Shakespeare’s Stratford, Warwick* & Cotswolds Tour – Driver Guide

Stratford-upon-Avon was made famous by the birth of William Shakespeare and is now a busy tourist centre. Visit the house where he was born, Anne Hathaway’s Cottage and Holy Trinity Church where they are buried.

Warwick Castle* is one of the most imposing ‘historical themed’ castles in Europe: discover spiral staircases, battlements, staterooms, dungeons and torture chambers for a fun family day out. Be enchanted by the hills and honey coloured stone buildings of the Cotswold Villages.

Duration

Full Day:
10 hours

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Our Suggestions

Stratford-upon-Avon

Shakespeare’s home town, the birthplace of a literary phenomenon still enthralling playgoers and readers after nearly 500 years.

Follow in the footsteps of the Bard from the cradle to the grave. See his family homes, where he courted his wife, the pubs, half-timbered cottages and gardens he would have known. Spot famous faces amongst the actors performing his plays in Stratford’s three world-class theatres. Go backstage and see how his magic is conjured every night and twice on Saturday!

Enjoy strolling by the River Avon, shopping in Stratford’s cobbled streets and soaking up the atmosphere. A magical combination of literature and history!

Warwick Castle or Kenilworth Castle

Knights, jousting and dungeons – medieval Warwick Castle has it all, making it our number one castle for children.

Climb the mighty towers and walk the battlements above the river moat and the bridge defences. See a historical display of Lord Warwick’s preparations on the eve of battle, and one of an opulent Edwardian weekend party, with its tales of celebrity and scandal in high life!

*For those of you looking for a more historical castle visit, Warwick Castle may not be suitable. Instead, we would recommend Kenilworth Castle, a medieval fortress that has been at the centre of England’s affairs for much of its history. Scale the heights of the tower built to woo Queen Elizabeth I and marvel at the mighty Norman keep.

Cotswold Villages

The Cotswolds are where the English themselves go for unspoiled rural villages chock full of antiques, textiles and good food and drink.

Favoured by royalty and celebrity for country houses (Charles and Camilla, and Kate Winslet and Sam Mendes live round about), the Cotswold villages such as Broadway, Chipping Campden and Stow-on-the-Wold will charm you with their ancient inns and thatched houses strung along green lanes dotted with wild roses.

Request a Personal Itinerary

The beauty of a private sightseeing tour with Guidelines to Britain is that it can be timed and tailored to your exact needs. Our friendly staff will be happy to draw up a personalised itinerary based on your instructions, and answer any questions you might have.