Hiking Shakespeare's Way
William Shakespeare is widely thought of as the best dramatist in history. His 37 plays are marked by incredible poetry, a very creative usage of the English language, fantastic plots and clear insights into human nature - traits that have made sure their recognition over the centuries.
Shakespeare's Way follows the route that the poet could have taken on his journeys between his home in Stratford-upon-Avon, where his better half Anne Hathaway and his children lived and the World Theatre in London, where the bulk of his plays were first performed to public acclaim. Passing through the stunning country of the Cotswolds and the Chilterns before following the Thames into the guts of London, the route links some of England 's best attractions: Stratford-upon-Avon, Blenheim Palace, Oxford and London. It also visits many beautiful villages and engaging market cities and passes a wealth of sites of historic interest. Shakespeare's Way can be followed in either direction or walked in sections
From the poet's birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon, Shakespeare's Way slinks through the Cotswolds past Blenheim Palace and the interesting town of Woodstock before following the River Thames into the significant town of Oxford. Highlights of the Cotswolds section of Shakespeare's Way include the 5 houses connected with Shakespeare and his folks, his grave in Holy Trinity Church and the Royal Shakespeare Company theatres in Stratford; the enticing villages of Clifford Chambers, Preston-on-Stour, Hangington and Lidstone. Experience the busy market cities of Chipping Norton, Woodstock and Shipston-on-Stour; the 'lost ' towns of Overchalford and Nether Chalford; the various delightful churches, each displaying some notable feature; the puzzling Rollright Stones, one of the most significant stone circles in The UK Marvel at the impressive Blenheim Palace, presented by a grateful nation to John Churchill, first Duke of Marlborough as a reward for military triumph against the French; the magnificent schools, museums and gardens of Britain's oldest university; and the relaxed country of the Cotswolds.
Beyond Oxford, Shakespeare's Way crosses the hills and valleys of the Chilterns passing through a succession of pretty towns and marvellous beech woods, before re-joining the Thames at the tiny town of Marlow. Highlights of the Chilterns section of the trail include Stonor House, a pretty Tudor mansion nestling in a fold of the Chiltern Hills; attractive villages like Hambleden with its gorgeous little church; the wonderful duck pool in the hamlet of Rotten Row; the serene beech wood; the pretty towns of brick and flint cottages nestling around medieval churches; and the beautiful riverside city of Marlow.
The final stretch of the trail follows the Grand Union Canal and the River Thames through the guts of London to Shakespeare's World Theatre. Highlights of the London section of the trail include Kew Palace, built in Dutch style in 1631; Kew Gardens with its unique collection of 40,000 plant species; the views of St Paul's Cathedral and the Houses of Parliament; Lambeth Palace, the London house of the Archbishops of Canterbury since the 12 th century; the excellent range of bridges spanning the Thames; the giant wheel of the London Eye; and the superb recreation of Shakespeare's World Theatre.
The total trail is 146 miles, nevertheless it can be broken down into individual sections along the Chilterns, the Cotswolds and through London, this gives adequate variety to a possible check-list from 10 to 15 days of walking. So why don't you take a look at your holiday calendar and make plans to go and visit this unique part of the United Kingdom. Come and start your adventure by walking Shakespeare's Way.
Features Walking Vacations are the experts in self-guided walking vacations in Scotland, England, Wales and Eire. Within our site you'll find a unrivalled range of walking vacations and short breaks along more than 60 trails in The UK from famous routes like Hadrian's Wall Trail, West Highland Way, Wainwright's Coast to Coast Walk, Cotswold Way, Offa's Dyke Path, Cumbria Way, Pembrokeshire Coast Path or the Dales Way to little-known gems like Northumberland's Coast of Castles, Isle of Anglesey Coast Trail, Wild Edric's Way, Cotswolds Hamlets Trail or the 3 Castles Walk.
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ENGLAND, Kingston upon Hull – The Holy Trinity Church
