Fun-filled summer holiday activities in Shakespeare's England for 2022

Tuesday 19th of July 2022 07:56 AM

Families from across the UK will be spoilt for choice this summer with top tourist attractions in Warwickshire and beyond hosting exciting activities and entertainment during the school holidays.

The regional DMO - Destination Management Organisation - for South Warwickshire, is encouraging visitors to ‘Escape the Everyday in Shakespeare’s England’ as part of its latest summer campaign.

Members are hosting unforgettable experiences and events for all ages ranging from the return of Warwick Castle’s epic night-time spectacular, Dragon Slayer, across nine dates this August and War of the Roses Live! to Kenilworth Castle’s Legendary Joust on July 30 and 31 and August Bank Holiday Knight’s Tournament.

Making the most of the warmer months, there is plenty of al fresco fun with some of the best outdoor theatre shows from across the country. Shakespeare Birthplace Trust will host Hamlet The Comedy by the critically-acclaimed Oddsocks Productions at Mary Arden’s Farm, the home of Shakespeare’s mother, on Friday, July 22 and Saturday, 23 July at 7.30pm.

The Royal Shakespeare Company’s outdoor theatre, The Dell, in Stratford-upon-Avon, now in its 14th year, will host a range of lively student, community and semi-professional productions (www.rsc.org.uk/thedell); while The Three Inch Fools will present an outdoor version of Shakespeare’s riotous comedy, Twelfth Night, at Sulgrave Manor Sunday, August 28 at 7pm as part of a UK tour.

Heritage and Culture Warwickshire will bring Alice in Wonderland, presented by Folksy Theatre, to St John’s House Garden, Warwick on Wednesday, July 27 at 2pm.

And the brand-new 500-seat Cotswolds Amphitheatre at Berrybank Park in Oddington is up-and-running for a summer of music, theatre and comedy, including the critically-acclaimed Pantaloons Theatre Company’s anarchic spin on Kenneth Grahame’s classic countryside caper, The Wind in the Willows on Sunday, August 7 at 3pm.

The global spotlight will also be shining on Warwickshire this summer as it plays host to two major sporting events as part of Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. Royal Leamington Spa's Victoria Park will be home to the Lawn Bowls and Para Lawn Bowls events; while the start and the finish of the cycling road races will be in Warwick.

Celebrations begin with the spectacle of the Queens Baton Relay set to pass through Warwickshire on July 21 and 22 as part of its 294-day journey across the Commonwealth.

Free neighbourhood festival sites will be in place in Warwick and Leamington Spa with giant screens where local residents can gather to watch the sporting action, live performances, entertainment and special events. For further information visit https://www.birmingham2022.com/festival/sites

To coincide with Birmingham 2022, Warwick District Council is also running a month-long CultureFest from Saturday, 16 July to Sunday, 21 August to showcase and celebrate the incredible arts and heritage venues, artists, and creatives in the area. Events and activities will be taking place across Royal Leamington Spa, Warwick, Kenilworth and Whitnash. To find out what’s on visit https://www.warwickdc.gov.uk/culturefest

Visitors can explore the region with Vintage Trains by taking their place on the steam hauled Shakespeare Express, departing on a return trip from Birmingham Snow Hill to Stratford-upon-Avon, calling at Birmingham Moor Street, Tyseley and, on the outward journey only, at Henley in Arden, every Sunday from Sunday, July 17 to Sunday, September 4.

To celebrate the Commonwealth Games, trains will run over the Shakespeare Line, through towns and the Warwickshire countryside.

Helen Peters, CEO of Shakespeare’s England, said: “This summer is a great opportunity to explore some of our fantastic new venues as well as rediscovering the many historic highlights that can be found in South Warwickshire and the surrounding areas.

“There is truly something for everyone from family-friendly outdoor theatre of the highest quality to terrific new bars, summer offers and kids activities across our member venues, representing a real opportunity to make lasting memories with family and friends.

“Visitors and residents also have the unique opportunity to be part of the Commonwealth Games held for the first time ever in our region. From cheering on competitors in the cycling road race at Warwick to watching major sporting events in Birmingham, Coventry and Warwickshire, including the Lawn Bowls and Para Bowls at Victoria Park in Royal Leamington Spa. Not only will it be an historic occasion for our region but an inspiring, exhilarating experience to be part of for all ages!”

For ideas and inspiration to help plan a visit to Shakespeare’s England, plus an online events diary, please visit https://shakespeares-england.co.uk/

See below a full list of what is on offer to visitors this summer:

  • Warwick Castle Dragon Slayer, 12-13 & 15 – 21 August - England’s greatest lost legend comes to life in the epic night-time spectacular. The myth becomes reality in this gripping theatrical experience. Unearth the legend of Guy of Warwick, joining him on his quest as he attempts to prove his valour to Princess Felice.

The story unfolds in a live-action performance, encompassing thrilling stunts, majestic horses and daring swordsmanship, before the breath-taking finale where projection mapping blended with live-action brings the legend to life on the walls of the castle itself. Guy will battle giants, fight the Dun Cow, and come face to face with a 50-foot-tall fire-breathing dragon as the castle transforms, illuminating the skies of Warwick with the legend of the Dragon Slayer.

https://www.warwick-castle.com/

War of the Roses Live! July 23 – September 4 - The ultimate jousting experience unleashing the action of historic battles from the 15th century returns to Warwick Castle this summer. Feel the past coming to life as you witness thrilling battles, daring stunts and incredible jousting. Horses will charge, swords will clash and the crowd will roar. But which side will you choose… red rose or white rose? https://www.warwick-castle.com/explore/things-to-do/shows-entertainment/wars-of-the-roses-live/

  • Shakespeare Birthplace Trust A special ‘Summer with Shakespeare’ programme of events will run across the Shakespeare family homes in Stratford-upon-Avon from July 23 to 4 September

Highlights include sword fighting and live Tudor music at Shakespeare’s Birthplace, storytelling workshops at New Place, a nature trail at Anne Hathaway’s Cottage and outdoor theatre at Mary Arden’s Farm – which will also open for a series of family days in addition to a number of specially-curated experiences.

Tudor family experience days, Mary Arden’s Farm, Wilmcote, near Stratford-upon-Avon, 17, 18, 25 & 31 August, 10am-3pm - Enjoy a unique Tudor experience packed full of creative activities, at the home of Shakespeare’s mother.  The perfect introduction to life in Shakespeare’s time.  Tickets: £17.50 per person. Booking online is essential with activities suitable for children aged 4+.

Hamlet The Comedy by Oddsocks Productions, Mary Arden’s Farm,

Friday 22 July and Saturday 23 July, 7.30pm – 9.45pm - Oddsocks return for two outdoor theatre performances of a brand-new adaptation of Hamlet – Shakespeare’s famous tragedy performed as you’ve never seen before.There’s sure to be plenty laughs, music and memorable moments. Tickets: £10-£19.Book online https://bit.ly/3NmrOug

Suitable for all ages.

For the full ‘Summer with Shakespeare’ programme, with tickets now on sale, visit www.shakespeare.org.uk for more information and to book.

  • Kenilworth Castle Queen’s Baton Relay, Friday July 22 - In the run up to the opening of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, visitors will be able to see the Queen’s Relay baton bearers set off from the castle at 8am.

Legendary Joust, Saturday July 30 and Sunday July 31 - Four legendary knights will compete on horseback in the spectacular Grand Medieval Joust. A fun-filled action-packed family day out from 10am – 5pm, https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/whats-on/kenilworth-legendary-joust-30-31-july/

Knights Tournament, Saturday August 27 – Monday August 29 – Watch as rival knights compete in Kenilworth Castle’s Knights’ Tournament with the winner decided by the clashing of swords in the Grand Melee finale and immerse yourself in a medieval encampment across the bank holiday weekend, https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/whats-on/kenilworth-knights-tournament-27-29-august/

  • Royal Shakespeare Company – The Dell, Saturday July 2 to Sunday 28 August - During the summer month weekends, the Royal Shakespeare Company’s outdoor theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon, The Dell, will play host to a range of lively student, community and semi-professional productions. 

Now in its 14th year, The Dell is situated on the banks of the River Avon in Avonbank Gardens, near Holy Trinity Church.Entrance is free and no booking is required. The Dell was launched as part of the Complete Works Festival in 2006, and has hosted more than 325 amateur theatre companies to growing audience numbers of all ages. For the full line-up visit www.rsc.org.uk/thedell

Theatre Tours at the RSC - A new one-hour guided tour which, when possible, will include first-time public access to the Company’s newly developed Costume Workshop, the largest in-house costume-making department of any British theatre*

Led by the RSC’s experienced team of tour guides, the Theatre Tour invites audiences to explore the public and backstage areas of the building, and find out more about the unique history of the RSC and its buildings in Stratford. The guides bring the tours to life with new and engaging stories about one of the most famous theatre companies in the world.

Theatre tours will run daily, normally with four tours a day, apart from on matinee days when there will be two, and on Sundays when there will be three.

Theatre tour tickets cost £12 per person.A family ticket is also available offering half-price tickets for up to four family members under the age of 18 with every full priced adult ticket purchased. Theatre tour tickets can be booked via rsc.org.uk or 01789 331111.

  • British Motor Museum, Gaydon – The British Motor Museum is inviting families to help celebrate the 100th birthday of the Austin Seven with seven marvellous activities from 22 July to 5 September.

Visitors can uncover this great little car’s history and take a look at some of its exciting adventures with the chance to explore the new exhibition ‘Small car. Big history: 100 years of the Austin Seven’. Plus, they can have fun with the new interactives, meet the Austin Adventurers for a fun family tour and complete their visit by making an Austin Seven to take home.

The new exhibition is a celebration of this small car that made a big impact on Britain’s motoring history. With the fascinating stories of seven Austin Sevens from the collection along with some fun interactives, from a fabulous photo opportunity to a racing game, this exhibition has something for everyone, https://www.britishmotormuseum.co.uk/whats-on

  • Compton Verney – Luke Jerram: Crossings, 19 July – 4 September - A thought-provoking and immersive new artwork opens this summer, in which visitors will be invited to take a rowing boat out onto the Warwickshire gallery’s iconic lake and listen to different stories from around the world.

Crossings has been created by the multidisciplinary artist Luke Jerram and BBC Radio 4 producer, Julian May. Part art installation and visitor attraction, Crossings was specially commissioned by Compton Verney and consists of nine rowing boats, which can be pre-booked for a half hour trip out onto the picturesque lake, with the Robert Adam house and Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown landscaped park providing a uniquely beautiful backdrop to the dreamy experience.

Each brightly decorated boat is fitted with speakers that play recorded audio the recorded audio of people sharing a variety of different life experiences and personal testimonies. They include the story of Mana Azarith who aged 13 guided, navigating by the stars, a rickety boat full of refugees across the British Channel.

For more information about Crossings, plus Compton Verney’s other summer events, exhibitions and activities, sail over to www.comptonverney.org.uk

  • Ragley Hall – The Game Fair, Friday, July 29 to Sunday, July 31 - a comprehensive itinerary for the whole family at this annual celebration of British field sports and country life, includes gun dog handling, clay shooting, archery, fishing, falconry and ferreting.  Visitors can also enjoy a host of food, drink and shopping stalls, as well as outdoor activities including off-road driving. Ensuring there is something for everyone, https://www.ragley.co.uk/event/the-game-fair/

Camper Calling 2022, Friday August 26 to Sunday August 28 - Coventry’s ska legends The Selecter join headliners including James, Basement Jaxx DJ set, Shed Seven, Del Amitri and Scouting for Girls at this popular summer family festival which returns to Ragley for its fifth year and is already sold out. https://www.campercalling.com/

https://www.ragley.co.uk/event/

  • Herbert Art Gallery and Museum, Coventry Crafting Coventry’s Culture, 1 August to 3 September (excluding Sundays), 10.30am – 3.30pm.

Join the gallery’s arts team for an exploration of culture through creative arts and learn new skills this summer. From collaborative cityscapes and ceramic object to playful patterns and protest art. Designed for age 3+, but all are welcome. Cost: £2.50 per child, under 3s free, https://www.theherbert.org/whats-on/1659/summer-holidays-crafting-coventrys-culture

  • Lunt Roman Fort, Baginton Sparkling Spears - this summer, children aged 5 – 12 and their families can craft their own sleek and streamlined javelins and practice by taking aim at a Celtic warrior target. All materials are provided. They will also be able to explore this unique reconstruction, taking in the sites of the ramparts, the granary building and the only known Gyrus inside a Roman fort, https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/sparkling-spears-tickets-333576154257

Other hands-on creative family-friendly activities include:

Bejewelled Belts https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/bejewelled-belts-tickets-333610256257

Creative Crests https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/creative-crests-tickets-333623024447

  • Coventry Transport Museum A summer packed with interactive family activities and STEM summer holiday workshops from learning about sustainable train stations to making a model of a ‘new Coventry’ and using real tools to build carts, electronics, dens and coding.

Workshops for 11- 16-year-olds include MicLab Stop-Motion Animation led by Let’s Animate on 16 August, (https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/miclab-stop-motion-animation-tickets-3417...), to learning about what it takes to be an engineer of the future in STEM Innovations on August 24, (https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/miclab-stem-innovations-tickets-341806080187).

Junk-Modelling Makerspace – Children can have-a-go at working on transport, building a playground, shaping an ever-growing cityscape and designing their dream city, (https://www.transport-museum.com/events/1538/junk-modelling-makerspace).

For the full details of all summer holiday workshops and what’s on visit https://www.transport-museum.com/events

  • Coventry Building Society Arena – Wasps Netball Camps will be running a range of Mini Wasps summer holiday community camps, including one- and two-day camps, as well as positional masterclasses at school venues in Birmingham, Warwickshire and Coventry, https://www.wasps.co.uk/community/camps/netball-camps/

Wasps Rugby Camps are part of the Premiership Rugby Academy designed for players of all abilities between the ages of six and twelve and offers an exciting opportunity for all young rugby players to enjoy learning core skills and develop their game understanding.

https://www.wasps.co.uk/community/camps/wasps-rugby-camps/

  • Amphitheatre at Berrybank Park, Oddington – Enjoy a summer of music, theatre and comedy until September 4 at this newly opened 500-seat green venue in the Cotswolds - set on an ancient wold between Stow, Moreton and Chipping Norton.

Music includes world-class opera, Broadway and West End musical hits, jazz, blues, community choirs, Classical Light Cotswolds with Cotswold Junior Voices – a choir made up from scratch with local schoolchildren - and on 22 July a Words and Music event, celebrating the much-loved writing of Gloucestershire-born Laurie Lee, performed by Anton Lesser (Game of Thrones, Endeavour), Charlie Hamblett (Killing Eve) and the Orchestra of the Swan.

August brings a run of events for the whole family – a ‘gloriously silly’, Slapstick Picnic version of The Importance of Being Earnest; The Wind in the Willows; Pirates of Penzance (complete with a chance to sing in the Chorus); Elmer’s Walk; The Woman in White; A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Peter Pan (with real flying!) and on 29 August, The Real Garden Festival – an ecology-themed day of outdoor discovery and wonder, with storytelling, foraging walks, dance and music. Outdoor cinema includes Moulin Rouge, The Grand Budapest Hotel, and Paddington 2.

https://www.amphitheatreberrybankpark.co.uk/whats-on

Bring a picnic for this delightful outdoor family performance and meet some of the strangest and most peculiar characters, including the mysterious Cheshire Cat, the Wacky Mad Hatter and the foul-tempered Queen of Hearts. Filled with live music and puppetry, it's the perfect show for the whole family. To book tickets for the event, visit https://ticketstripe.com/events/1028612

Other events and family-friendly running across the summer holidays include The On yer bike! Our Summer of Cycling exhibition at Market Hall Museum to celebrate the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games Cycling Road Race Events coming to Warwick until October 29. It tells the story of the history of cycling, with Warwickshire at its heart, and showcases a boneshaker, a Chopper, a Royal Mail postal bike and a bicycle frame made of bamboo. With a cycling soundtrack, alongside vintage film of cycling in Warwickshire in the 1950. Part of Culturefest, it will also include cycling themed events, https://heritage.warwickshire.gov.uk/specialevents

Family activities range from Commonwealth Games themed workshops including yoga and a Garden Party on August 7 to a Family Fossil Hunt and A Grand Day Out on August 23 10am – 3pm at Market Hall Museum, Warwick, following the Victorian tradition with traditional games, a helter skelter and sandcastle-building. For the full line-up of visit https://heritage.warwickshire.gov.uk/whats/holiday-family-activities

  • The Belgrade Theatre, Coventry The Allesley Silas, Saturday, July 23 to Saturday, July 30 - Silas Marner is one of the great stories by one of Coventry’s most celebrated writers, George Eliot. This new version of the story, with joyous music by Rebecca Applin, was a sell-out success during Coventry UK City of Culture 2021, where it was performed in a circus marquee in Allesley Park.

The Belgrade Theatre and From The Heart Theatre, in association with Coventry UK City of Culture Trust present The Allesley Silas – George Eliot’s Silas Marner adapted by Alan Pollock with composition and sound design by Rebecca Applin.

Set in the village of Raveloe – a fictional version of Allesley itself – and featuring the local Rainbow pub, this is a classic tale of hope, redemption and the unshakeable power of the human spirit.

A story of an outsider, who in his caring for a child finds redemption, and love in his community. Nick Walker’s magical production is re-imagined for the Belgrade’s B2 by Coventry director Olivia Marie, in a new setting by Allesley designer Abby Clarke.

Devised by a nationally celebrated production team of theatre professionals with connections to the area, this is a magical tale of love lost and found, and is presented by a talented company of professional and local community performers. Tickets From £8.50. For more information visit https://www.belgrade.co.uk/events/the-allesley-silas/

  • Stratford Butterfly Farm – This summer the whole family can walk among some of the world’s most stunning and colourful butterflies in a tropical rainforest setting, complete with fish-filled pools, splashing waterfalls and beautiful blooms.

Meet the Mini-Beast handling sessions, Butterfly Life Cycle, Beetle and Snake demonstrations will be held in the Discovery Zone throughout the summer holidays.

To guarantee entrance over the summer holidays tickets advance online booking system is recommended. The Butterfly Farm recommends reading the ‘Information’ section of the website to help plan a visit, www.butterflyfarm.co.uk

  • Vintage Trains - Every Sunday from 17 July to 4 September the steam hauled Shakespeare Express departs from Birmingham Snow Hill to Stratford Upon Avon on a series of return trips, calling at Birmingham Moor Street, Tyseley and, on the outward journey only, at Henley in Arden.

Trains will travel along the Shakespeare Line a journey of approximately an hour in each direction through city townscapes and the beautiful Warwickshire countryside.

To celebrate the Commonwealth Games, vintage steam or diesel trains will run over the Shakespeare Line returning from Birmingham and Stratford upon Avon.

Family Tourist: £60 (2 adults and 2 children under 16), Pullman £79pp and Tourist £30pp, https://vintagetrains.co.uk/

  • Sulgrave ManorTwelfth Night Sunday 28 August 2022 - The Three-Inch Fools are dusting down their musical instruments and hitting the road with a live outdoor performance of Shakespeare’s riotous comedy in the grounds of this mid-16th century Tudor Hall.

Prepare for an evening of mischief and hilarity, as five actors present an inventive take on this rip-roaring comedy, fit for all the family.

Touring the UK this summer, this Shakespearean classic will be getting the full Three-Inch Fools treatment - expect fast-paced drama, endless costume changes, and much music-making along the way. Doors open at 6pm. Performance starts at 7pm, https://sulgravemanor.org.uk/whats-on

  • Compton Verney – Summer of Colour, 21 July to 4 September – Running throughout the six-week school holidays will be installations by two of Britain’s leading contemporary artists: Morag Myerscough’s The Village in the Old Town meadow featuring multi-hued and Luke Jerram’s Crossings (see details above), and a new take on an eye-popping 1970s immersive and sensory experience, plus a host of family-friendly workshops and activities. They include:

Colourscape, 4 – 7 August, consists of giant, walk-in structures filled with colourful lights and music. It was originally created in the early 70’s by the artist Peter Jones and is being brilliantly recreated at Compton Verney by the Eye Music Trust.

After Hours, on the evening of Friday 5 August, gives art lovers and families free rein to experience the various installations, while also having the chance to meet Morag Myerscough, as she writes poetry created from Warwickshire Young carers groups onto the inside of her new sculptural commission.  Meet Morag and fellow artist David Batchelor, whose incredible retrospective exhibition Colour Is can be seen in the House (until 2 October).

Get Mucky, Get Making sessions, will be running every Thursday in the school holidays. Learning Leaders and Volunteers will support parents and children to explore lots of different ways to interact with a variety of materials and there will be MUD! These sessions are best suited to toddlers and younger children aged up to five.

Woodland Tribe, 3 – 14 August, will be returning to Compton Verney this summer to help children and adults to get their hands-on real tools, come together and build a large wooden structure on site. It might be a bridge, a tower, or even a castle!

Outdoor Adventure Holiday Club, 16-19 August - families can get stuck into an exciting range of activities across the parkland. Have a go at making fire, how to keep it alive and use it to cook; create outdoor artworks, learn to use tools safely to make medals and much more.

Other activities include the gallery’s brilliant Big Holiday Art Club, 23 – 26 August, a whopping four-day extravaganza of making! Inspired by Morag Myerscough’s amazing new outdoor artwork in the meadow and David’s super sculptural colour exhibition, this club consists of a series of exciting group activities taking place over consecutive days, in which young creatives are welcome to discover a range of new art forms.

For more information about Summer of Colour, plus other events, current exhibitions and activities at Compton Verney, visit www.comptonverney.org.uk

  • Arden’s Coffee Shop, Kenilworth – Arden’s Coffee Shop has a permanent art exhibition in the upstairs area. This is a collection of work from Kenilworth artists, which is refreshed every few months. A large collection of affordable art prints are available - most for under £10 - and make an ideal gift.

Art is a theme running through Arden’s. Freely available upstairs, are children’s art materials, including sketching sheets, colouring pencils and stickers - everything to occupy young creative minds for an hour or so. Additionally, on the first Tuesday of every month, there is an art workshop from 2pm – 4pm, www.ardenscoffeeshop.co.uk

  • The Fourteas, Stratford-upon-Avon The ‘Officers Mess’ is a jazz cocktail bar like no other. In an obvious nostalgia nod to the 1940s, it blends, inventive and quirky cocktails together with a variety of live performance guest-star shows and some high-spirited background jazz music.

The bar, a distressed Tudor gem in the heart of Stratford’s historic centre, is packed with WW2 memorabilia –and looks like the set of a black-and-white war-time film with bar-staff dressed in 1940s attire, https://www.thefourteas.co.uk/

  • Telegraph Hotel Coventry This summer enjoy Afternoon Sparkling Tea for two for £45, excluding Saturdays; Two for One Cocktails – buy one cocktail get the same cocktail free - 3pm-5pm excluding Saturdays and Coffee Club – 10am-12pm – free sweet treat with any hot drink purchased. Other offers include Burger of the Day for £16pp with a free beer, 125ml glass of house wine or soft drink, plus Fish & Chip Fridays – 12pm to 7pm – with every portion of fish & chips purchased you get a free beer or 175ml house wine or a soft drink.
  • Magic Alley, Stratford-upon-Avon – Fall down the rabbit hole or Through the Looking Glass and immerse yourself in ‘Wonderland’ – a new take on the classic tale of Alice in Wonderland with a distinctly steampunk twist for families.

It is the Queen of Heart’s Diamond Jubilee party and someone has stolen the tarts, so she has instructed the Wonderland Detective Agency to investigate. Can you help solve the crime?

During the school summer holidays on certain days there will be characters from Wonderland for an even more interactive experience, plus Magic Ball Man will be attending on certain dates as will the Mad Hatter, who really is the best contact juggler in the world.

Everyone who completes the quest and solves the crime will receive a prize and certificate from The Wonderland Detective Agency. Recommended for children 6+ but children over 4 are welcome but will need additional adult support. To book visit https://magicalleystratford.com/wonderland/

  • Go Cotswolds Cotswolds in a Day - First-time visitor to the Cotswolds, or only have one day to explore? Then this is the tour of the Cotswolds for you. On this award-winning tour, you’ll visit some of the most popular and beautiful Cotswold towns and villages. There’s incredible scenery and some hidden gems too, from £50.

Cotswolds Walks & Villages - This one-day tour gets you out of the minibus and onto the acclaimed walking trails of the Cotswolds. Visiting Broadway Tower, Broadway, The Windrush Valley and Burford, this tour is a great introduction to walking in the Cotswolds, from £50

https://www.gocotswolds.co.uk/tours/

  • The Coach House, Stratford-upon-Avon Baron’s Summer Party, August 27 – This award-winning refurbished pub run by Davenports Brewery in Rother Street, has exciting plans for an all-day party to include live music throughout the day with brand partners such as Pimms and face painters on hand. It starts at 11am and finishes at closing time. Staff will also be giving away goody bags intermittently throughout the day.

https://www.davenports.co.uk/

  • Shakespeare Distillery

Shakespeare Distillery has launched a brand-new Citrus Vodka which is now available as a limited-edition Distillery Special. Having successfully distilled Gin for the last six years and more recently their own ‘Jester’ brand of White & Spiced British Rum, this is the first time the team at the independent artisan spirit producer in Stratford-upon-Avon have distilled Vodka. It also comes at a time when Vodka growth is beating both Gin and Whiskey in the UK.

Perfect for summer, the Citrus Vodka is super smooth and bursting with the flavours of fresh oranges and lemons which are hand peeled at the distillery. The team suggests serving with Ginger Ale and a squeeze of lime or making a classic Cosmopolitan Cocktail using Citrus Vodka, Cointreau, lime juice and cranberry juice.

https://shakespearedistillery.com/