Bus Pass Bandit: Part Seventy Three - STRATFORD UPON AVON & WELFORD ON AVON

The Bus Pass Bandit is keeping himself busy in the lead-up to Christmas by staging a December dalliance over Stratford-upon-Avon way. Where has he inspected for your delectation on this crisp but chilly occasion?

Indeed, the Bandit is back in Stratford for an early start at the Pen & Parchment at Bridge Foot.

An opening half of North Cotswold Winter Solstice before following Shakespeare's Avon Way towards Bidford on Avon.

A view of the Royal Shakespeare Theatre from the Tramway Bridge.

Stannels Bridge once carried the railway line from Stratford to Cheltenham, and is now part of the Stratford Greenway.

All Saints' Church at Weston on Avon.

The Bandit arrives at Welford on Avon and heads first for The Shakespeare Inn.

And a festive half of Brains Santa's Ale.

Next is The Bell Inn, an attractive 17th century Inn.

For some refreshing Purity Gold.

The Four Alls is situated by Binton Bridge.

And has Fuller's London Pride.

St Peter's Church at Welford on Avon.

Continuing along Shakespeare's Avon Way, the grand finale is a stop at The Cottage of Content at Barton.

And a Wye Valley HPA to finish.

Bus Pass Bandit: Part Seventy Two - STRATFORD UPON AVON

For the first of his December 2025 excursions, the Bus Pass Bandit takes a winter excursion to Stratford upon Avon...

The first stop is The Garrick Inn  on the High Street.

And the first beer, suitably enough, is Shakespeare Bitter.

Holy Trinity Church where Shakespeare is buried.

Nearby in the side streets is The Bull.

A visit is rewarded by a half of Saxby's Mulled Cider.

The next stop is The Windmill Inn on Church Street.

And some Timothy Taylor's Landlord.

The Old Thatch Tavern is on Greenhill Street.

And provides suitably festive surroundings to enjoy some Dark Star Hophead.

Leaving Stratford, the final stop is The Crown at Tiddington.

And a Wye Valley HPA to finish.

Bus Pass Bandit: Part Seventy One - LEAMINGTON (continued)

Hear ye, hear ye! On a cold and sunny November morning the Bandit takes a bus ride out to Leamington...

The first stop is The Royal Pug on Regent Street.

Colossus is a strong beer from Green Duck Brewery which goes down very well.

Then onwards to Cubbington and a stop at the Rugby Tavern.

A half of Old Golden Hen in here.

Back on the Parade in Leamington is the Salino Lounge.

An excellent place to enjoy some Henry Westons Vintage cider. Just look at that tasselled lampshade (although the Bandit might feel the Book Swap reminds him of work too much).

The final Pug of the day is The Fat Pug on Guy's Cliffe Road.

And a Purity Bunny Hop to finish.

Bus Pass Bandit: Part Seventy - BRECON

In another of his occasional departures from the usual highwayman patch, the Bus Pass Bandit embarks upon a Welsh odyssey covering the market town of Brecon...

His autumn break in mid Wales begins with a sighting of the bridge over the River Usk.

The Brecon Canal Basin is the start of the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal.

The George Hotel in Brecon is a Wetherspoon pub.

This is an American Amber Ale from the Conway Brewery.

Nearby is the excellent Brecon Tap.

Time for some Monty's Mischief from another Welsh brewery. Let it not be said that the Bandit isn't partial to the odd spot of mischief!

The Cathedral Church of St John the Evangelist.

The magnificent Brecon Beacons in the surrounding area.

Bus Pass Bandit: Part Sixty Nine - STUDLEY & ULLENHALL

Just when the highways and byways of Warwickshire start to feel safe again, the Bus Pass Bandit is at large yet once more, plundering more pubs for your delectation...

Today the Bandit takes a bus from Stratford to Studley, alighting at the Little Lark.

This is an active community pub with a nice half of Adnams Ghost Ship.

The Studley Tap House nearby has an excellent choice of beers and a friendly atmosphere.

This is Salopian Black Forest cherry chocolate stout.

Other pubs in the centre of Studley include The Bell.

A half of Guinness in here.

And nearby the Barley Mow, a Stonehouse pub.

Time for another Guinness!

The Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Studley.

The Bandit then follows the Arden Way to the village of Ullenhall for a stop at The Winged Spur.

A relaxing half of Purity Gold before continuing to Henley in Arden.

The Church of St Mary the Virgin in Ullenhall.

Bus Pass Bandit: Part Sixty Eight - BADDESLEY CLINTON

The Bus Pass Bandit revs up for his autumnal adventures by visiting a historic Warwickshire moated manor...

On a sunny September morning, the Bandit makes his way from Lapworth Station to the Orange Tree at Chadwick End.

A half of Guinness makes a good start.

Nearby is St Michael's Church at Baddesley Clinton.

The National Trust property at Baddesley Clinton is an impressive medieval manor house, complete with moat.

The Chapel inside the house.

Then onwards to the Punchbowl at Lapworth.

And a Blue Moon Belgian White beer to finish.