Home & Away with Robert Walshe
www.robertwalshe.com
Destination Hotspot – Stratford Upon Avon
Stratford-upon-Avon set in the beautiful rural Warwickshire countryside, on the banks of the river Avon is the birthplace of William Shakespeare. Stratford-upon-Avon has a very rich and varied programme of events and activities throughout the year: theatres, arts, music in the parks, river racing, river cruising, walks along the river or simply relax and take in the atmosphere that is Shakespeare’s Stratford.
n Shakespeares Birthplace.
Stratford is a pleasure to explore on foot, and has more than enough attractions to fill a two day visit including the Shakespeare Birthplace ( www.shakespeare. org.uk), where the Bard was born in 1564, and Holy Trinity Church where he was laid to rest in 1616. The Shakespeare Birthplace lightshow starts from 21 November - 19 December four times nightly and is the first 3D lightshow to combine a laser lightshow with live theatrical performances outside the Birthplace. The two-hour Stratford Town Walk (www.stratfordtown-
For a little luxury close to home, holiday with Hastings Hotels For our best deals call 0044 289047 1066 or visit www.hastingshotels.com
walk.co.uk), offered daily throughout the year, is an enjoyable way to explore Stratford and see all its Shakespeare sites on one well-planned and highly entertaining outing. Daily tours of the new Royal Shakespeare Theatre (www.rsc.org.uk/ theatretours) offer a front-ofhouse and behind-the-scenes look at the exciting home of the RSC. Seeing a Shakespeare play performed here by the Royal Shakespeare Company should be your first priority Enjoy a host of festive activities this season with traditional carols, candlelit tours, storytelling, craft fairs and a RSC production of Wendy & Peter Pan running until from December 10th to March 2014. One non-Shakespearean attraction worth visiting is the Butterfly Farm at Tramway Walk, Swan’s Nest Lane; ( www.butterflyfarm.co.uk), one of the world’s largest butterfly habitats, where a fascinating assortment of gorgeous butterflies and moths flit and flutter and
perch on visit. The four star Menzies Welcombe Hotel on the outskirts of Stratford-upon-Avon is by far one of the most relaxing venues in this charming and historic town. This luxury hotel was originally built back in 1866 and was a former country mansion. The Italian gardens are impressively maintained and if you’ve brought your golf clubs then a round or two could n Menzies Welco mbe Hotel & be in order on its 18 Spa Stratford Upon Avon. hole championship course. The spa and leisure £2.2 milareas are also very appealing, lion refurbishment during t h o s e featuring a gym and exercise 2012 the hotel is the perfect returning from Midnight studio, a choice of thermal choice for a festive break. Mass. For full rates visit rooms, and several spa ther- On Christmas Eve on arrival www.menzieshotels.co.uk apy rooms. Each of the 78 en- relax and enjoy afternoon tea Shakespeare Country offers suite bedrooms have Apple in front of the fire in the mag- all the magical ingredients iMac TV screens with Sky TV, nificent oak-panelled lounge. for a short break this festive Skype and internet access, as The evening starts with a season. For more informawell as free Wi-Fi. The garden Champagne and canapé re- tion visit www.Shakespearerooms have been tastefully ception with entertainment Country.co.uk designed in a contemporary from the St Mary’s Church, Robert Walshe is a travel style while the traditionally Warwick Girls Choir before broadcaster with Q Radio styled rooms in the main enjoying a four course can- Network & Travel Editor house, including suites and dlelit dinner in the award- for numerous print & onfour poster bedrooms, pro- winning restaurant. Mulled line publications on the vide traditional, elegant lux- wine and mince pies available island of Ireland. www. ury. Having benefitted from a in the lounge by the fire for robertwalshe.com