Shakespeare’s Way

Shakespeare's Way is a long distance walking trail from Shakespeare’s birthplace at Stratford-upon-Avon to his workplace at the Globe Theatre, next to the Thames in the centre of London.

Self-guide and we will book accommodation and organise luggage transfers, saving you time, ensuring you quality accommodation and allowing you to relax and enjoy your holiday

Check out the photos of our winter hike along Shakespeare's Way on Flickr

Walking trail distance: 146 miles (208km)

Grade: Much of the route is over gentle rolling countryside with climbs (up to 500ft/150m) over Edgehill in the North Cotswolds and the Chiltern ridge.

Average duration: 10 to 14 days for the full distance, but why not try a shorter tour and, for example, take the train to Oxford to walk for 6 days to The Globe in central London.

Prices: Please click here for our prices and to see what's included.

Anne at The Globe Theatre, the end of Shakespeare's Way

Shakespeare's Way follows public footpaths, bridleways and minor roads and, as closely as possible, the route that Shakespeare would have taken from his birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon to his workplace in London.

From Stratford it wends its way through Warwickshire, into Oxfordshire and Oxford city after passing through Woodstock, Blenheim Park, (where Winston Churchill was born) and Bladon (where Churchill is buried).

It then ascends to the Chiltern Hills, which in late April and May are resplendent with bluebells flowering under vast stretches of beech woodland. The Way then drops into the Thames Valley at Marlow and follows the Thames river for a little way before cutting through heathland around Iver, Buckinghamshire. Shakespeare’s Way then takes the peaceful towpath along the Grand Union Canal (not constructed in his time!) into the heart of the Capital.

Passing just one mile from Heathrow, it is easily accessible to walkers from the UK and overseas.

Shakespeare’s Way was opened in 2006 to raise funds for Stratford-upon-Avon’s Shakespeare Hospice and 5% of the profit from your fee will be donated to the charity.

High level map of Shakespeare's Way. Walkthelandscape.co.uk

Towns and villages along Shakespeare's Way	Miles	Km
Stratford-upon-Avon	0	0
Shipston-on-Stour	17	27
Chipping Norton	31	50
Woodstock (Blenheim Palace)	47	76
Oxford	58	93
Chalgrove	71	114
Marlow	96	155
Burnham Beeches	106	171
Kew Bridge	130	209
Westminster Bridge	144	232
Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre	146	235

Links: The Shakespeare's Way Organisation

We book accommodation and arrange luggage transfers for independent self-guided tours along Shakespeare’s Way leaving you to relax and enjoy the hike. Check out prices and what's included in our long distance walking trail tours.

Phone: +44(0)1295 811003 / mobile: +44(0)7718 660070 or email Anne

to book or for more information on the Shakespeare's Way tour