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Following in Shakespeare's footsteps: from London to the Cotswolds

Following in Shakespeare's footsteps: from London to the Cotswolds

Duration 8 days
Inspiration History & heritage
From €1,700 per person

Why choose a Shakespeare tour in England?

A Shakespeare tour in England allows you to discover an essential part of British cultural heritage while traveling through several of the most beautiful regions of the country.

The journey begins in London, where Shakespeare developed much of his theatrical career. Today, the Southwark district and Shakespeare's Globe allow visitors to rediscover the world of Elizabethan theatre.

Next, the program travels to Windsor. Its castle adds a regal touch to the journey before continuing on to Oxford and its famous university buildings. Windsor Castle remains an active royal residence and one of the city's major landmarks.

Then comes Stratford-upon-Avon, The true heart of this circuit. It is here that William Shakespeare was born, and several places associated with his family are now preserved by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust. Shakespeare's Birthplace, New Place, and Anne Hathaway's Cottage allow visitors to explore different periods of his life.

However, this Shakespeare tour in England It shouldn't become just a series of museum visits. That's why a proper stop in the Cotswolds provides an interesting balance to the trip.

The stone villages, hills, and rural landscapes offer a welcome respite after Stratford. They allow you to discover a more peaceful England, far from the big cities and major cultural sites.

Finally, Bath provides a perfect ending to the itinerary. Its Roman baths and Georgian architecture offer a glimpse into another period of English history before returning to London.

This gives you a stay that talks about Shakespeare, but also more broadly about English history, literature, and cultural identity.

You can also find all our tailor-made holidays in England to discover other routes across the country.

To learn more about Shakespeare and the places connected to his life, you can also find the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust.

To prepare for your trip to the Cotswolds, you can also consult the official website Cotswolds Tourism.

Following in Shakespeare's footsteps: from London to the Cotswolds: the journey itinerary

Shakespeare Tour England: Itinerary Embark on an 8-day Shakespeare tour of England, visiting London, Windsor, Oxford, Stratford-upon-Avon, the Cotswolds, and Bath. Discover the places associated with England's most famous playwright while exploring royal castles, historic universities, stone villages, and Georgian heritage sites.
Day 1

Arrival in London

Upon arrival, head to central London.

Begin your stay with a walk around Westminster, Trafalgar Square and Covent Garden.

To get straight into the travel theme, also head to the banks of the Thames and the Southwark district.

Discover the exterior of Shakespeare's Globe and the atmosphere of this area associated with the history of London theatre.

Overnight in London.

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Day 1
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Day 2

London, Shakespeare and Elizabethan theatre

Dedicate this day to London and the world of Shakespeare.

Discover Shakespeare's Globe and immerse yourself in the history of Elizabethan theatre.

Continue your walk in Southwark then cross the Thames towards St Paul's Cathedral and the City.

In the afternoon, enjoy a museum visit or explore London's historic districts.

Depending on the schedule, end your day with a theatrical performance.

Overnight in London.

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Day 2
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Day 3

London → Windsor → Oxford

Leave London and head towards Windsor.

Discover Windsor Castle, an immense royal residence founded in the 11th century. The visit notably includes the State Apartments and St George's Chapel.

Then take some time to stroll around Windsor or cross the Thames to Eton.

In the afternoon, continue towards Oxford.

Discover the first university buildings and enjoy the atmosphere of the historic center at the end of the day.

Night in Oxford.

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Day 3
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Day 4

Oxford → Stratford-upon-Avon

Spend your morning in Oxford.

Explore Radcliffe Square, the Bodleian Library, and the old colleges.

Then head towards Stratford-upon-Avon, birthplace of William Shakespeare.

Start on Henley Street and discover Shakespeare's Birthplace, the house in which his family lived when he was born.

Then take a stroll along the Avon and discover the historic center.

In the evening, you could perhaps attend a play at the theatre.

Night in Stratford-upon-Avon.

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Day 4
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Day 5

Stratford-upon-Avon and the world of Shakespeare

Dedicate your day to the life of the playwright.

Explore Shakespeare's Birthplace in more detail, then Shakespeare's New Place.

Continue towards Anne Hathaway's Cottage, former family home of Shakespeare's wife. It is accessible from the centre and can even be reached by a walk of about 30 to 35 minutes.

Next, find the center of Stratford.

Visit Holy Trinity Church, associated with Shakespeare's later years.

In the evening, a performance is the best way to conclude this day.

Night in Stratford-upon-Avon.

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Day 5
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Day 6

Stratford-upon-Avon → Cotswolds

Leave Stratford and enter the The Cotswolds.

Start with Chipping Campden or Broadway.

The honey-colored stone houses, small shops and rolling landscapes make up an England that is very different from the big cities.

Then explore Stow-on-the-Wold or Bourton-on-the-Water at your own pace.

I would prefer Broadway + Stow-on-the-Wold, so as not to turn the day into a race to the villages. Broadway is particularly renowned for its wide High Street lined with stone buildings and its typical Cotswolds setting.

Night in the Cotswolds.

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Day 6
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Day 7

Cotswolds → Bath → London

Leave the Cotswolds in the direction of Bath.

Discover the famous Roman Baths, then Bath Abbey.

Then take a walk around Pulteney Bridge, The Circus and Royal Crescent.

The city combines Roman remains and Georgian architecture, with a center that is particularly pleasant to explore on foot.

In the late afternoon, head back towards London.

Overnight in London.

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Day 7
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Day 8

London and departure

Enjoy a few last hours in the capital.

Depending on your preferences, head to Kensington, Covent Garden or the British Museum.

Then, off to the airport.

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Day 8
Included
  • 7 nights’ accommodation in carefully selected establishments
  • Breakfast is included depending on the accommodation.
  • Car rental according to the chosen package
  • Personalized travel journal
  • Detailed itinerary
  • Interactive map
  • Selection of restaurants and pubs
  • Recommendations about Shakespeare
  • Brightside Travel Assistance
Not included
  • The flights
  • Fuel
  • Parking and traffic fees
  • Meals
  • Site entrances
  • Theatrical performances
  • Optional activities
  • Personal expenses
  • Insurance
Following in Shakespeare's footsteps: from London to the Cotswolds
From €1,700 per person
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