Shakespeares Way & Thames Path walking holiday
Walking The Thames Path from Source in The Cotswolds to Central London Grenwich via Oxford Henley on Thames , Windsor Hampton Court & The Houses of Parliment
Description of Shakespeares Way & Thames Path walking holiday
Spend a week or two weeks walking through some of England’s most idyllic rolling, rural landscapes on either the Shakespeare’s Way Trail, packed with history, natural and cultural heritage, or The Thames Path, which doesn’t just go through the centre of London, but stretches all the way to its source in the stunning Cotswolds Hills. Transporting your luggage from one hotel to another, all carefully selected by us for comfort, quality and a warm welcome to hikers, you can enjoy independent hiking at your own pace. Accommodation will be booked on a bed and breakfast basis only. We will recommend pubs and restaurants along the walking paths, of which there are many.
Shakespeare’s Way
This historic route between Shakespeare’s birthplace at Stratford-upon-Avon and Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre in London stretches for 235kms taking in some of England’s most stunning countryside en route. This includes the Cotwolds and Chilterns Hills, both peppered with ancient towns and villages where you will stay in carefully selected guesthouses and small hotels. In Stratford-Upon-Avon you can visit Anne Hathaway’s cottage and the world renowned home theatre of the Royal Shakespeare Company. After passing through and visiting Blenheim Palace, residence of the Dukes of Marlborough in Woodstock, Oxfordshire, you join the Thames Path and walk all the way to London’s river banks, passing through the 18th century Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew, also a UNESCO World Heritage site, en route. It takes two weeks to complete this walking route on foot, although we can tailor make it so that you can divide it into two separate week long expeditions, stopping and starting again in Oxford.
Suggested walking holiday length: 7 or 14 days Walking level: easy.
Total Distance: 120 or 235kms with daily walking on average 18kms.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Thames Path
Although many people think that The Thames Path only goes through the capital city of London, it actually stretches 288kms between the city and its source, in the Cotswold Hills. Starting at the Thames Barrier in South East London, you walk through the city centre clinging to the river, following its winding course all the way out to Thames Head in Gloucestershire. This is an easy walking trail, with plenty of historic sites en route. A popular well marked walking trail, it is a wonderful way to discover this part of the South of England, with popular cultural stops not only in London but also in the historic cities of Windsor and Oxford. As this is a tailor made tour, we are able to incorporate plenty of rest days into your itinerary for sightseeing or shopping, from the Houses of Parliament and Tower of London, both overlooking the Thames, to Oxford University’s historic colleges and museums. Although it takes two weeks to complete this walking trail, we can also create itineraries that allow you to split the trail in two: Walk from London to Reading on one stage and then, when you have more time, complete the second stage from Reading to Thames Head. This has proved popular with hikers who don’t have two weeks to spare at one time. You can also choose to hike the trail in east to west, or vice versa. If you would like to take on a smaller segment of The Thames Path, just contact us and we can create an itinerary that works for you.
Suggested walking holiday length: 6/7/13 days Walking level: easy.
Total Distance: - 144/288 kms with daily walking on average 22.5kms
Price information
Walking The Thames Path from Source in The Cotswolds to Central London Grenwich via Oxford Henley on Thames , Windsor Hampton Court & The Houses of Parliment
Departure information
Travel guides
Reviews
1 Reviews of Shakespeares Way & Thames Path walking holiday
Reviewed on 10 Jun 2016 by Graham Stenger
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
During the course of the week one cannot fail to be impressed by the sights seen on the Thames Path, sadly the planned programme didn't allow time to visit these places.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
To make sure that the daily walks are within their capabilities, even though the paths are on the level. The Thames path is well maintained but it was noticeable as you approached London, through London and to the east that a number of the signs had been vandalised/pointing in the wrong direction. This needs to be taken up with the appropriate authority to correct these issues.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes it must assist local economies by taking rooms, using restaurants etc.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent, it far exceeded our expectations. We had approached the last phase of the Thames Path with a view that we just needed to get to the Thames Barrier and the end of the walk. In the end the final phase proved to be far more enjoyable as we passed through lovely countryside laced with history.right through to the Barrier.
Responsible Travel
Planet
The Responsible Travel Code of Conduct which you receive with your information pack contains suggestions on how to be an ethical traveller by reducing water usage, recycling and properly disposing of litter, and reducing damage to the environment.The majority of the accommodations we use are locally owned and operated and use local produce for providing you with breakfast. Wherever possible we use accommodations that are registered with the Green Tourism Business Scheme. There are local shops, pubs and cafes along the Cotswold Way available for lunches and dinners. All these issues make a great difference to the economic welfare of the local community by providing employment.
During the booking process for your holiday we reduce paper usage by corresponding by email wherever possible and only printing correspondence which is legally binding. We recycle our ink cartridges and envelopes, and use low energy light bulbs. Paper which cannot be recycled is shredded and composted.
Whilst on this holiday you will be walking at your own pace in your own group. We restrict group sizes on our self-guided walking holidays to a maximum of 12 to reduce impact on the community.
We encourage you to use this walking holiday as means to support your chosen charity by way of sponsorship.
People
We are a family run business and are committed to operating a Responsible Travel Policy. We aim to provide a quality and positive experience for our customers while contributing to and enhancing the local economy and respecting the environment.Whilst walking you are taking part in a healthy activity and visiting the area while reducing road congestion. The local authority encourages people to visit the area on foot using public transport in line with their desire to encourage sustainable tourism.
There are a large number of National Trust Properties. The membership and entrance fees are used to restore and conserve our heritage, and provide employment for local people.
Popular similar holidays
South West Coastal Path walking holiday, England
From £749 - £1100 8 days excluding flights
The South West Coast Path and Isles of Scilly
Northumberland coast walking holiday
From £847 - £1400 8 days excluding flights
Self Guided Walking Holiday in Northumberland Coast Path
Jurassic Coast walking holiday in Dorset
From £1049 - £1139 7 days including UK flights
Explore stunning UK coastline
