Afternoon tea was such a charming touch on day three. Felt like stepping into a period drama for an hour, scones and all. My husband, not usually a tea person, ended up ordering a second pot.

This felt like a proper literary pilgrimage for us, Warwick Castle and Shakespeare's birthplace both in one trip. Six nights, my wife and I, no kids, no agenda beyond soaking in the history. Would happily repeat this exact itinerary.

Six nights turned out to be exactly right for us as a couple, no rushing between five cities in five days like some itineraries do. We spent unhurried mornings walking countryside lanes and slow afternoons at Warwick Castle imagining the medieval banquets held there centuries ago. The Grand Union Canal walk in the evening light was unexpectedly the quietest, most romantic part of the whole trip. Coming home we both agreed this pace suited us far more than a whirlwind tour would have.

Walked through Shakespeare's birthplace holding hands and honestly it felt more moving than we expected. The house is small and quiet, nothing flashy, but standing in those rooms does something to you. Our guide shared little details about his life that made it feel personal rather than textbook. By the time we reached Warwick Castle later that afternoon we were both still talking about it.

Our canal boat ride got cut short by sudden rain and we ended up huddled under a shed for twenty minutes waiting it out. Not the romantic gliding-along-the-water moment we had pictured. Rest of the day was salvaged by a good dinner nearby though.

Warwick Castle at golden hour is a picture we still look at every week.