Shakespeare day trip from London · Small group
Shakespeare’s Stratford-upon-Avon & Cotswolds Day Tour from London
Discover Shakespeare’s Stratford-upon-Avon and beautiful Cotswolds villages on a relaxed full-day small-group tour from London.
Top rated★★★★★4.8based on 1,403 traveller reviews
Free cancellationUp to 24 hours before departure
10.5 hoursDepart 7:30 am
Small group
Live tour guideEnglish
Highlights
- Spend two hours exploring Shakespeare’s Stratford-upon-Avon and its famous literary landmarks.
- See Shakespeare’s Birthplace, Henley Street, the River Avon and the Royal Shakespeare Theatre.
- Visit Bibury, Bourton-on-the-Water and Stow-on-the-Wold in the Cotswolds.
- Travel comfortably from central London in an executive air-conditioned vehicle.
Full description
Leave London for a full-day journey to Shakespeare’s Stratford-upon-Avon and the Cotswolds. This small-group Stratford-upon-Avon tour from London departs from Paddington in a comfortable executive minibus with an English-speaking driver-guide.
Explore Shakespeare’s birthplace and historic hometown alongside Bibury, Bourton-on-the-Water and Stow-on-the-Wold. The day balances literary history, famous Cotswolds villages and beautiful countryside, with generous free time to explore independently without feeling rushed.
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Bibury and Arlington Row. Begin beside the River Coln in one of England’s most photographed villages. See Arlington Row and its historic honey-coloured stone cottages before the crowds build.
Bourton-on-the-Water. Continue to the “Venice of the Cotswolds”, where low stone bridges cross the River Windrush. Enjoy time to walk beside the water and browse the independent shops.
Stow-on-the-Wold. Stop for lunch and explore this historic hilltop market town, known for old coaching inns, antique shops and the yew tree-flanked doorway of St Edward’s Church.
Shakespeare’s Stratford-upon-Avon. Spend two hours exploring the historic hometown of William Shakespeare. Walk along Henley Street, see the exterior of Shakespeare’s Birthplace, stroll beside the River Avon and discover landmarks including the Royal Shakespeare Theatre and Holy Trinity Church. Entry to Shakespeare’s houses is optional and not included.
The route is designed to balance guided local insight with generous free time. Return to London Paddington is expected at approximately 6:00 pm, although the order and timings may change because of traffic, weather or local events.
Your itinerary
London Paddington · 7:30 am
Meet your driver-guide and settle into your executive vehicle.Bibury & Arlington Row · 30 minutes
Walk beside the River Coln and see one of England’s most photographed rows of cottages.Bourton-on-the-Water · 1 hour 20 minutes
Explore the bridges, independent shops and riverside paths of the “Venice of the Cotswolds”.Stow-on-the-Wold · 1 hour 30 minutes
Enjoy time for lunch and explore the historic market square, old coaching inns and characterful lanes.Stratford-upon-Avon · 2 hours
Explore Shakespeare’s hometown, its historic streets, riverside and famous literary landmarks.London Paddington · around 6:00 pm
Relax on the return journey after a full day in Stratford-upon-Avon and the Cotswolds.What’s included
Included
- Full-day guided tour
- Executive air-conditioned transport
- Professional driver-guide
- Small group
- All listed village stops
Not included
- Food and drinks
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Optional attraction entry
- Entry to Shakespeare’s houses
- Gratuities
Meeting point
Light Bite Café · London Paddington
Meet outside the Light Bite Café. Breakfast and refreshments are available from 7:00 am. The coach departs at 7:30 am, so please arrive by 7:15 am to board.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable shoes and bring clothing suitable for changeable British weather.
- The itinerary order may change because of traffic, weather or local events.
- Lunch is not included; Stow-on-the-Wold offers cafés, pubs and restaurants.
- Return time is approximate, so avoid booking tight onward connections.
Traveller feedback
“A lovely, well-paced way to see several villages in one day. The small group made the experience feel personal.”
Verified traveller
“Beautiful stops, plenty of time for photographs and a friendly, knowledgeable guide.”
Verified traveller