Welcome to The Midlands & the Marches
If you're searching for quintessentially English countryside – green valleys, chocolate-box villages of wonky black-and-white timbered houses, woodlands steeped in legend such as Nottinghamshire's Sherwood Forest, and stately homes that look like the last lord of the manor just clip-clopped out of the stables – you'll find it here in the country's heart.
Top experiences in The Midlands & the Marches
Travel guides
Starting at $32.49
The Midlands & the Marches activities
City Sightseeing Stratford-upon-Avon Hop-On Hop-Off Tour
With great views from the top of the bus, strategically placed stops and an interesting commentary, this City Sightseeing tour is the best way to see the sights of Stratford-Upon-Avon! You can hop-on and off as many times as you like aboard this open-top double-decker bus. There are 10 stops in total and the entire route takes approximately 55-65 minutes. The bus departs every 30-60 minutes from each stop (weekdays and weekends differ). Along the route, passengers will pass numerous famous locations relating to the famous English Language writer, William Shakespeare - including Shakespeare’s Birthplace, Shakespeare’s New Place, Hall’s Croft and Shakespeare’s Grave! Did you know that Shakespeare is the best selling fiction writer of all time with over 4 billion copies sold?! First up is Shakespeare’s Birthplace at Stop 2, hop-off and discover the story behind Shakespeare’s life as a child, how his father made a living as a glove manufacturer and the first few years he was married to his wife whilst living in the cottage. Hop-off at Stop 4 And visit New Place, where you can walk-in the footsteps of Shakespeare and enjoy a stroll through the beautiful gardens located here. Hop back on as the tour heads to Hall’s Croft, the former home of Shakespeare’s eldest, Susanna, where she lived with her husband in the 17th century. This elegant house boasts an extremely well-preserved exterior, as well as beautiful furnishings and decorations inside. Take a break from learning about Shakespeare and hop-off at the River Avon to take a peaceful strong along the riverside, or hop-off at the Maybird Shopping Centre and enjoy a fabulous shopping spree! Other major attractions along the route include Shakespeare’s Grave at Trinity Church and Anne Hathaway’s Cottage along Cottage Lane. Hop-off and discover the former farmhouse where Shakespeare’s wife Anne once lived. Other stops along the route include: Visitor Information Centre, Bridge St Shakespeare’s Birthplace Market Sq and American Fountain Shakespeare’s New Place and Guild Chapel River Avon & Royal Shakespeare Theatre Hall’s Croft, Holy Trinity Church & Shakespeare’s Grave Evesham Place Alcester Road Anne Hathaway’s Cottage Maybird Shopping Centre
Warwick Castle Full-Day Admission Ticket
Full to the turrets with dazzling shows and attractions, spell-binding story-telling and fun experiences all year-round, Warwick Castle is a fun, action-packed and unforgettable day out for everyone!Watch the spectacular Flight of the Eagles Show (twice daily show), featuring Eagles, Buzzards and Vultures and look out for Rosie, the UK’s one and only free-flying Andean Condor which is the largest bird of prey in the world! With a wingspan of over 10ft you will be in awe as you see her take to the skies. A day at Warwick Castle is jam-packed with exhilarating daily shows – witness the world’s largest working catapult launch a flaming fireball over 150m into the air as part of the Trebuchet Fireball Spectacular Show! Explore 64 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds and gardens and keep an eye out for the resident peacocks in the picturesque Peacock Garden! Climb the Castle’s ancient towers and ramparts and then marvel at the mesmerising panoramic views from the top of Guy’s Tower.Beyond the Castle’s wall marvel at the magnificent great hall and the lavish interiors of the adjoining state rooms. Visit the castle dungeon if you are brave enough? This exciting 50 minute walkthrough brings together live actors, shows and spectacular special effects that will send chills down your spine (over 10s only – it’s that scary!)Enter Time Tower and journey through time on a whirlwind adventure through Warwick Castle’s rich and vibrant history, to reveal its 1100 year true story. Wars of the Roses Live is newly added to this tour. It is 1455 and the House of Lancaster holds the English Throne. King Henry VI’s crown is challenged by the House of York. The rival houses clash in battle and the bloody war that ensues was to last over 30 years.Marvel as the legendary Wars of the Roses unfolds before you during a live action show!
Tour of the Cotswolds from Stratford-upon-Avon
Your tour of this designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty starts with a pick-up direct from your Stratford-upon-Avon hotel, B&B or the train station at approximately 9.00am (pick-up time confirmed at the time of booking). After a short journey to the Cotswolds, and after the final customers have boarded the tour (usually at Moreton-in-Marsh station), the tour begins with a welcome and introduction by your driver/guide before departing for the first stop on the tour. The 15 minute journey to Dover’s Hill viewpoint is an opportunity to watch the landscape change and meet your fellow passengers. Upon arrival, your tour guide will tell you the fascinating story of the Cotswolds; a story that includes facts, stats, history, unusual events and local folklore. This 20 minute stop is followed by the short journey to Chipping Campden just 5 minutes away. The hour long stop is the first of three “self-explore” stops during the tour where you’ll have opportunity to walk the streets of the historic market town on your own with maps provided by your guide. The map features a variety of things you can see and do from historic buildings to quirky shops selling gifts, local produce and fantastic coffee. Broadway Tower and the “secret” off-the-beaten-track Cotswolds village are the next two stops on the tour where you’ll find out more about these interesting and beautiful locations. At around 1pm the tour arrives in the highest town in the Cotswolds, Stow-on-the-Wold. This is your second self-explore stops and with an hour and ten minutes free time there is ample opportunity to grab a bite to eat from the fantastic array of options located around the market square. Maps are once again provided featuring a list of things you can see and do. Following Stow-on-the-Wold the tour heads South to the village of Bibury – once famously referred to as "the most beautiful village in England" by poet William Morris. The 25-minute stop provides ample time to visit Arlington Row – arguably the most iconic row of cottages in the Cotswolds – and stroll alongside the river Coln. You may even be lucky enough to spot a water vole or a brown trout or two! Leaving Bibury behind you'll then travel through the narrow country lanes to the final stop of the day and the “jewel in the crown” of the Cotswolds – Bourton-on-the-Water. After a brief introduction to the picturesque little village you'll have approximately 40-minutes free-time to explore on your own and stock up on souvenirs to remind you of your day in the Cotswolds. The tour finishes at Bourton-on-the-Water before making its way back to Stratford-upon-Avon arriving at approximately 5.30pm. *Thursday tours operate from June to September. Pick-ups from Leamington Spa station also available.
Full-Day Tour of Glastonbury
Begin your day with a guided walk across Avalon, be transported back 2000 years through the mists, to a time of magic, myths and legends, a time when the family of Christ arrived to these shores of Avalon. Stand next to the Holy Thorn Tree which grew from the staff given to Joseph of Arimathea, by Jesus himself. He planted the staff as a symbol of the birth of a new way, the early Christian way, and worked with the Pagans and Druids who had used the ancient Isle of Avalon as a site for spiritual initiation for thousands of years.Then be guided, via the hidden chapel of St Margret, to the site of the Wattle Church in the centre of the Glastonbury Abbey. The Wattle Church is England’s first ever building for Christian worship, built by Mary Magdalene and Joseph of Arimathea in 62AD. A few steps away we find the last resting place of King Arthur and Gwynevere and find out why it is there and how they are linked to the family of Christ. The windows within St Johns church perfectly paint a picture of the hidden stories of old.After lunch we go on our quest for the Holy Grail, said to be buried under the Chalice Well. Find out why these waters in this tranquil garden are said to be healing by drinking them yourself. Balance the red waters, the female energies of the Chalice Well, with the waters of the White Spring, the male energies, which is very close by, in a beautiful candle-lit water temple.We leave the best for last, a climb to the top of the Glastonbury Tor. Witness the amazing energies of the Tor, find out why these hills are called sleeping dragons and look out over the sacred landscape all the way to Wales.
Warwick Castle Admission Ticket and Including Cream Tea
Visit: Warwick CastleCombine your visit to Warwick Castle with mouthwatering English tradition: enjoy a fresh fruit scone with clotted cream, jam and tea or coffee with this fantastic package. Cream team can be redeemed before 12.30pm or after 3pm only, in the Conservatory Tea House.Full to the turrets with dazzling shows and attractions, spell-binding story-telling and fun experiences all year-round, Warwick Castle is a fun, action-packed and unforgettable day out for everyone! Watch the spectacular Flight of the Eagles Show (twice daily show), featuring Eagles, Buzzards and Vultures and look out for Rosie, the UK’s one and only free-flying Andean Condor which is the largest bird of prey in the world! With a wingspan of over 10ft you will be in awe as you see her take to the skies.A day at Warwick Castle is jam-packed with exhilarating daily shows – witness the world’s largest working catapult launch a flaming fireball over 150m into the air as part of the Trebuchet Fireball Spectacular Show! Explore 64 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds and gardens and keep an eye out for the resident peacocks in the picturesque Peacock Garden! Climb the Castle’s ancient towers and ramparts and then marvel at the mesmerizing panoramic views from the top of Guy’s Tower. Beyond the Castle’s wall marvel at the magnificent great hall and the lavish interiors of the adjoining state rooms. Visit the castle dungeon if you are brave enough? New for 2017, Wars of the Roses live: It’s 1455 and the House of Lancaster holds the English Throne. King Henry VI’s crown is challenged by the House of York. The rival houses clash in battle and the bloody war that ensues was to last over 30 years. Marvel as the legendary Wars of the Roses unfolds before you during a live action show. Pledge your allegiance in an epic battle for the English Throne in this all new, heart pumping, fist thumping, live action show.
National Motorcycle Museum Admission
The National Motorcycle Museum is ideally situated in the once renowned workshop capital of the world, centrally based in the UK, with ideal network links through all major routes, i.e. M42, Birmingham International Railway Station and Birmingham International Airport, all on our doorstep. The Museum has ample free parking with wheelchair accessibility.Set over five halls this tour will take you back in history, from Veteran and Pioneer motorcyclist to Riders of the Modern Superbike era.The gift shop offers an extensive range of motorcycle related books, souvenirs & memorabilia to motorbike apparel catering for all the family.The Museum’s Archive stocks an ever changing inventory of original motorcycle books, technical literature & sales publications (Bruce Main Smith). Available to purchase in shop and online you will find an alphabetical listing of an extensive archive of over 4000 photocopy sets, including motorcycle Workshop Manuals, Illustrated Parts books, Annual Sales Catalogues and Instruction books.