Join us on a full-day adventure to two of England’s most iconic destinations. First, explore the mighty towers and grand halls of Warwick Castle, a medieval fortress built by William the Conqueror over 950 years ago. Climb the battlements, witness thrilling shows like the Falconry Display and Trebuchet Demonstration, and hear spooky tales of Sir Fulke Greville’s ghost haunting the castle walls.
In the afternoon, we travel to Stratford-upon-Avon, the charming riverside town where William Shakespeare was born. Stand outside his birthplace, admire the stunning Guild Chapel with its rediscovered medieval wall paintings, and visit Holy Trinity Church, where the world’s most famous playwright is buried beneath a stone inscribed with a mysterious curse.
08:30 – Depart from Ruskin College
10:00 – Arrive at Warwick Castle
11:30 – Falconry Show (central lawn)
12:30 – Trebuchet Demonstration (riverside)
13:15 – Gather at entrance and board coach
13:30 – Travel to Stratford-upon-Avon
14:00 – Arrive in Stratford, begin walking tour
14:10 – Stop 1: Shakespeare’s Birthplace Square
14:30 – Stop 2: Guild Chapel
14:50 – Stop 3: Holy Trinity Church
15:30 – Free time (meet back 16:30 at RSC Theatre entrance)
18:00 – Return to Ruskin College
Warwick Castle is one of the most famous and oldest castles in England. It was first built in 1068 by William the Conqueror, almost 1,000 years ago. As you arrive, you’ll pass under the gatehouse into a large courtyard surrounded by high walls and towers. This space is where guests were welcomed—and where enemies would have feared to enter!
One of the most impressive buildings is the Great Hall. It is full of historic weapons, armour, and long tables where the lord and his knights would eat. You can imagine banquets, music, and roaring fires as you explore. Nearby, the State Rooms show how rich families lived in the 17th and 18th centuries. Look for gold-framed paintings, velvet curtains, and antique furniture.
Climb Guy’s Tower for a fantastic view across the countryside. The spiral stairs are narrow and steep, but the view is worth it! Guards once stood there, watching for danger. There is also the Princess Tower, where you can hear a magical story told by actors in costume
At 11:30, make your way to the Falconry Lawn. Here, you’ll see birds of prey—like eagles and owls—fly fast and low, right over your heads. This exciting show shows how birds helped people hunt in medieval times.
At 12:30, head down to the riverside field for the Trebuchet Demonstration. A trebuchet is a giant catapult used in wars hundreds of years ago. You’ll see it in action, throwing heavy objects far into the field—sometimes even pumpkins!
Be sure to walk around the castle walls and garden paths. There’s even a dungeon experience, but it’s not for the faint-hearted! For lunch, find a picnic spot near the river or in one of the quiet green areas.
Stratford-upon-Avon is a beautiful historic town in central England. It is most famous for being the birthplace of William Shakespeare, one of the greatest writers in the English language. The town is full of old Tudor-style buildings, with wooden beams and white walls. As you walk through the town, you’ll see many places connected to Shakespeare’s life, as well as lovely parks and views of the River Avon. This area is a popular destination for tourists, and you’ll likely see visitors from all over the world.
Stratford is also home to the Royal Shakespeare Company, one of the most important theatre companies in the UK. They perform Shakespeare’s plays in the modern theatres near the river. The streets are easy to walk and there are many small shops, cafes, and places to enjoy your free time. Keep your eyes open for statues of Shakespeare and his characters dotted around the town!
This small wooden house was where William Shakespeare was born in 1564. His father was a glove maker, and his family lived in this house for many years. Although we will not go inside, you can look at the wooden beams and old glass windows and imagine what life was like in Tudor times. Shakespeare grew up here and later became the world’s most famous playwright, writing famous plays like Hamlet, Macbeth, and Romeo and Juliet. A curious fact: in his will, Shakespeare left his wife his “second-best bed.” Historians still wonder why!
The Guild Chapel is a small medieval church with some of the oldest and most interesting wall paintings in England. These paintings were made in the 1400s and show religious scenes such as Judgement Day, angels, and devils. During the Reformation, these paintings were painted over and hidden for hundreds of years. Only recently were they discovered again and carefully cleaned. Some people say the paintings are haunted and that you can hear whispers from the walls at night
This is one of the oldest churches in the town and a very important one. William Shakespeare was baptised and buried here. Inside, you can find his grave near the altar. There is even a message written on the stone that warns people not to move his bones! The church is quiet, beautiful, and peaceful, with stained-glass windows and old tombstones. After visiting the church, take a moment to look at the River Avon nearby and think about how this town inspired Shakespeare’s writing.