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Shakespeares Way Walking Holiday
in England
Stratford-upon-Avon to London via Oxford
15 nights and 14 days walking
Day by Day Itinerary
On this 58 mile walking holiday from Stratford-upon-Avon to Oxford you walk through The Cotswolds, and Oxford.
This is one of our Cotswolds and Severn Valley Walking Holidays, one of our River Walking Holidays, and also one of our Southern England Walking Holidays.
Shakespeares Way Walking Holiday
in England
from Stratford-upon-Avon to London
via The Cotswolds, Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, Oxford, The Chilterns, the River Thames, Kew Gardens, Westminster, and the heart of London
Enjoy a self-guided Shakespeares Way walking holiday on the 146 mile Shakespeare’s Way from Stratford-upon-Avon to William Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, Bankside, London. You pass through some of Southern England’s greatest attractions: The Cotswolds, Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, Oxford, The Chilterns, the River Thames, Kew Gardens, Westminster, and the heart of London. This is the route the poet may have taken on his journeys.
The Shakespeares Way walking holiday route starts at Stratford-upon-Avon, William Shakespeare’s birthplace, home to Anne Hathaway’s cottage and the world-famous Royal Shakespeare Theatre.
You walk through the Cotswolds, to Blenheim Palace and Woodstock, joining the Thames near Oxford. Then you walk through the Chilterns to Marlow, Cookham and Iver.
On approaching London you pass the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew and Chiswick before going through the heart of London at Westminster. You finish your Shakespeares Way walking holiday at the Globe Theatre on the Thames in London.
The Shakespeares Way walking holiday connects with:
- Oxford Canal Towpath at Oxford
- Cotswold Way at Stratford upon Avon
- The Ridgeway at Watlington
- Thames Path at Oxford, Marlow and Kew
- Grand Union Canal Towpath at West Drayton
Our self-guided walking holidays are designed with your comfort and enjoyment in mind and can be tailor-made to your own personal requirements.
The routes are clearly way-marked to provide reassurance on your hiking vacation.
We use a selection of guest houses, inns or small hotels with en-suite or private bathroom to ensure you are well rested each night after a busy day hiking and sightseeing. Rest assured that all our accommodation walking holiday providers are hand-picked and offer you that famous British hospitality.
Special diets can be catered for, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free.
We organize the luggage transfer so your bags are at your next accommodation when you arrive. We try to get your bags delivered by 4pm, but this may be delayed due to road conditions.
Let’s Go Walking has developed one of the largest selection of walking holidays.
Our offices are staffed 9am to 9pm during our walking season (March to September) to ensure your walking holiday runs without a hitch.
All our walking holidays are self-guided and you must be a confident map reader and able to navigate from a compass bearing. The weather in the UK and Ireland can change quickly effecting visibility and underfoot conditions. It is important to carry a selection of clothing with you on your hike each day to cope with changing weather conditions. If you are not confident of completing any days walk, do not set out.
This walking holiday in the UK operates March to September and in either direction.
The daily distances are only a suggestion. If you would like to walk longer or shorter distances, we can arrange that too.
Our stated distances include mileage to the accommodation or pickup point and so may not agree with the guide book mileages.
Rest days can be taken in any location.
Why not combine this walk with a hiking tour in another part of the UK or Ireland. Our staff will be happy to advise on necessary transfers.
Online booking available.
A deposit of £85 per person is required to secure the booking, with the balance due 6 weeks before departure.
Optional extra days and accommodation upgrades can be added during the booking process online.
Please wait for the confirmation of your holiday before making final travel plans just in case your holiday is not available for your requested date.
Shakespeares Way Walking Holiday
Stratford upon Avon to London
Suggested Tour Duration:
15 nights, 14 days walking
Total Distance:
146 miles/234 kms
Min/max daily distance:
7/16 miles
Average Daily distance:
11 miles
Grading:
Easy/Moderate
Features:
Shakespeare’s Birthplace, Stratford upon Avon
Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford upon Avon
Boat Trips on The River Avon, Stratford upon Avon
Cotswold Villages and Pubs,
Blenheim Palace and Woodstock
The River Thames
Oxford
The Oxford Canal
Marlow
Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew
Boat Trips on the River Thames
Lambeth Palace, London
The Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, London
Westminster Abbey, London
The London Eye,
Royal Festival Hall, London
St Paul’s Cathedral, London
The Globe Theatre, London
This route connects with:
Oxford Canal Towpath
Cotswold Way
The Ridgeway
Thames Path
Grand Union Canal Towpath
Shakespeares Way Walking Holiday
in England
from Stratford-upon-Avon to London
via Oxford
15 nights and 14 days walking
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Stratford-upon-Avon
You start your walking holiday on the Shakespeare’s Way by arriving at Stratford-upon-Avon. At Stratford upon Avon the Shakespeares Way connects with the Cotswold Way.
Optional Day in Stratford-upon-Avon:
Relax and enjoy this historic town of Stratford-upon-Avon. Perhaps visit Shakespeare’s birthplace, Royal Shakespeare Theatre or take a Boat Trip on The River Avon. Stratford upon Avon has much to see and do.
Day 2: Stratford-upon-Avon to Newbold-on-Stour 9 miles
You commence on the Shakespeare’s Way by walking along the River Avon, but then make your way to the River Stour where you walk through the Stour villages of Clifford Chambers, Atherstone-on-Stour, Preston-on-Stour, Alderminster, and finally Newbold-on-Stour where you spend the night.
Day 3: Newbold-on-Stour to Shipston-on-Stour 8 miles
Your walk in the Stour valley today takes you through Halford and Honington, which is one of the most beautiful villages in the Cotswolds. Look out for the 16th century half-timbered Magpie House. Then just a short stroll to Shipston-on-Stour.
Day 4: Shipston-on-Stour to Long Compton 7 miles
Leaving Shipston-on-Stour you continue walking along by the River Stour until the hamlet of Willington where you leave the river bank and cut across to Cherington and leave the River Stour behind. Now it is just a short stroll to Long Compton for the night.
Day 5: Long Compton to Enstone 12 miles
A short detour from the Shakespeare’s Way today will take you to the Rollright Stones, an ancient site consisting of The Kings Men stone circle, The King Stone and the Whispering Knights dolmen. Back on the route you continue through the hamlet of Little Rollright, the village of Salford, the town of Chipping Norton, and on to the village of Enstone for the overnight stop.
Day 6: Enstone to Woodstock 11 miles
Leaving Enstone you walk through the grounds of Ditchley Park and Blenheim Palace before arriving at Woodstock. There is so much to see at Blenheim Palace that you might consider taking an extra day to really enjoy the beautiful house and gardens.
Optional Day in Woodstock:
Relax and enjoy this historic town of Woodstock. Perhaps visit Blenheim Palace with its stunning gardens. Blenheim Palace is the birthplace and ancestral home of Sir Winston Churchill.
Day 7: Woodstock to Oxford 11 miles
The first village you walk through today is Bladon. In the churchyard there is the simple tombstone of Sir Winston and Lady Clementine Churchill. Shakespeare’s Way then continues through Begbroke and Yarnton before reaching the River Thames. The route joins with the Thames Path for the last few miles into Oxford. At Oxford Shakespeares Way also connects with the Oxford Canal Towpath.
Optional Day in Oxford:
Relax and enjoy this historic city of Oxford. One of the worlds greatest seats of learning. Perhaps take a boat on The River Thames.
Day 8: Oxford to Chislehampton 10 miles
Heading south from Oxford Shakespeare’s Way shares the tow path with the Thames Path along the River Thames to Sandford-on-Thames. Then the route heads away from the river through the hamlets of Toot Baldon and Marsh Baldon before arriving at Chislehampton for the night.
Day 9: Chislehampton to Watlington 8 miles
Another easy day of walking through “Midsummer Murders” country: Stadhampton, Chalgrove, Brightwell Baldwin and Britwell Salome. At short walk takes you to Watlington, the location for the overnight stop. At Watlington, Shakespeares Way connects with The Ridgeway.
Day 10: Watlington to Hambleden 14 miles
Today you are walking across the Chilterns, an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. You pass through the villages of Cookley Green, Russell’s Water, Maidengrove, Stonor, and Southend. Stone Park and Gardens are right on the route. You stay at the pretty village of Hambleden for the night.
Day 11: Hambleden to Cookham 10 miles
The Shakespeare’s Way returns to the Thames Valley today. From Marlow, a very attractive town on the River Thames, you share the route with the Thames Path to Cookham.
Day 12: Cookham to Fulmer 10 miles
Leaving the River Thames again today you walk across Buckinghamshire countryside through Burnham Beeches Nature Reserve and across Farnham Common to Fulmer..
Day 13: Fulmer to West Drayton 9 miles
On the Shakespeare’s Way today you walk through Black Park Country Park and Langley Country Park to the village of Love Green. Then you join the Grand Union Canal which takes you to your overnight stop at West Drayton.
Day 14: West Drayton to Kew 11 miles
Easy walking today on the Grand Union Canal to Brentford where the canal joins the River Thames and the Thames Path. Here on the banks of the Thames is Syon Park, definitely worth a visit. A few miles on are the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew, another must! In fact so much to see here, why not take an extra day?
Optional Day in Kew:
Relax and perhaps visit the world famous Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew or take a boat trip on The River Thames.
Day 15: Kew to The Globe, London 16 miles
(this day can be split into two days walking of approximatly 8 miles each.)
Another easy day walking along the River Thames. The London Wetlands Centre at Barnes is a good place to stop for lunch and do some bird watching. On the last stretch into London you will see Lambeth Palace, the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, the London Eye, Royal Festival Hall, St Paul’s Cathedral and then The Globe Theatre.
Optional Day/s in London:
Relax and perhaps visit some of London’s many attractions Lambeth Palace, the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, the London Eye, Royal Festival Hall, St Paul’s Cathedral and The Globe Theatre to name a few
Day 16: Depart after breakfast
Depart after Breakfast or extend your holiday walking and spend some time exploring London.
Shakespeares Way Walking Holiday
from Stratford Upon Avon to London via Oxford
16 day itinerary
14 days walking and 15 nights
Suggested Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive at Stratford upon Avon
Optional Day/s 1: extra day in Stratford upon Avon
Day 2: Stratford upon Avon to Newbold on Stour 9 miles
Day 3: Newbold on Stour to Shipston on Stour 8 miles
Day 4: Shipston on Stour to Long Compton 7 miles
Day 5: Long Compton to Enstone 12 miles
Day 6: Enstone to Woodstock 11 miles
Optional Day 2: extra day in Woodstock to visit Blenheim
Day 7: Woodstock to Oxford 11 miles
Optional Day 3: extra day in Oxford
Day 8: Oxford to Chiselhampton 10 miles
Day 9: Chiselhampton to Watlington 8 miles
Day 10: Watlington to Hambleden 14 miles
Day 11: Hambleden to Cookham 10 miles
Day 12: Cookham to Fulmer 10 miles
Day 13: Fulmer to West Drayton 9 miles
Day 14: West Drayton to Kew 11 miles
Optional Day 4: extra day in Kew to visit Royal Botanic Gardens Kew
Day 15: Kew to The Globe, London 16 miles
Optional Day/s 5: extra day in London
Day 16: Depart after breakfast
16 day itinerary 15 nights
| Double or Twin Occupancy | Single Occupancy travelling with others | Solo Traveller |
|
| 2023 | £1,935 | £2,670 | £2,970 |
All prices subject to change
Extra nights from £45 per person depending on location
Optional Accommodation Upgrades for
Shakespeares Way Walking Holiday 16 days
Stratford-upon -Avon via Oxford to London
Can be added when booking online
Subject to availability Supplement per person per night
Stratford upon Avon
double/twin
Single
Hotel Indigo
£89.00
please ask
Mercure Shakespeare
£89.00
please ask
Long Compton
Red Lion
double/twin
£29.00
Single
please ask
Woodstock
double/twin
Single
Marborough Arms Hotel
£69.00
please ask
Punch Bowl Inn
£49.00
please ask
Oxford
double/twin
Single
Head of the River
£89.00
please ask
Randolph Hotel
£225.00
please ask
Royal Oxford Hotel
£99.00
please ask
Malmasion Oxford Castle
£129.00
please ask
Kew
Coach and Horses
double/twin
£61.00
Single
please ask
The Nocturne Live Festival takes place at Blenheim in Woodstock on 18th to 22nd June 2025.
This event affects the availability of accommodation in the area of Woodstock and our ability to deliver your luggage.
Therefore when booking your walking holiday on the Shakespeares Way we suggest you avoid these dates.
What’s included
in your Shakespeares Way Walking Holiday in England
- accommodation at high quality guest houses, inns or small hotels on a bed and breakfast basis
- room with en-suite or private bathroom, tea and coffee making facilities
- daily luggage transfer
- support should there be any problems on route
- detailed itineraries
- OS 1:25,000 map
- guide book to Shakespeare’s Way
Optional Extras
for your Shakespeares Way Walking Holiday in England
- upgrade to the region’s most elegant, prestigious and famous hotels, where available
- transfers back to car or station
- parking facilities
- rest days
- inn to inn walks
What’s not included
in your Shakespeares Way Walking Holiday in England
- lunches and dinners
- travel insurance
- entrance to local attractions
- entrance to Blenheim Palace
- entrance to Kew Gardens
Lunches and Dinners
These are not included.
Evening meals
These are available at overnight locations, either at your accommodation or in the town/village.
Packed lunches
These can be provided by your accommodation or can be obtained from a local store, or cafe or inn along the route.
Holiday Travel Insurance
We require that you take out holiday insurance as Let’s Go Biking Ltd accepts no liability for the following:
cancellation, personal accident, illness, loss/theft of personal possessions and/or money, and any unforeseen circumstances, especially travel delays.
This is in addition to our existing
booking conditions.
Please contact us if you have any questions.
Our telephone Lines are open 7 days a week.
UK +44 (0)1837 880075
or +44 (0)207 193 1252
March to September 9am to 9pm
October to February 9am to 5pm
US +1 (646) 233-1541
New York 5 hours behind UK time:
March to September 4am to 4pm EST
October to February 4am to 12noon EST
AUS +61 (02) 8006 0182
Sydney 10 hours ahead of UK time:
March to September 7pm to 7am EADT
October to February 7pm to 3am EADT
CAN +1 (647) 4786251
Toronto 5 hours behind UK time:
March to September 4am to 4pm EST
October to February 4am to 12noon EST
or
Shakespeares Way Walking Holiday:
How to get there:
- By Plane to Bristol, Birmingham or London where we can arrange transfer to Stratford-upon-Avon or Oxford
- By Car to Stratford-upon-Avon or Oxford where parking is available
- By Train/Bus to Stratford-upon-Avon or Oxford
On this 58 mile walking holiday from Stratford-upon-Avon to Oxford you walk through The Cotswolds, and Oxford.
This is one of our Cotswolds and Severn Valley Walking Holidays, one of our River Walking Holidays, and also one of our Southern England Walking Holidays.
We have river walking holidays in the UK in England, Scotland and Wales.
This is one of our categories of walking holidays.
- Annandale Way in Scotland
- Avon Valley Path in Wiltshire and Hampshire
- Dart Valley Trail in Devon
- Exe Valley Way in Devon
- Nidderdale Way in Yorkshire
- Severn Way in Wales and England
- Shakespeares Way from Stratford upon Avon to London
- Speyside Way in Scotland
- Stour Valley Way in Dorset
- Teesdale Way in Northern England
- Test Way in Hampshire
- Thames Path from the Cotswolds to London
- Wye Valley Walk in Wales
