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Stratford to Oxford Walk
STRATFORD TO OXFORD WALK - DAY BY DAY
Alveston Manor Hotel, **** Stratford, Day 1
Set on the banks of the River Avon, half-timbered Alveston Manor is a luxury property with high quality rooms set both in the main hotel and in a sympathetic modern extension. Lovely public rooms with panelled walls, open fires and country landscapes on the walls. It is a short 5 minute stroll into Stratford.
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 colorful 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!
Crown and Cushion Hotel, *** Chipping Norton, Day 3
This market place hotel is in the centre of Chipping Norton and has a comfortable country style. Bedrooms are set back from the main street and are well presented in a variety of shapes and sizes. An attractive bar and restaurant are adjacent to an outdoor terrace, and there is even a pool and squash court for guest use.
Day 4 Chipping Norton to Woodstock 16mi/7.5hr or 10mi/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.
The Bear Hotel, **** Woodstock, Day 4
The Bear Hotel is a C13 coaching inn a stones throw from the giant gates of Blenheim Palace. Creaky floors, beams and stone flags are typical, as are luxuriously furnished bedrooms both in the main building and in converted stables.
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.
The Old Parsonage Hotel, Oxford Day 5
In the heart of Oxford this lovely stone parsonage has been elegantly transformed into a luxurious city centre retreat. A front terrace and warm reception area with open fire, bar and restaurant surrounded by portraits and pictures takes up the ground floor. Upstairs rooms are light, bright and luxurious.
Day 6 Depart Oxford
Return by rail to London (90 mins pay locally), or stay on for extra night(s) in
the city.