Shakespeare, Severn Valley & Cotswold Steam

DAY 1

Thursday - Arriving in Solihull, check into the St John's Hotel close to the station. Relax this afternoon in the hotel's leisure club ahead of dinner this evening in the hotel restaurant.

DAY 2

Friday - We travel by train to Kidderminster for a day exploring the Severn Valley Railway. Preservation of this historic full-size standard gauge line began in 1965. From Kidderminster the steam-hauled trains ply a scenic 16 mile route closely following the River Severn to Bridgnorth in Shropshire. On arrival there is free time to explore this lovely town before returning by steam train to Kidderminster and our service train onwards to Solihull.

DAY 3

Saturday - After breakfast we transfer by coach to the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway. Beginning our journey at Cheltenham Racecourse, we steam into the Cotswolds on a scenic line recently extended to Braodway. A short transfer takes us into Broadway itself for free time in this quintessential Cotswold village. Broadway's pretty High Street is lined with horse chestnut trees and includes a mixture of period houses and picturesque honey-coloured Cotswold stone cottages.

DAY 4

Sunday - A short change at Birmingham allows us to transport you by train along the picturesque "Shakespeare Line" to Stratford-upon-Avon. On arrival our local guide introduces Shakespeare's Stratford on a guided walking tour. We enjoy some free time in Stratford, with the opportunity to visit some of the Shakespeare sights or maybe take a boat trip. Back at the hotel, we enjoy a final dinner together.

DAY 5

Monday - We bid farewell to our hotel and the 'Heart of England', making our journeys home.

B=Breakfast, D=Dinner