York & Stratfod Upon Avon
About this tour
York
This city with its two thousand years of history, ghost walks, street theatre and buskers is an ideal place to visit. The Jorvik Viking Centre takes you back to JORVIK 948AD to experience life in York at that time and the Yorkshire Museum celebrates over 1000 years of the region’s history. The Ghost Walk can be combined with the shocks & terror of the York Dungeon. Features include the Plague experience, the Dick Turpin story, the Gunpowder Plot (Guy Fawkes was born in York) and the ghostly last Roman Legion.
Stratford Upon Avon
The birthplace of William Shakespeare, set on the banks of the river Avon, has so much to offer. Combine a visit to a performance by the famous Royal Shakespeare Company with the famous sites connected with Shakespeare’s life and family.
Sample Itinerary
- Day 1: Early coach transfer from school to York. Free afternoon to Visit the Shambles and walk the ramparts. Overnight at YHA York (or similar).
- Day 2: Morning guided tour of York with Blue Badge Guides. Visit York Castle Museum & Clifford Tower.
- Day 3: Days excursions – Including York Minster visit and Treasure Hunt, Jorvik Viking Centre, and National Rail Museum.
- Day 4: Depart for Stratford Upon Avon. (Suggestions: stop at Yorkshire Sculpture Park en-route). Visit Mary Arden’s Farm, Shakespeare’s House, and Anne Hathaway’s Cottage. Overnight at YHA Stratford upon Avon (or similar).
- Day 5: Visit Nash’s House and Hall’s Croft OR day visit to Warwick Castle. Return to school.
Our range of tours not only supports the National Curriculum but provides the opportunity for more schools to travel within the UK, Europe or Worldwide, as they provide flexibility. The choice is yours and we are always available to discuss your ideas.
What’s Included
- 3 Nights Hostel Accommodation, YHA York or similar on a full-board basis.
- 1 Nights Hostel Accommodation at YHA Stratford Upon Avon or similar Half/Full Board Basis.
- Excursions and entrances as per the itinerary.
- Coach hires throughout.
- Dedicated tour manager to assist throughout your tour planning.
- 24-hour on call, emergency assistance.
Accommodation
We work closely with School Hotels and Hostels, all suited and designed to accommodate youth groups. Have a look at the www.yha.org.uk website for hostels across the UK. We can also offer 3* hotel accommodation to suit groups with a larger budget.Suggestions And Ideas for Visits and ExcursionsEach group will have its own special interests and curricular needs. That is why every visit can be completely tailored to you. You will find some suggestions below, but you can always call us to discuss more options.
Battlefield and History Tours recommends the following
- York Minster: York Minster is one of the world's most magnificent cathedrals. The Minster has been the centre of Christianity in the north of England since the 7th century. Every aspect of this ancient building – from the exquisite, handcrafted stone through to the unrivalled collection of medieval stained glass – tells the story of Jesus Christ.
- Blenheim Palace: Blenheim Palace is the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill and home of the 11th Duke of Marlborough. Just 45 minutes from Stratford-upon-Avon, this beautiful palace is in the historic town of Woodstock.
- Yorkshire Sculpture Park: The Yorkshire Sculpture Park is an open-air gallery in West Bretton near Wakefield in West Yorkshire showing work by British and international artists, including Henry Moore and Barbara Hepworth. The park's collection of works by Moore is one of the largest open-air displays of his bronzes in Europe.
- Clifford's Tower: The stunning panoramic views over Old York from the top of Clifford's Tower make it the ideal starting point for any visit to the city. There is plenty to discover at this imposing tower standing proud on its high mound. It is all that remains of York Castle, built by William the Conqueror, and has served as a prison and a royal mint in its time.
- The Royal Shakespeare Company: The Royal Shakespeare Theatre and Swan Theatre are home to the internationally recognised Royal Shakespeare Company. The RSC performs the works of classical and contemporary writers and Shakespeare productions.
- York Castle Museum: The Castle Museum opened in 1938 and is in the old Castle Prison. William the Conqueror built a castle in York, which included a prison, in 1068. Although the old prison is part of the museum, the castle building itself is now York Crown Court. Dick Turpin was one famous prisoner who was hanged in 1739 for horse stealing.
- Jorvik Viking Centre: The Jorvik Viking Centre is a museum and visitor attraction in York containing lifelike mannequins and life-size dioramas depicting Viking life in the city. It was created by the York Archaeological Trust in 1984. Its name is derived from Jorvik, the Old Norse name for the city of York.
- Shakesperience: An exciting introduction to some of William Shakespeare’s greatest works as well as his life and legacy using the latest technology and special effects. Situated at Waterside Theatre, a new venue for theatrical, cultural, and musical events in Stratford-upon-Avon.
- River Avon Cruisers: A 45-minute sightseeing cruise on modern passenger boats. Take in the 15th-century Clopton Bridge, Royal Shakespeare Theatre, and Holy Trinity Church, the site of William Shakespeare’s Tomb.
- Tudor World: One of Stratford-upon-Avon’s most exciting and unusual tourist attractions, which offers an educational yet fun journey through time. The museum is in the 16th century Shrieve’s House Barn and this haunted museum offers an informative yet theatrical glimpse into history, from the most glorious to the ghastly and the hilarious to the haunting.
- The Shakespeare Houses and The Shakespeare Centre: Explore Shakespeare's world with five beautiful houses and gardens, brought to life by enthusiastic guides. Begin at Shakespeare’s Birthplace, delve into his early years, then stroll to Nash’s House on Chapel Street, once owned by his granddaughter's husband, Thomas Nash.
- Warwick Castle: Warwick Castle, where you can experience a thousand years of history in one day. There is so much to do and see here from ‘Kingmaker’, showing how Richard Neville’s household prepared for battle, to the ‘Ghost Tower’ where Sir Fulke Greville was fatally stabbed by his manservant, and ‘Death or Glory’ the latest look armory.
- National Rail Museum – York: The National Railway Museum in York, part of the British Science Museum Group, tells the British rail transport story and its societal impact. Honored with the 2001 European Museum of the Year Award amongst others, it is housed in the Great Hall, which was once engine shed four. Built in 1877, it serviced and prepared steam locomotives.
Other variations on numbers and duration available plus day trips available on Request.
Experience information
Each group will have its own special interests and curricular needs. That is why every visit can be completely tailored to you. You will find some suggestions below, but you can always call us to discuss more options.
Other variations on numbers and duration available, plus day trips available on request.