We start the morning with a visit to Castell Coch, a 19th-century Gothic Revival castle built on the site of an original 13th-century castle. The castle’s fairytale appearance, with its towers, turrets and elaborately decorated interiors, comes courtesy of the architect William Burgess, employed by the 3rd Marquess of Bute to create a rural retreat to complement the opulence of his main residence, Cardiff Castle.

From here we visit impressive Caerphilly Castle, built by Gilbert de Clare in the 13th century as part of his campaign to conquer Glamorgan. The second largest castle in Britain and the first truly concentric castle, the rings of stone and extensive water defences are formidable even today. The Marquesses of Bute acquired the castle in 1776 and under the third and fourth Marquesses, extensive restoration took place.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Checking out of the xxxx, we make our way to the late medieval Raglan Castle. It was designed to impress as much to intimidate and was later transformed into a magnificent country seat with one of the finest Renaissance gardens in Britain. Showing evidence of a later turbulent period, the castle was slighted during the English Civil War and later gained popularity as a romantic ruin.

We continue to Monmouth, the historic county town of Monmouthshire. Nestled in the tranquil Wye Valley, the town is well known for its iconic 13th-century gatehouse bridge and its connections to Henry V and Geoffrey of Monmouth.

Heading back across the English border, we head to Croft Castle, home to the Croft family for almost a thousand years. The house’s exterior is an interesting blend of castle and country house, surrounded by historic woodland, farm and parkland, while the interior is a fine example of grand Georgian elegance.

This evening we check into the Stanbrook Abbey Hotel, our base for the next two nights.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

We start the day with a visit to Stokesay Castle, one of the finest and best-preserved fortified medieval manor houses in England. Stokesay was constructed at the end of the 13th century by one of the richest men in England, wool merchant Laurence of Ludlow. Stokesay’s picturesque ensemble of buildings consists of 13th-century towers, a magnificent great hall and a later 17th-century gatehouse with beautifully ornate carvings.

We continue to the historic city of Worcester, known for its exquisite Royal Worcester porcelain and piquant Worcestershire sauce. There is plenty to discover, from learning about Worcester’s important role in the English Civil War at The Commandery to admiring the half-timbered buildings in Friar Street.

The city is also famed for its lovely cathedral which rises majestically above the River Severn. Built between 1084 and 1504, the cathedral represents every style of English architecture from Norman to Perpendicular Gothic and boasts royal tombs, medieval cloisters, a Norman crypt and magnificent Victorian stained glass. We learn more about the history of Worcester Cathedral on our fascinating guided tour.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Leaving our hotel, we head first to Kenilworth Castle, one of England’s largest medieval fortresses and most impressive castle ruins. It was here that Robert Dudley, the great love of Elizabeth I, created an ornate palace in 1575. Explore the beautifully recreated Elizabethan Garden or enjoy panoramas over the surrounding countryside from the viewing platforms.

Our next stop is Stratford-upon-Avon, forever associated with William Shakespeare, one of Britain’s greatest playwrights and poets. Fans of Shakespeare can visit the house in which he was born, and there’s a chance to wander the riverside gardens or discover the town’s theatres including the Swan Theatre, home of the Royal Shakespeare Company.

We finish the day with a visit to Warwick Castle, which has stood as an impressive medieval fortress for the last 1,100 years and remains one of the most well-preserved medieval castles in Britain. Behind the mighty walls lie grand interiors such as the Great Hall and lavish State Rooms while the atmospheric castle dungeon brings to life some of the darkest and bloodiest times in the castle’s history.

This evening we check back in to the xxxx hotel, where we enjoy a farewell dinner together.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

A private transfer will take you back to Heathrow airport for your return flight home.

Meals: Breakfast