William Shakespeare is widely regarded as the
greatest dramatist of all time. His 37 plays are marked by extraordinary
poetry, a highly inventive use of the English language, superb
plots and vivid insights into human nature - characteristics
that have ensured their popularity over the centuries.
Shakespeare's Way follows the route
that the poet may have taken on his journeys between his home
in Stratford-upon-Avon, where his wife Anne Hathaway and his
children lived and the Globe Theatre in London , where most of
his plays were first performed to public acclaim. Passing through
the beautiful countryside of the Cotswolds and the Chilterns
before following the River Thames into the heart of London ,
the route links some of England 's greatest attractions: Stratford-upon-Avon,
Blenheim Palace , Oxford and London. It also visits many picturesque
villages and interesting market towns and passes a wealth of
sites of historic interest. Shakespeare's Way can be followed
in either direction or walked in sections.
From the poet's birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon,
Shakespeare's Way meanders through the Cotswolds past Blenheim
Palace and the charming town of Woodstock before following the
River Thames into the historic city of Oxford . Highlights of
the Cotswolds section of Shakespeare's Way include the five houses
connected with Shakespeare and his family, his grave in Holy
Trinity Church and the Royal Shakespeare Company theatres in
Stratford; the attractive villages of Clifford Chambers, Preston-on-Stour,
Hangington and Lidstone; the bustling market towns of Chipping
Norton, Woodstock and Shipston-on-Stour; the 'lost' villages
of Overchalford and Nether Chalford; the many delightful churches,
each displaying some notable feature; the mysterious Rollright
Stones, one of the most important stone circles in Britain; spectacular
Blenheim Palace, presented by a grateful nation to John Churchill,
first Duke of Marlborough as a reward for military triumph against
the French; the magnificent colleges, museums and gardens of
Britain's oldest university; and the tranquil countryside of
the Cotswolds.
Beyond Oxford , Shakespeare's Way crosses the hills
and valleys of the Chilterns passing through a succession of
pretty villages and marvellous beech woods, before re-joining
the Thames at the little town of Marlow . Highlights of the Chilterns
section of the trail include Stonor House, a beautiful Tudor
mansion nestling in a fold of the Chiltern Hills; attractive
villages such as Hambleden with its beautiful little church;
the lovely duck pond in the hamlet of Rotten Row; the tranquil
beech woodland; the pretty villages of brick and flint cottages
nestling around medieval churches; and the lovely riverside town
of Marlow.
The final stretch of the trail follows the Grand
Union Canal and the River Thames through the heart of London
to Shakespeare's Globe Theatre. Highlights of the London section
of the trail include Kew Palace, built in Dutch style in 1631;
Kew Gardens with its unique collection of 40,000 plant species;
the views of St Paul's Cathedral and the Houses of Parliament;
Lambeth Palace, the London house of the Archbishops of Canterbury
since the 12 th century; the wonderful array of bridges spanning
the Thames; the giant wheel of the London Eye; and the amazing
recreation of Shakespeare's Globe Theatre.
Shakespeare's Way was developed to raise funds for the Shakespeare
Hospice, Stratford-upon-Avon. Contours Walking Holidays will
make a £5.00 donation to the Shakespeare Hospice for
every person booking this tour.
Shakespeare Way is usually walked from Stratford-upon-Avon
to London . If you would prefer to walk the route from London
to Stratford-upon-Avon please add the letter 'R' to
the end of the tour code of your preferred itinerary.
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