Stratford to Oxford Walk

Location: The Heart of England, Great Britain. Holiday type: Independent walking, hotel-to-hotel. Activity level: Choose 1 or 2 boots Duration: 6 days (5 nights) Hotels: A mix of luxury/stylish, mid range/good value. Meals: Breakfasts. Prices from: Please call. Departs: Daily from 6 May '12 to 28 Oct '12   JFMAMJJASOND

Highlights This 5-night linear walk is packed with historic highlights and cultural treasures: Shakespeare's Stratford-upon-Avon; Woodstock village where Churchill was born; UNESCO-listed Blenheim Palace, and the legendary dreaming spires of Oxford, the most prestigious university in the country.

Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1 - Arrive in Stratford

The Royal Shakespeare Company is the most famous theatre company in the world - why not take in a show? You spend two nights here.

Day 2 - Discover Stratford 5km/3mi/2hr

Visit Shakespeare's birthplace, Holy Trinity Church where he is buried, and wander the curio shops that line Stratford's narrow streets. This afternoon, enjoy a 'warm up' circular walk along both banks of the River Avon - you can spot mute swans and the flash of blue kingfishers hunting for lunch under weeping willows, as colourful narrow boats chug past.

Day 3 - Shipston On Stour to Chipping Norton 9mi/5hr or 15mi/6.5hr

After a short 15 minute transfer (included) to Shipston on Stour - once an important sheep market town - you follow the Stour riverbank before ascending to rustling Whichford Wood for panoramic views to the distant Cotswolds. Enjoy lunch in Long Compton before visiting the Bronze Age Rollright Stones - an eerie stone circle by the tombs of The Whispering Knights. On arrival in Chipping Norton - 'Chippy' to the locals - visit St Mary's church, one of the richest and most ornate in Oxfordshire, located next to the remains of an ancient Norman castle!

Day 4 - Chipping Norton to Woodstock 16mi/7.5hr or10mi/6hr

Follow the River Glyme to abandoned ruins of villages at Chalford, whose residents were evicted 500 years ago by Oriel College, Oxford. Criss-cross the Glyme valley before passing C18 Ditchley Park (used for wartime conferences by Churchill). You end the day walking through the pristine 2000-acre Blenheim Estate where Winston Churchill spent his childhood. We recommend you add an extra night to explore the spectacular Baroque palace fully, or visit tomorrow morning. Dine out tonight in one of Woodstock's enticing boutique restaurants.

Day 5 - Woodstock to Oxford 10mi/6hr or 8mi/4hr

Enjoy views of wooded Wytham Hill and the Vale of the White Horse as you leave Woodstock and pass through Bladen, last resting place of many of the Churchill family. After lunch in Yarnton, you meet the Oxford Canal, and follow narrow boats alongside the tow path into the city. Drink in the atmosphere of Oxford this evening as college students spin past on bicycles, and church bells chime across the spires.

Day 6 - Depart Oxford

Return by rail to Stratford to pick up your car (90 mins pay locally), or stay on for extra night(s) in the city.