Shakespeare's Way

A fantastic walk visiting many iconic sites associated with England's most celebrated Bard.

4 to 16 nights
38-146 miles
Moderate to Demanding

From £440 per person

About the trail

William Shakespeare is widely regarded as the greatest dramatist of all time. Shakespeare's Way follows the route that the poet may have taken on his journeys between his home in Stratford-upon-Avon and the Globe Theatre in London, where most of his plays were first performed.

Passing through the beautiful countryside of the Cotswolds and the Chilterns, the trail follows the River Thames into the heart of England’s capital city. It passes some of England's greatest attractions, including Stratford-upon-Avon, Blenheim Palace, Oxford and London. The walk also visits many picturesque villages and market towns and passes a wealth of sites of historic interest.

Shakespeare's Way was developed to raise funds for the Shakespeare Hospice in Stratford-upon-Avon. For every person booking this tour, Contours Walking Holidays will make a £5.00 donation to the Shakespeare Hospice.

We offer multiple holiday options along this trail. If you wish to walk the entire trail, simply select the first option from the list below.

Routes on this trail

Shakespeare's Way

11 to 16 nights
146 miles
Moderate+
From £1,285 per person
A walk from Stratford-upon-Avon to London through the Cotswolds, the Chilterns and the city of London.Find Out More

Shakespeare's Way - Cotswold Section

5 to 8 nights
58 miles
Moderate+
From £495 per person
A self-guided walking holiday from Stratford-upon-Avon to Oxford through the beautiful Cotswolds.Find Out More

Shakespeare's Way - London Section

4 to 5 nights
50 miles
Moderate / Demanding+
From £480 per person
An exciting walking holiday from Marlow to London, exploring England's iconic capital city.Find Out More

Shakespeare's Way - Chilterns Section

4 to 5 nights
38 miles
Moderate+
From £440 per person
A self-guided walk from Oxford to Marlow, taking in the Chilterns section of Shakespeare's Way.Find Out More

Customer reviews from the Shakespeare's Way

“Weather was good. Walking was good and accommodation all good.”
Mrs Wiltshire, UK
“We liked it all. Fields, woodlands, etc. In a way the first day of 7 miles was a bit too short, but on the other hand combining first & second day (17 miles) might have been too long!! Good to have time to wander in Stratford on the first day.”
Mrs Sweeney, UK
“Wonderful choices for accommodations. Just wish we could have had more days for our holiday.”
Dr Wigner, USA
“Very nice way to see England! Just got home yesterday and already telling people about you.”
Mr Schenck, USA
“We like to say thank you for the service. It was well enjoyed. We had a lovely and pleasant holiday. Once again, thanks for the high service and we look forward to another time with you next year.”
Ms Breitenstein, Germany