We begin our day travelling across the Chiltern Hills to Oxford, the 'City of Dreaming Spires,' whose hushed courtyards have inspired generations of scholars including Bill Clinton and writers, Lewis Carroll who wrote 'Alice in Wonderland', C.S. Lewis who wrote 'Chronicles of Narnia' and the immortal J.R.R. Tolkein, author of 'Lord of the Rings.' On the walking tour you'll visit Christchurch, where Harry Potter scenes were filmed, see the Bodleian Library and the picture-perfect college courtyards for which Oxford is justifiably famous.

Steeped in history and heritage, the area of England known as the Cotswolds is a charming blend of cottages with honey-coloured walls and thatched roofs, market towns with crooked half-timbered houses lining the High Street, and ancient stone crosses, all set in the gently rolling hills ('wolds') that are so typically English in character. The Cotswolds landscape has been shaped by its long history as a centre of wool production, your Guide will tell you all about the 'Cotswold Lion!'

Stratford-upon-Avon is renowned for being the birthplace of the world-famous playwright William Shakespeare. We'll visit the Tudor-style birthplace of William Shakespeare, gaining a fascinating insight into his childhood with its typical parlour, bedrooms, kitchen, buttery and the glove-maker's workshop used by John, Shakespeare's father. There'll be time to explore this charming market town, its streets lined with unusual shops and boutiques.

Enjoy apple scones and locally produced cider or apple juice in the beautiful gardens of Anne Hathaway's Cottage, the picture-postcard half-timbered childhood home of William Shakespeare's wife, set in lovely surroundings and containing a treasure-trove of historic domestic artefacts.

Departures April to October

Days of operation: Tuesday and Saturday
Returns to London at approx 7.00 pm

For courtesy pick-up times from or near your hotel, Click Here.