Shakespeare's Roses Stratford Weekend

Image from John Gerard's Herball or Generall Historie of Plantes (London, 1597). © Shakespeare Birthplace Trust.

Join us and other alumni to celebrate CSR Research

The CSR invites our alumni to celebrate with us on the weekend of the 21st and 22nd June with a collection of events including a private show of the 'Shakespeare's Roses' exhibition and a drinks party on Saturday 21st. We have also arranged some more events that weekend so that you can make the most of your time in Stratford. Do come and join us, to make new friends and catch up with old ones.

Please fill in the form at the bottom of this page to book your place. Deadline for registration Friday 6th June.

This is the RSVP form for alumni, current students, staff and guests.

Shakespeare’s Roses: ‘Sweetest Odours’ is an interactive exhibition at New Place in Stratford upon Avon, one of the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust houses, running from June to August 2025. The exhibition has been curated by the SBT and the CSR's very own Director and Director of Studies, Professor Teresa Grant and Dr Aysu Dincer, to demonstrate how early modern roses were transformed into fragrance and cures. An interactive olfactory device, developed by Professor James Covington from Warwick’s School of Engineering, will deliver the scents of our partner Floris London's four rose perfumes.

Timetable:

Saturday 21st June 2025

3 pm Public Lecture 'Leonardo and Perfume' by Professor Pascal Brioist (University of Tours, Centre d'Etudes Supérieures de la Renaissance). Free.

5.30-7.30 Drinks Party Private show of Shakespeare’s Roses: ‘Sweetest Odours' exhibition at New Place. Free.

7.45-late Supper Join us for supper at a local Stratford eatery to discuss roses, perfume, Shakespeare and Leonardo (amongst other things). This is a self-pay event.

Sunday 22nd June 2025

12 pm Vineyard Tour and Wine Tasting Our partners Welcombe Hills Vineyard (on land once farmed by the Shakespeare family) invite you to join us for a tasting tour of their vineyard. This is a self-pay event and lunch is available after the tour. Please note you must also pre-book with the vineyard. There are only 20 spots available for this CSR exclusive event, so please book soon to ensure your place.

Other recommended things to do in Stratford

We have been able to negotiate discounted entry to the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust sites, so please do visit them if you have time.

'Leonardo and Perfume' will take place in the Parish Rooms of Holy Trinity Church but don't miss visiting the church itself, where Shakespeare was christened, married and buried. The main service on Sundays is Parish Eucharist at 10 am.

Staying in Stratford

There are lots of hotels in Stratford but it gets very busy on Saturday nights so you will need to book as early as you can. Welcombe Hills have negotiated us a discount at Hotel Arden which has limited availability but can offer these rates, Sgl occ - £187.00 BB and Dbl occ - £274.00 BB. Quote 'Shakespeare's Roses' when you book.

There are other, less swanky, options including two Premier Inns both within a mile of New Place. There is currently availability at both but they also tend to get booked up fast.

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