STRATFORD & THE COTSWOLDS

PLAN FOR THE DAY

0800 We depart from Cambridge for the fast journey into the centre of England.

1000 On arrival in Stratford-upon-Avon join your guide on a 90-minute walking tour of Stratford from Shakespeare's grave in Holy Trinity Church, past the Royal Shakespeare Company Theatre and some of the houses related to Shakespeare and his family, and finally to the Birthplace Museum.

1145 After the tour there will be free time for lunch, time to visit one of the Shakespeare properties dotted across the town or, if it's a Sunday, a visit to the craft market by the river.  Time permitting we make a short photo stop at Anne Hathaway's Cottage, the home of Shakespeare's wife.

1345 We depart from Stratford for the short journey uphill on to The Cotswolds.

1415 We arrive in Chipping Campden, our first Cotswolds stop, where your guide will reveal the beauty of a Cotswold village. Often in the ancient marketplace there are stallholders selling sheep skins, the ideal souvenir for a region made wealthy through its historic connection with the wool trade.

1500 Then, we take advantage of travelling by minibus which can access the narrow country lanes off limits to the large tourist coaches. We travel to quiet backwater villages and to countryside viewpoints as we weave our way across the region. Off-the-beaten-track we stop to take an easy, peaceful walk between villages in a sublime Cotswolds river valley. Finally, we stop in Bibury, 'the prettiest village in England', with its trout-filled river and quaint cottages and a chance for a refreshing tea or coffee at the famous Swan Hotel.

1745 We depart from Bibury for the journey back to Cambridge.

2000 Arrive back in central Cambridge.