Optional Excursions:
WARWICK, STRATFORD, OXFORD AND THE COTSWOLDS

Private tour of Christchurch in Oxford - Visit the Great Hall, which is featured in the Harry Potter movies 

Return: Returns to London at approx 7.30pm

Highlights:

• Visit Christ Church where Harry Potter was filmed
• Visit to Warwick Castle ~ the greatest medieval site in Britain
• Shakespeares Birthplace Museum in beautiful Stratford-upon-Avon
• Lunch stop at 15th century inn followed by a drive through the Cotswolds (food/drink not included)
• Soak up the atmosphere at Oxford and hear about life in the university town

The Tour:

WARWICK CASTLE
This is, quite simply, the greatest medieval castle in Britain. With a history that dates back over 1,000 years, Warwick Castle will take you back in time - to a world of sumptuous banquets, bloody battles and royal splendour. Enter over the footbridge and explore the castles ramparts, towers and gardens. The castle really brings history to life. Visit the waxwork displays of Madame Tussauds, where you can watch, and hear, the Earl of Warwicks preparations for battle. Feeling brave? Then take a look at the ghostly dungeons where prisoners were tortured. Alternatively, relax with a stroll through the castle's beautiful gardens.

STRATFORD-UPON-AVON
The birthplace of William Shakespeare, the greatest writer in the English language, and home to the theatres of the world-renowned Royal Shakespeare Company, Stratford is a charming market town set in the heart of rural England. A delightful river winds its way through the town, past the beautiful Holy Trinity Church, where Shakespeare lies buried. There are some wonderful half-wooden buildings that date back to Shakespeares time, including the famous cottage of Anne Hathaway, who married the great writer in 1582. You can even see the school Shakespeare attended. Our tour includes a visit to Shakespeares birthplace, before we enjoy lunch in a 15th century inn in the picturesque Cotswolds.

OXFORD
Oxford, the city of dreaming spires, boasts one of the worlds greatest - and oldest - universities, as well as some of the finest architecture in Europe. The colleges themselves, which make up the university, are amongst the architectural highlights, their ivy-clad stone walls protecting beautiful chapels, halls and libraries. We enjoy a unique tour, which journeys through the heart of this ancient building before we head to the college's spectacular dining hall, chosen as a key location in the Harry Potter films.

Our tour allows us to access parts of the hall usually out of bounds to the public. We will also linger by the open fire as your guide reveals anacdotes about this movie and the remarkable links of Christ Church with the Alice in Wonderland stories. Before visiting Christ Church, you can even make tea in the shop where the real-life Alice bought her sweets! Our trip to Oxford promises an unforgettable experience for old and young alike.

(Occasionally, when the hall is not available for viewing, due to filming or private functions, we shall enjoy a walking tour of the city.)