Celebrate the Olympic Games in Shakespeare Country!

The world awaits in anticipation for the Olympic Games to start on the 27 July and which continues until the 12 August. All eyes will be focused on Stratford in London but for those that want to venture further afield into rural England, then take a short break to Stratford-upon-Avon and enjoy a host of exciting events and activities that will appeal to everyone during the Games!

Visitors can enjoy Olympic football at the Coventry City Stadium, only 20 minutes from Warwick and 30 minutes from Stratford. For those that are fortunate enough to have tickets then combine the match with a short break in Shakespeare Country and see some of the key family attractions including Warwick Castle, Kenilworth Castle, Hatton Country World and the Shakespeare Houses in Stratford-upon-Avon.

Shakespeare’s Stratford-upon-Avon is celebrating the Games by throwing an Olympics party all day on Friday 27 July on the Bancroft Gardens which is free to attend. Visitors can bring along a picnic and watch live coverage of the Games on the big screen plus see the spectacular Opening Ceremony.

The Shakespeare Houses are looking for a William Shakespeare to help welcome the Olympic torch to Stratford. Open auditions will be held on Saturday 23 June outside the Birthplace. The lucky winner will have the chance to be the world's most famous playwright for the day and will play a lead role in the celebrations of the Olympic torch coming to Stratford next month. The 'S' Factor judging panel will be looking for three 'S' talents - the Shakespeare 'pose' or 'look', a reading of a Shakespeare quote and why the entrant wants to be Shakespeare. Auditions are open to those over the age of 11 years.

Warwick Castle will provide the inspiring setting when the Olympic Torch Relay brings the Olympic Torch to Warwick on Sunday 1 July. Knights, Jesters and Princesses are busy preparing for the Torch Relay as well as decorating the Castle with 9,000 metres of bunting. Visitors can soak up the atmosphere as the famous flame travels from Birmingham to Coventry, where the torch was created. The Towers, Ramparts, Courtyard and The Mound will provide breath taking viewpoints for the occasion, due for 3.45pm.

Visitors can take part in their very own Olympic Games at Hatton Farm Village near Warwick which will feature the Hatton Olympics every day, from 21 July - 22 September. Guests will be greeted by a Games host, dressed in traditional Olympic clothes, who will oversee and run the sports events. The maize maze will also be Olympic-themed and will be decorated with flags from 25 countries. Visitors will be challenged to find animals with specific links to those countries such as a kangaroo for Australia and a kiwi for New Zealand!

The Heritage Motor Centre is hosting an exciting new exhibition “Motoring Record Breakers” until 2 September. The exhibition presents some of the fastest British cars with the more wacky record breakers such as the cheapest and the smallest. Free family craft days will take place every Thursday from 11am - 3pm from the 21 July - 2 September. Families can make their own medal, stand on the winner’s podium and get into the spirit of things!

The Falstaff Experience Tudor World in Stratford-upon-Avon is presenting the ‘Tudor Olympics’ from 21 July - 2 September. The Tudors played many sports and Henry VIII was a big fan especially of archery, jousting and tennis. Imaginative interactive versions of these events and others will form part of the entertainment on selected days for visitors. Over the August Bank Holiday weekend (24 - 27) guests will be able to take part in the Tudor Olympic Torch procession, free of charge and are invited to attend in their athletic kits or in Tudor costume. Visitors will also be able to follow the Tudor Olympic Trail through the museum and receive a prize for completing it successfully.

Seek the Magic in Stratford-upon-Avon is inviting visitors of all ages to experience The Wizarding Olympics from 21 July – 2 September. Seek the Magic will present the greatest show on earth with five separate documentaries and infomercials on the key sports within the modern Wizarding Olympics including The Broomstick Triathalon, Lumos & Incendio, Perillous Potions, Incantato Duellum and Substitutiary Locomotion. Visitors can experience a magical and spooky romp from wizarding history for anyone aged from 6 – 96!

The One Elm in Stratford-upon-Avon will be hosting an around the world Beer & BBQ party with the Opening Ceremony live on the big screen in the Courtyard plus visitors can watch the Olympics live each day.

The Arencote Manor Hotel is offering a number of special Olympic themed family breaks from 20 July - 2 September. During their stay guests can receive the following for free: 2 one hour sessions in the 'Mini Olympic Challenge', access to the 'Olympic Lounge' where the Games will be screened, use of the Leisure Club facilities and access to the Family 'Olympic Games Zone'. The Leisure Club will also be running a daily Olympic challenge between 10am & 11am for children. Also available is a Games Zone offering Hoopla, Paper Plane Design, Fold & Fly, Giant Connect Four, Lawn Croquet and Giant Jenga.

For accommodation, special offers and more information visit the official website:www.shakespeare-country.co.uk or call Shakespeare Country on 0871 978 0800.

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