What we’re all about · Shakespeare Coaches
Great journeys.
Even better people.
Small-group tours of England, with a family welcome and people who care about your day. From our Stratford-upon-Avon beginnings to adventures from London, the joy is in sharing the places we love.
A wonderful day is the whole point
Family-run England tours.
Personal from the very first hello.
We love meeting people from all over the world. We also happen to live in an extraordinary part of it. Bringing those two things together is why Shakespeare Coaches exists.
It might be your first glimpse of a Cotswold village, a story that brings Stratford to life, or a conversation with someone you met that morning. Those are the moments we want you to take home. The route, the vehicle and the guide all matter because they help make those moments happen.
Humble beginnings. The same heart.
From Stratford-upon-Avon to day tours from London
We began in Stratford-upon-Avon, sharing the town and the surrounding countryside with visitors. Our early tours were built on local knowledge, a warm welcome and a simple ambition: make every guest’s day a good one.
Guests loved the experience, and their appreciation encouraged us to grow. We brought that same approach to tours departing from London, opening up more of England to people visiting the capital.
Today, our journeys reach from the Cotswolds and Shakespeare’s Stratford to Oxford, Bath, Stonehenge and the Kent coast. You can also join selected Cotswolds tours from Stratford-upon-Avon and Moreton-in-Marsh.
Rooted in Stratford-upon-AvonOur local beginnings still shape the way we welcome guests.
Growing from London and the MidlandsMore departure points. More places to discover. The same personal care.
Looking aheadWe choose new journeys for the experiences we can share, with people who know the places well.
The principles behind every journey
Local knowledge. Real care.
Room to enjoy the day.
Our business has grown, but our purpose is still personal: help you see more, understand more and enjoy the time you spend with us.
Your day matters
You may only visit once. We take that seriously, from a friendly welcome to useful advice and thoughtful stops along the way.
Knowledge with a local connection
Our routes are built around places we know. Many of our driver-guides have lived, worked or spent extensive time in the areas they introduce to you.
People, not passenger numbers
Small groups make space for questions, conversation and individual attention. We want you to feel welcome, whether you arrive with friends or travel on your own.
Comfort is part of the experience
Our modern luxury minibuses and well-maintained vehicles make the journey part of the pleasure, with professional drivers who care about how you travel.
Plenty to see. Time to appreciate it.
We balance memorable stops with time to explore, take photographs and enjoy your surroundings. A rewarding day needs more than a long list of destinations.
A welcome for everyone
Our team brings together people from different backgrounds, united by one goal: give every guest a warm welcome and a day they are glad they chose.
We put our energy into the quality of that experience: comfortable vehicles, capable guides and the kind of personal service we would want for our own family. Running a successful business helps us keep doing what we love. Giving guests a wonderful day is what gives that business its purpose.
The people at the heart of it
A family business, in every sense
Shakespeare Coaches is led by Paul, our owner and a father of two young children. For him, welcoming guests and making a day feel special go hand in hand with the family values behind the business.
And when the smallest members of the family make an appearance, they tend to bring a little extra character to the journey.
Small guide. Big enthusiasm.
We like to call Luna “England’s youngest tour guide” — a proud family joke, of course! Here she is showing us Stonehenge, with all the enthusiasm you could wish for.
If you happen to join a day when she comes along, expect plenty of pointing, curiosity and a little extra fun.
Some rather famous stones. One very enthusiastic guide.
A little driver with big plans
Bodhi is already taking an interest in the family business — starting with a vehicle that’s a little more his size.
For now, his driving adventures are firmly in the world of play. His real contribution to the team is a cheerful dose of curiosity and character.
Route planning: wherever the imagination takes him.
Every button deserves a look
Our smallest team member takes his honorary mechanic title very seriously. There are buttons to investigate and a whole bus to be curious about.
It’s a little glimpse of the family life behind Shakespeare Coaches — and the smiles that come with it.
The grown-up professionals handle the actual maintenance!
Different backgrounds. One shared goal.
Behind every tour is a diverse team of experienced drivers and guides. Each brings their own personality, stories and connection to England. What they share is a commitment to your enjoyment, clear information and safe, considerate travel.
England, through the eyes of people who love it
Cotswolds, Stratford, Kent & Bath:
discover your kind of day out
Village lanes, historic cities, countryside and coast — our tours introduce you to different sides of England. Choose the places that speak to you, then see the exact itinerary and departure details on the tour page.
Cotswolds Day Tour from London
Discover honey-coloured villages, country roads and landscapes we love sharing, with time to explore along the way.
Explore our Cotswolds tours →Stratford-upon-Avon & Cotswolds
Meet Shakespeare’s home town and enjoy a day that brings together literary heritage and beautiful English countryside.
Explore the Stratford tour →Canterbury, Coast & White Cliffs Day Tour from London
Head from London to Canterbury, Deal and the White Cliffs of Dover for a different view of the Garden of England.
Discover our Kent tour →Stonehenge, Bath & Castle Combe Day Tour from London
A journey from London bringing together Stonehenge, the city of Bath and the Cotswold character of Castle Combe.
Discover Stonehenge & Bath →Oxford & Cotswolds Day Tour from London
Explore Oxford and continue into the Cotswolds for village scenery and a day of contrasting English sights.
Oxford & Cotswolds Day Tour from London →Clarkson’s Farm & Cotswolds Day Tour from London
Combine the appeal of Clarkson’s countryside ventures with the villages and landscapes that make this region special.
Explore the Clarkson’s Farm tour →Cotswolds day tours from Stratford-upon-Avon & Moreton-in-Marsh
Already staying in the Midlands or the Cotswolds? Join us closer to the countryside. For families, friends and other groups, we also offer private tours built around a shared day out.
Enjoy the day. We’ll look after the journey.
With us, you’re in experienced hands
We have spent years welcoming guests and building our knowledge of these routes. That experience helps us offer useful guidance, manage the day thoughtfully and make you feel comfortable from the start.
Safety is always our priority. The welcome may be relaxed and personal, but the responsibility of carrying our guests is something we take seriously.
Licensed passenger transport
Shakespeare Coaches operates under public service vehicle operator licensing regulated by the Traffic Commissioners for Great Britain.
Fully insured journeys
We carry insurance for our passenger transport operations, so you can book with confidence.
Professional care, every day
Experienced drivers, modern vehicles, regular checks and careful maintenance support the quality of every journey.
A little more about us
Questions about Shakespeare Coaches
Is Shakespeare Coaches a family-run tour company?
Yes. Shakespeare Coaches is a family-run business led by owner Paul, with roots in Stratford-upon-Avon. Personal service and a welcoming atmosphere sit at the heart of our tours.
Where do your small-group tours depart from?
Our tour collection includes departures from London, Stratford-upon-Avon and Moreton-in-Marsh. Departure points vary by tour; check your chosen tour page for the exact meeting place and itinerary.
Which parts of England can I visit with you?
Our collection includes the Cotswolds, Stratford-upon-Avon, Oxford, Stonehenge and Bath, plus Canterbury and the Kent coast. We also offer Clarkson’s Farm & Cotswolds and private group tours. Each route has its own stops.
What makes your tours personal?
Small groups, approachable driver-guides and an emphasis on local knowledge create space for questions and conversation. We want to help you appreciate the places you visit as well as enjoy the journey between them.
Come and share a day with us
Beautiful places.
A warm welcome. A day to remember.
Whether you’re visiting England for the first time or discovering somewhere new, we would love to show you around.