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Stratford-upon-Avon

Famous around the world as the birthplace of William Shakespeare, this delightful and historic town lies on the bank of the river Avon. This is the setting for our morning walk exploring the life and times of William, his family. You will find out about where he was born, went to school, prayed and lived. You will see the site of his house where he died and the church where he was buried.

In the footsteps of William Shakespeare, Bard of Avon

Stratford upon Avon walking Tour

A Half Day Tour of the Highlights of the Cotswolds 4-5 hours

I will pick you up from your hotel, or train or bus station, in the Cotswolds, and drop you back there at the end of the tour. We can start this tour whenever you like.
We will visit some of the best known places in the Cotswolds but also go on some of the quaint backroads.
For train stations I suggest Cheltenham.
Let me know if you are a fan of the TV series Father Brown as I can include Blockley in the tour which is known as Kembleford.
It is really hard to do a half day tour of 4 hours as the villages are spread apart, so 4 hours will probably be more like 5 hours.
This tour is flexible so we can change the start time and the route according to where I pick you up and to what you have already seen.

Let's explore Chipping Campden, Stow on the World, Lower and Upper Slaughter, Bourton on the Water

A Half Day Tour of the Highlights of the Cotswolds 4 hours

Our tour today takes us through the beautiful countryside of the northern Cotswolds where we will see some of the famous villages such as Stow on the Wold, Broadway, Chipping Campden plus some of the lesser-known villages that are "off the beaten track".

With time for lunch and a gentle stroll, we enjoy stories and tales from the history, people, and events that have shaped this most beautiful landscape. With stunning views at every turn, we discover how and why this region is designated an 'Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Cotswold dry stone wall surrounding ancient parish church

Happy days walking in the Cotswolds countryside

Exploring the Northern Cotswolds

Cotswolds Private Tour

This one day Private tour of the North Cotswolds is ideal for first time visitors to the area. Starting and finishing at your hotel in the Cotswolds we cover all the main spots in the Cotswolds as well as some of the quieter villages all of which are easily covered in one day, with plenty of time for stopping off and enjoying the scenery and atmosphere.

The days itinerary is flexible so places can be added to the tour or certain spots missed depending on time and your preferences. As this is a custom tour we will try and build a fun day out based on your preferences and wishes. As a guide, some of the villages/landmarks in the North Cotswolds we may visit include the following.

Stow-on-the-Wold, Bourton-on-the-Water, Snowshill, The Slaughters, Broadway Tower, Stanway, Winchcombe, Burford.

You may also choose to visit one of the following attractions located in the Cotswolds (entrance fees apply).

Kiftgate Court Gardens

Snowshill Manor House

Sudeley Castle

Blenheim Palace

The best of the Cotswolds in one day with a private driver-guide

Classic Cotswolds Tour

Stratford upon Avon and Warwick Castle Full Day tour

The delightful and vibrant riverside town of Stratford upon Avon is where we begin our tour to explore the birthplace of the most famous playwright in the world - William Shakespeare.
Born into a local, middle class family in 1564. Surviving a terrible plague that was rife in the town that year, he grew up during the reign of Queen Elizabeth 1st. Dangerous times full of intrigue & religious intolerance, which he would later weave into his plays.

The afternoon is spent at the most complete medieval castle in England.
Situated above the the banks of the River Avon this most magnificent castle was the ancestral home of the Earls of Warwick one of whom was named the 'Kingmaker'.
Here you can visit the dungeon before climbing the spiral stairs of the highest towers to stand on the battlements from where you can enjoy views of the surrounding countryside. With so many exciting attractions, beautiful gardens and fascinating stories from history, this is a visit to satisfy the whole family.

Life and times of William Shakespeare & the Earls of Warwick

Birmingham is a city which is often fun, sometimes loud but always interesting. Join me to find out why I love The Golden Boys and am proud of Joe Chamberlain for making our city the 'best-governed city in the world.

I think the library is just a brilliant location for having a bird's eye view of Centenary Square. Enjoy the peace provided by its high-rise gardens. For a bit of Brummie buzz, my tour takes in Broad Street, Brindley Place, and the Mailbox.

Be photographed with our famous Bull. Find out the secrets and tales about Birmingham that only a local guide knows.

Discover Birmingham's history and how it transformed from a small market town to England's second city

Birmingham express walking tour

A Full Day Tour of the Highlights of the Cotswolds

Your pickup points can be Cheltenham, Gloucester, Moreton in Marsh or any of the Cotswold villages. Please contact me about this as I am flexible.
Should your pick up point be Oxford, Bath or Stratford Upon Avon, I will have to charge extra because of the distance and traffic. Please check with me regarding my availability and what you would like to do.
We will go off the beaten track and visit the picturesque and famous villages of
Bourton on the Water, Upper and Lower Slaughter, Stow on the World, Chipping Campden, Broadway Tower, Broadway and Snowhill. I will also include some hidden gems and some interesting local tales!
Let me know if you are a fan of the TV series Father Brown as I can include Blockley in the tour which is known as Kembleford!

Let's explore Bourton on the Water, The Slaughters, Stow on the World, Chipping Campden, Broadway Tower, Broadway and Snowshill

Stratford upon Avon Half Day Walking Tour

Famous around the world as the birthplace of the playwright William Shakespeare, this delightful and vibrant riverside town is the setting for our morning walk exploring the life and times of William, his family, friends, and associates.

From the birthplace, we take a gentle stroll beside the river and through the streets that were familiar to William Shakespeare. Along the way we see where he went to school, the site of the house that he retired to on his return from London - and his final resting place in the Parish Church.

In the Footsteps of William Shakespeare

Now an on-trend destination the jewelry quarter with its shops, cafes, and bars hides its unique history. You can turn a corner and discover where the famous inventor and scientist James Watt lived for over 20 years.

A small side street leads to a cemetery where the man who made 19thc Birmingham Joseph Chamberlain is buried. Discover the jeweller's church where £5 bought you a prime seat inside. Find out why women were the reason that Birmingham supplied the world with cheap pen nibs.

You think you know what toys are but you might be surprised to find out what they were in Birmingham's jewellery quarter. Find out why a peg is essential for jewellers past and present.

The Rose Villa Tavern next to the Chamberlain clock.

The Pig and Tail a reminder of how close the jewellery workers lived to thier work.

Saint Paul's Square with a fine 18thc church in the last remaining Georgian Square in Birmingham.

A door always open to welcome visitors to the jewellery quarter.

A welcome and perhaps a pint of beer awaits you in one of the many pubs found in the jewellery quarter.

On the corner next to Vyse Street where independent jewellers still make and sell their wares.

The Museum of the Jewellery quarter where skilled craftsmen fashioned bangles.

Discover the unique history of the jewellery quarter with the personalities and places which have created it.

Birmingham Jewellery Quarter

A Full Day Tour Of Castles, Towers, Deer Parks and Market Places in the Cotswolds!

Your pick up points can be in Cheltenham, Gloucester, Worcester, Evesham, Stratford on Avon, Oxford, Moreton in Marsh, or any of the Cotswolds villages. Please contact me about this as I am flexible.

This tour is of the Northern Cotswolds and gives you a chance to visit some National Trust Properties and gardens like Hidcote Manor near Chipping Campden and Kiftsgate Court Gardens, which are next door to each other,
Snowhill Manor near Broadway,
Broadway Tower
and Studeley castle in Winchcombe.
(It is also possible to explore Blenheim Palace, for this we will make up a different route).
I will also add some hidden gems and tell you some interesting tales of the area.
Some of these places would have to be pre-booked.
You can choose up to three places to visit and we will include some picturesque villages in-between.

It can include, Winchcombe, Broadway, Broadway Tower, Snowshill Manor, Chipping Campden and Hidcote Gardens.

Let's explore Studeley Castle, Hidcote Manor, Kifsgate Court Gardens Broadway Tower

Birmingham's motto is 'Forward' and we will see how fitting this is as the city is constantly evolving. We begin our walk at the famous 'Bull Ring' around which, the medieval market town of Birmingham was founded. Taking a gentle stroll via busy shopping centers, quiet back roads, and historic canal paths we discover how a small, medieval market town grew into a giant of the Industrial Revolution when Birmingham became known as 'the city of a thousand trades.

Along the way, we hear stories behind the people who have helped to make my home city a modern-day center of commerce and culture.

From here we continue through bustling main streets and quiet back roads, through Victoria Square, and into the area known as 'Paradise' currently undergoing extensive regeneration. We make a brief visit to Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery where you can see the famous Pre Raphaelite collection and Saxon Hoard.

At the Library of Birmingham, we visit the secret garden where we can enjoy far-reaching views across the city.

Introducing Birmingham and Brummies

Birmingham Walking Tour

A Full Day Tour Meandering Through The Southern Cotswolds!

Here are some suggestions for this tour - we can visit some of these, your choice!
The Southern Cotswolds are different to the Northern villages but just as pretty.
Bibury is known for the picturesque Arlington Row cottages which were built in 1380 as a monastic wool store.
They were converted into a row of weavers' cottages in the 17th century.
Cirencester used to be called Corium in Roman times
Lacock Abbey, which started as a nunnery in the 1200s, before becoming a Tudor home, is sometimes used as a film set for Downton Abbey and Harry Potter. It is surrounded by the pretty village of Lacock itself.
Castle Combe is another quaint and really pretty village, not to be missed!
Biddestone a cute village used for filming Agatha Raisin
Tetbury the local town to King Charles's family home of Highgrove House and Gardens

Let's explore Lacock, Malmsbury, Cirencester, Bibury and Castle Combe

Birmingham Half Day City Tour with Private Transportation

Tour starting point flexible
- city centre and digbeth- photos, drive through
- jewellery quarter -drive through, stop outside
- edgbaston - drive through
-Moseley dr
Want to know about the hidden Birmingham? Join me visiting the places less known. We get to know Digbeth, vibrant, and very much Birmingham. In the jewellery quarter let me show you the secret places producing jewellery that was sold around the world and listen to the life stories of these hard working people. Travelling out to the leafy suburbs of Birmingham, we see the University established by Birmingham's greatest mayor, Joseph Chamberlain, passing Highbury House discover the complexities of a great man. The Twin Towers of Sodor in J. J. R Tolkien's Lord of the Rings -see where he found childhood inspirations for his great writing. Discover the paternalism of George Cadbury the chocolate maker who built a village just for his workers. Returning into the city centre our tour travels past places where 'Brummies' have made our city great

Minworth Greaves is a medieval house which was saved by the chocolate maker George Cadbury and moved to the workers village of Bournville.

Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit were written by J.R.R. Tolkien. Find out about where he lived and what places influenced his writing during his time in Birmingham.

Behind these gates is the 100 metre high 'Old Joe' tower. Find out more about Birmingham's first university and the places and people who made the suburb of Edgbaston their home.

St Phillips cathedral and square is the ideal starting point whether it is following the Birmingham of a ' thousand trades', finding out about our 'golden boys' of the industrial revolution or simply enjoying the wide variety of shopping and dining that our city has to offer visitors.

The tall clock tower of Birmingham Museum and Art Galley is where a journey to find out about our world famous collection of pre-raphaelite paintings and our very own Edward Burne Jones can begin.

The Museum of the Jewellery Quarter is a good starting point for a bespoke tour of this specialist area of Birmingham.

Visit our library but not just for books. The viewing platforms provide a panorama of our modern city and provide glimpses of the countryside beyond.

Find out about how and why the Cadbury chocolate family built a factory and village for their workers in the countryside near Bournbrook.

More miles of canals than Venice, find out about why canals were so important to Birmingham's growth in the 18th and 19th centuries.

The ICC and Symphony Hall great for conventions, great for music and a great place to explore more that Birmingham has to offer.

Discover Birmingham's history and visit the jewellery quarter, Bournville and Digbeth

In the Footsteps of King Richard the Third

Richard 3rd was killed on 22nd August 1485 at the Battle of Bosworth Field from where his body was taken to be buried in Greyfriar's Abbey in Leicester.
After the monasteries were closed down by Henry 8th the abbey fell into ruin and Richard's grave was lost and forgotten under the streets of modern day Leicester. In August 2012 archaeologists uncovered not only the remains of the abbey church but also those of a skeleton with battle wounds and a curved spine! Following months of scientific study it was confirmed that the skeleton did indeed belong to the famous medieval King of England. This amazing story has captured the imagination of people from around the world and our tour will take in sites associated with the last days of Richard including the Bosworth battlefield and the famous 'car park' burial site.
And, of course, we visit Richard's final resting place in Leicester Cathedral where he was re-interred in March 2015.

Statue of King Richard 111 in Leicester Cathedral Square

The Story of the 'King in the Car Park'

Walking tour around Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter

Our circular walking tour explores Birmingham's historic Jewellery Quarter. At the peak of production in the early 1900s more than 30, 000 people were employed not only in the jewellery trade but also in a diverse range of small metal items known as 'Birmingham Toys'.

Despite foreign competition & a fall in demand, 40% of all jewellery made in the UK is still produced here. The area is also home to the world's largest Assay Office, which hallmarks around 12 million items a year, recently moved from its previous location in Newhall Street to state-of-the-art purpose built premises-still with the anchor as its logo.

Since the 1980's the historical importance of this area has led to regeneration in retail businesses & urban living & numerous conservation schemes - making it an Anchor Point of the European Route of Industrial Heritage. St Paul's Church - completed in just 2 years (1777 to 1797) lies at the heart of this fascinating district and at the centre of Birmingham's only remaining Georgian square

Discover the 'toymakers' of Birmingham in this express tour

A Full day tour exploring the Coln Valley, Chedworth Roman Villa, Bibury, Burford and Cirencester.

Your pick up points can be in Cheltenham, Gloucester, Worcester, Stratford, Evesham, Oxford, Moreton in Marsh or any of the Cotswolds villages. Please feel free to contact me about this as I am flexible.
This tour is one of my favourite tours as the countryside is truly beautiful and the lovely River Coln meanders through valley. It is off the beaten track and is probably the best kept secret of the Cotswolds.
We visit Chedworth Roman Villa, one of 50 in the area, with it's amazing mosaics. You will step back in time and learn about how the Romans lived and what they did for us.
You might see trout swimming in the River Coln at Bibury and its resident black swan and you will learn about the wool industry and see some lovely weavers cottages.
Bibury was described by William Morris (1834-96) as "the most beautiful village in England".
At Cirencester you can visit the Corinium Museum which has some beautiful Roman mosaic floors.
Burford is a pretty village on a hillside steeped in history too.

Stratford upon avon tours

Explore with 22 tours and 4 guides.

Vicky N.

$ 260 (USD)

Lizzie K.

$ 541 (USD)

Diane C.

$ 890 (USD)

James B.

$ 753 (USD)

Diane C.

$ 753 (USD)

Vicky N.

$ 274 (USD)

Lizzie K.

$ 815 (USD)

Diane C.

$ 308 (USD)

Vicky N.

$ 247 (USD)

Lizzie K.

$ 815 (USD)

Diane C.

$ 253 (USD)

Lizzie K.

$ 815 (USD)

Vicky N.

$ 890 (USD)

Diane C.

$ 630 (USD)

Diane C.

$ 137 (USD)

Lizzie K.

$ 815 (USD)

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