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 Cruise   |   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 Museum in 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 of Bordesley Abbey – a medieval Cistercian Abbey which has been extensively excavated.

Bordesley Abbey Visitor 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 excellent Coffee Bar and a superb Gift Shop selling 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 Cruise and Stratford-upon-Avon

After breakfast, we make our way to Stratford-upon-Avon, we enjoy Stratford from the River Avon on a 60-minute gin tasting cruise. Travel along the canal to view sights such as the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Holy Trinity Church, and Shakespeare’s burial place. The skipper will share information about the river’s wildlife and the canal’s heritage, while you enjoy a tutored tasting of 3 award-winning crafted gin samples and a gin and tonic to drink in a souvenir glass to take home.

 

Later enjoy free time in Stratford-upon-Avon. We have plenty of time to wander the streets looking for a bargain in an independent store or maybe visit Shakespeare’s birthplace to learn more about the man himself.

 

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 Cruise and Tasting

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.

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 Cruise and Tasting

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.

 

HOTEL FACILITIES INCLUDE

General	Rooms	Accessibility
3 star	Tea/coffee making facilities	Wheelchair Accessible
Bar	Television
Restaurant	Hairdryer
Lounge	Wi-Fi
	Iron

 

GROUP BOOKINGS

Looking to take a group, if you book 20 places or more on this tour the tour organiser will go Free of Charge

 

DAYS	TOUR DATE	DEPARTS	TERMS	SUPPLEMENT
5	30 NOV – 4 DEC 2026	MONDAY	£649	£80 SINGLE
JONES HOLIDAYS INSURANCE			£38

 

Rooms are allocated on a first come first served basis and are limited. If no single supplement applies this is limited to the tour single room allocation and therefore additional cost may apply.  Prices displayed are per person unless otherwise stated. If door-to-door pick-up is included there may be additional charges for out of area. Itineraries and hotel inclusions may be subject to change. Seat numbers on the coach may be subject to change. Issues whilst on tour must be raised in the first instance with the driver. Covid-19 restrictions may apply. When making bookings you accept on behalf of yourself and your party the terms in our Trading Charter which can be found in our brochure, on our website at http://www.jonesholidays.co.uk/Jones-holidays-trading-charter, or a copy can be requested from our Sales office.  If your holiday is more than 56 days from departure, we offer a 7-day cooling off period where a full refund will be offered from the date of the initial confirmation invoice (with the exception of flight holidays).

The Charlecote Pheasant Hotel. Forge Mill Needle Museum Shakespeare Gin Distillery Frankfurt Christmas Market Birmingham