Spirited Cheer in the Heart of England

SPIRITED CHEER IN THE HEART OF ENGLAND

30 November – 4 December 2026

Monday – Friday

5 Days

From £649

Discover the magic of England’s heartland on a winter escape bursting with charm, colour, and festive wonder. Wrap yourself in cosy traditions, wander through twinkling Christmas markets, and toast the season with warming winter tipples!

Step into Christmas past at Hanbury Hall, a Georgian country retreat beautifully dressed for the season with retro decorations and timeless charm. Then drift into the world of the Bard with a leisurely day in Shakespeare’s England, crowned by a 60-minute gin-tasting cruise along the River Avon—an indulgent blend of scenery, flavour, and festive sparkle.

HOLIDAY HIGHLIGHTS

Shakespeare Gin Distillery | Stratford-upon-Avon | Frankfurt Christmas Market Birmingham | Forge Mill Needle Museum | Hanbury Hall

DAY ONE – Lichfield and Arrival

We depart from your home and travel to Lichfield, before we make our way to our hotel, arriving late afternoon you have welcome tea/coffee and festive cakes or mince pies on arrival, and time to to relax before dinner this evening.

DAY TWO – Forge Mill Needle Museum and Hanbury Hall

This morning, we visit Forge Mill Needle Museumin Redditch is an unusual and fascinating place to visit. This historic site illustrates the rich heritage of the needle and fishing tackle industries. Models and recreated scenes provide a vivid illustration of how needles were once made, and how Redditch once produced 90% of the world’s needles.

On the same site, just a very short walk from Forge Mill Museum, are the ruins ofBordesley Abbey– a medieval Cistercian Abbey which has been extensively excavated.

Bordesley AbbeyVisitor Centre, which is set in an original reconstructed 16th century barn, tells the extraordinary story of the Abbey from its development in the 12th century to its destruction in 1538 by Henry VIII during the dissolution.

One of the most unique museums in Worcestershire and the West Midlands, the museum also has an excellentCoffee Barand a superbGift Shopselling souvenirs and a good selection of the finest quality needles, many of which are locally produced.

This afternoon, we visit Hanbury Hall at Christmas, a joyful throwback to the 1970s and 80s. Retro lights, tinsel, and classic hits bring a playful sparkle to this elegant Worcestershire retreat.

Inside the Long Gallery, explore a nostalgic Fashion, Art and Photography Exhibition curated by Anne Walter. From flared trousers to bold prints, it’s a colourful nod to two unforgettable decades.

Step beyond the festivities to discover the grandeur of early Georgian life, with dramatic wall-paintings by Sir James Thornhill. Stroll through restored formal gardens by George London and enjoy the winter charm of the orchards, orangery and walled garden.

DAY THREE – Shakespeare Gin Distillery and Stratford-upon-Avon

After breakfast, we head to Stratford-upon-Avon for a visit to Shakespeare Distillery, the town’s only working distillery. During our guided tour, we'll learn about the history of the distillery and the art of crafting their award-winning spirits. Afterwards, we'll enjoy a tasting of three of their finest gins, with everyone receiving a souvenir glass to take home as a memento of the visit.

We then have free time to explore Stratford-upon-Avon at our own pace. Stroll through the charming historic streets, browse the independent shops, relax in one of the many cafés, or perhaps visit Shakespeare’s Birthplace and discover more about the life of the world-famous playwright.

DAY FOUR – Frankfurt Christmas Market Birmingham

After breakfast we make our way to Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market. The largest authentic Christmas market outside of Germany or Austria, Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market offers a large range of traditional gifts and a selection of tempting food and drink. Pretzels, bratwurst, and roasted almonds will tempt your tastebuds, all of which can be washed down with gluhwein, Weissbier (wheat beer), or tasty hot chocolate.

And whilst you’re here why not pick up some presents for your family and friends with everything from handcrafted wooden decorations, beautiful eco-friendly star lights and delicate glass baubles to the ever-favourite crystal lamps, toys, and much more besides!

We’ll then return to our hotel later this afternoon where you will have time to relax before our Christmas Dinner this evening.

DAY FIVE – British Ironworks Centre and Departure

After breakfast this morning we leave our hotel and first make our way to the British Ironworks Centre, where you have time for a browse and an explore, and lunch before we continue our journey home.

YOUR HOLIDAY INCLUDES

Luxury coach travel

4 nights accommodation, dinner & breakfast

Porterage on arrival and departure

Tea/coffee after dinner each evening

Tea/coffee and festive cakes/mince pies on arrival

2 nights entertainment in hotel

Christmas dinner on one evening

Shakespeare Gin Distillery
Hanbury Hall

British Ironworks Centre.

THE CHARLECOTE PHEASANT HOTEL

The Charlecote Pheasant Hotel is a beautiful country house located in the village of Charlecote. It’s an ideal location for visiting the historic towns of Stratford Upon Avon, Warwick and Leamington Spa nearby. All bedrooms are ensuite with TV, telephone, tea/coffee making facilities, hairdryer, iron & ironing board and Wi-Fi. This hotel does not have a lift, although ground floor rooms are available on request.