London to Stratford, Oxford and The Cotswolds

Stratford-Upon-Avon

With a small and personal group, visit three of England’s most famous locations in a single day. First, head to Stratford-upon-Avon, birthplace of William Shakespeare and now home to one of the country’s most famous theatres. Explore the highlights of this quaint medieval town – including the birthplace of The Bard himself – led by one of our expert Oxford-educated guides. Covering comedies, tragedies, and histories, the Shakespeare’s monumental collection has come to define the pinnacle of human creativity With this dramatic visit to the most influential aspects of Shakespeare, from his birthplace to his grave, even those with the most basic interest in this genius will leave energised and enthralled. We will cover all the other most crucial landmarks, from Anne Hathaway’s Cottage to its modern day wonder, the Swan Theatre.

You’ll then head into the heart of the English countryside, to the unblemished rolling green hills of the famous Cotswolds. Piercing the morning fog, our small vehicles are able to visit the hard-to-find locations others simply are not. Be transported back to a simpler time, of quaint villages, thatched cottages and medieval churches. Your guide will expertly uncover the history and beauty of this area that has attracted global attention. The day will cover many of the region’s most impressive features, including walks through a selection of the celebrated towns and villages, before heading off the beaten path to explore the lesser-known haunts. 

Stow on the Wold

This typical Cotswolds town, founded by enterprising Norman traders in the 11th century, sits at the junction of two major roads through the Cotswolds, including the old Roman road, Fosse Way. Brimming with gorgeous yellow-stone cottages and elegant independent shops, separated by ancient alleyways, this wealthy merchant town has survived centuries of warring and even hosted a handful of Civil War skirmishes! In more modern times, Stow-on-the-Wold represented the ‘typical English village’ on Top Gear, but still hosts the annual Stow Fair – one of the country’s largest exhibitions of exotic horses, held annually since 1330!

Bourton-on-the-Water

With its idyllic waters and low bridges, Burton on the Water represents a meeting of Cotswolds landscape, and the meandering waters which once chiseled a route through these valleys. Often voted one of the prettiest villages in England, it is easy to see why. When you think of the Cotswolds, this is probably what you are thinking of, and we give you a wonderful walking tour of this area, along with allowing plenty of time for lunch.

Oxford

After lunch, the group will depart for Oxford, the world’s top-ranked University and one of the most interesting historical city centres that you could hope to see. Wander the same historic streets as some of history’s finest authors, philosophers, scientists, and politicians. Your Oxford-educated guide will show you a host of the city’s highlights over the course of a walking tour, detailing the city and institution in a way that only Oxford alumni could. Explore the most iconic parts of Oxford to see what life is really like at the illustrious university.