong squad were treated to a private one-hour walking tour of Stratford-upon-Avon with Stratford Town Walk guide Helen Hogg, followed by a trip to Warwick Castle’s Midsummer Carnival with a light lunch.
Their itinerary was put together by Shakespeare’s England, the regional not-for-profit DMO for South Warwickshire.
The team, joined by Shakespeare’s England’s Darren Tosh, completed the award-winning outdoor town walk in historic Stratford-upon-Avon - taking in architectural gems including Shakespeare's Birthplace, New Place, Harvard House, Shakespeare's Schoolroom and Guildhall and the Guild Chapel as well as Royal Shakespeare Theatres.
The tour also included fascinating stories of Stratford's history, and Shakespeare's life through fire, flood and plague.
The Midsummer Carnival at Warwick Castle runs until July 10. This ultimate Tudor carnival celebrates the summer solstice and includes a Midsummer Horse show, inspired by Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream and a carnival procession led by Queen Elizabeth 1.
Alistair Hollis, Bowls England’s Head of Sport Development said: “The team really enjoyed the day – Helen as tour guide was excellent and as a result a couple of the team may now be on Mastermind with Shakespeare as their specialist subject! Warwick Castle and the accompanying lunch was lovely. A special thanks to Darren for accompanying us during the day.”
Up to 3,000 fans are expected a day to watch the Lawn Bowls and Para Bowls events next month during the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games across five bowling greens at Royal Leamington Spa’s Royal Victoria Park – which are among the best in the country. Play begins on Friday July 29 and ends on Saturday, August 6.
Darren Tosh, digital marketing manager for Shakespeare’s England said: “Excitement is building for Birmingham 2022 across the world. It’s fantastic for South Warwickshire that the spotlight will be shining on Leamington Spa and Warwick as host locations for all lawn bowls, para-lawn bowls and the start and finish of the cycling road races. We wish all teams the best of luck!”