Shakespeare's Way Map and Itinerary

Arrive in Stratford-upon-Avon

The walk starts in Stratford-upon-Avon, a town steeped in history and culture where Shakespeare was born in 1564. You may want to add an extra night at the beginning of the walk to explore the many places associated with Shakespeare such as the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, The Shakespeare Centre and take the time to visit the five houses in and around Stratford-upon-Avon connected to the famous playwright and his family. Stratford-upon-Avon is easily accessible from London in around two hours.

Stratford-upon-Avon to Shipston-on-Stour – 17 miles (27.2km)

Leaving Stratford-upon-Avon you cross the beautiful River Avon and the River Stour whose green and lush valley you follow for the first part of the trail. Walk through patchwork farmland with high hedgerows and pass thatched cottages, watermills and scenic churches. There are plenty of places to stop and admire the views. The path then brings you to the market town of Shipston-on-Stour. In times gone by it was known as Sheepstown and held regular livestock markets for local farmers.

Shipston-on-Stour to Chipping Norton – 14 miles (22.4km)

From Shipston-on-Stour the walking is relatively easy underfoot. Leaving the River Stour behind you, the climb up from the valley is worth it for the stunning views from the top.

Make time along the way for a short detour to visit the Rollright Stones an impressive and ancient Bronze Age collection of standing stones, the Kings Men stone circle, the King Stone, and the Whispering Knights stone. 

The welcome sight of Chipping Norton soon comes into view in the distance as you walk down towards Little Rollright Church. Chipping Norton is known as the ‘gateway to the Cotswolds’ and is another bustling yet charming market town. Explore the medieval architecture or browse the many small gift shops.

Chipping Norton to Woodstock – 16 miles (25.6km)

Fantastic walking today! Leave Chipping Norton and follow closely what was the route of the old London Road. The trail joins the River Glyme for a short while and passes through the Glyme Valley Nature Reserve.

The walk takes you through ancient woodland carpeted with flowers and through the pretty villages of Glympton and Wooton.

As you come into the beautifully manicured Blenheim Park you will catch your first sight of Blenheim Palace and the immaculate gardens landscaped by Capability Brown. Why not add an extra night in Woodstock for a leisurely visit to Blenheim Palace and Gardens.

Woodstock to Oxford – 11 miles (17.6km)

Almost straight away you come across the village of Bladon where a wander through the churchyard will reveal the final resting place of  Britain’s greatest statesman Sir Winston Churchill.

Grassy tracks through broadleaf woodlands and gentle meadows bring you to the Oxford Canal with its colourful narrowboats and bustling river life.

Following the river brings you to the historic City of Oxford with its many attractions and world renowned university, a great place to end your journey and spend some time sightseeing and reflecting on your journey.

Departing Oxford

Onward travel from Oxford is easy with regular trains to London Paddington (1hr), Birmingham (1hr 30mins) and other UK destinations. There are also regular buses to London and surrounding airports.

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