Cotswolds and Shakespeare

Combining the beauty of Shakespeare’s Stratford-upon-Avon with a drive through some of the most breath-taking scenery of the North Cotswolds, our tour heads west from Oxford.

We start with a visit to Burford, the ‘gateway to the Cotswolds’ with its sloping main street and quirky shops and cafes.  We then drive through some of the old quarrying villages of the North Cotswolds to Bourton-on-the-Water, the ‘Venice of the Cotswolds’.  Have a wander along the pretty riverside with its quaint stone bridges and enjoy visiting some of the shops and cafes.  We head next to the beautiful old market town of Chipping Campden, one of the key centres of the ‘Arts and Crafts Movement’ of 19th century. You can visit the old Market Hall and have lunch in a charming pub or cafe.  After lunch a scenic route takes you through sleepy villages and over hills with stunning views, to Stratford-upon-Avon.   

Our guided panoramic tour of Shakespeare’s home town includes delightful timber-framed houses, the famous Shakespeare theatres, the picturesque River Avon and Shakespeare’s Birthplace. You have time to visit Shakespeare’s Birthplace if you wish and time to shop. After lunch, we head back into the Cotswolds, via Shottery, where you will see Anne Hathaway’s Cottage with its beautiful gardens and romantic “half-moon seat”.

We return to Oxford via the market town of Shipston and the quaint village of Great Tew with its 17^th century estate and pretty pub.  We also pass through the lovely town of Woodstock, the location of Blenheim Palace, (home of the Duke of Marlborough and birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill).

Wednesdays at 09:30 from April to October