Celebrate romance with a trip to Shakespeare Country

Celebrate spring half term from 14 – 22 February in Shakespeare Country with a range of fun inspired activities for all the family. From campfires and treasure hunts to exhilarating jump-racing and muddy battle walks, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

With Valentine’s Day taking place at the beginning of half term, Shakespeare Country offers plenty of ideas to romance your loved one.

Enjoy hot air balloon flights, romantic ghost tours and magical performances by the world famous Royal Shakespeare Company.

Take part in the ‘Great Battle Walk’ at Warwick Castle from 14 – 22 February. Wannabe warriors can step into the shoes of a mediaeval battalion for a hands-on, feet first adventure trail around the Castle grounds. Along the way get a taste of army rations, army training and army health and hygiene.

See a magical performance of The Tempest presented by the Royal Shakespeare Company from 14 February - 14 March. Featuring RSC Associate Artist, Antony Sher as Prospero and John Kani as Caliban, this new production, in association with South Africa’s Baxter Theatre Centre, will draw inspiration from African ritual, magic and music.

Explore Kenilworth Castle on Valentine’s Day and be transported back to a golden age of romance and chivalry. Marvel at the newly recreated Elizabethan Garden; a replica of the garden Robert Dudley created for his Queen and love, Elizabeth I. Theirs was an intense romance in which Elizabeth kept a letter from Dudley by her bedside until she died in 1603.

Blenheim Palace opens on Valentine’s Day with a special exhibition about the filming of the forthcoming feature film ‘The Young Victoria’. Wander around the exhibition which takes place in the Long Library where scenes were filmed. Champagne afternoon teas will be available to book for a perfect Valentine’s Day gift idea.

Visit the Stratford Tourist Information Centre on 14 February from 10.00am – 2.00pm for a special book signing from James Kerr, a local photographer. 'Shakespeare's Scenery' takes you on a journey through Warwickshire and the Cotswolds and makes a lovely Valentine’s Day gift.

Watch loved-up tropical birds at the Stratford Butterfly Farm. New in residence to the Farm is a pair of Indian Ringneck Parakeets, two pairs of Cockatiels from Australia and a pair of Rosella birds also from Australia. Joining them is a beautiful Amazon parrot, who, already in the mood for romance, has taken quite a shine to one of the Ringneck birds.

The Butterfly Farm will also be holding “Meet the Minibeasts” talks and handling sessions each day during half term at 11am and 2pm. Choose from a stunning selection of jewellery from the gift shop, perfect for that special Valentines gift.

Join a romantic ghost hunt on Valentine’s night at The Falstaff’s Experience, Stratford’s most haunted building. Phil Whyman of ‘Dead Haunted Nights’ and who appeared on ‘Most Haunted’, will host a special ghost hunt and personally present guests with a complimentary scented rose.

Craft activities for children with a Valentines theme are available at the Holy Trinity Church in Stratford during half term from 9:00am - 3.40pm. For adults, why not take a romantic hot air balloon flight over Shakespeare Country with High Road Balloons which is offering Two Anytime Flight Vouchers at a special discounted rate for Valentines.

Ragley Hall will open for Half Term for the first time in its 50 year history. Enjoy a variety of outdoor adventure activities including a treasure hunt and toasting marshmallows around a campfire. The Woodland Walk reopens with new interpretation boards which will give information about the native plants and wildlife and an insight into the workings of the Estate.

Visit Sulgrave Manor for Presidents Day on 16 February to remember the birthdays of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. Children can dress as mini-Tudors and find out how the eleven Washington children lived and played at the Manor. Take part in quizzes and trails as well as the President’s Challenge. From 17 – 20 February the Manor opens at 2pm for children’s tours, trails, challenges and brass rubbing with free admission for children.

Join Stratford Town Walk from 16 – 22 February and discover Shakespeare's Stratford on foot. Alternatively venture out on a Ghost Walk on 16, 19 and 20 February at 7:30pm and discover gruesome tales of ghosts, witches, murder and mayhem.

From 14 - 15 February visit Hill Close Gardens in Warwick for its ‘Snowdrop Show’. See different species of snowdrops inside the visitor centre as well as snowdrops in the garden. Visitors can buy a range of winter plants and enjoy light refreshments.

Spend an afternoon of exhilarating jump racing at Warwick Racecourse on Friday 20 February. The first race is scheduled at 1.50pm, with the last at 5.10pm. Accompanied youngsters aged 16 and under are admitted free of charge.

Visit the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers Museum on Thursday 19 February for 'Badges Galore’ where children can learn about regiment badges and create their own. Enjoy a host of exciting craft activities at Coventry Transport Museum where children can make bookmarks or calendars, enjoy fabric painting and take part in the Alphabet Challenge.

For theatre and attraction tickets, accommodation, brochures, special offers and more information, log on to Shakespeare-country.co.uk.