Stratford to Oxford Walk

• Over 800 years of history, art and culture: magnificent castles, stately homes, award-winning gardens, gourmet restaurants
• Visit Stratford's world-famous Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) Theatre
• Stay in Oxford, 'The City of Dreaming Spires', and home to the most prestigious University in the country
• Totally unspoilt rural walking paths: choice of distances most days

This independent linear walking holiday takes in some of England's finest historic sights! Starting in the achingly creaky half-timbered town of Shakespeare's famous Stratford Upon Avon, you flirt the northern fringe of the Cotswold Hills to arrive in Chipping Norton, an attractive C15 wool town, where you'll spend the night. From here, it's off through bluebell-filled woods to diminutive Woodstock village where Churchill's birthplace, Blenheim Palace is now a UNESCO-listed heritage site, and one of the loveliest country houses in England. Your final stretch takes you to Oxford's legendary dreaming spires where no visitor can fail to be inspired by the botanical gardens, Bodleian library and dozens of world-famous historic colleges.

Freedom and flexibility have been built into every stage of this holiday, meaning you can add in extra nights en route, or shorten the trip to suit busy diaries. On most days, the walks can be shortened by using local taxis (we arrange for a small supplement) and we've left all meals flexible as there are so many options at every stage of your route. At the end of your holiday, you'll return to Stratford by rail (90 mins, pay locally) to collect your car.