Stratford & the Cotswolds Weekend

We head first to the quintessential Cotswold village of Broadway, often referred to as the ‘Jewel of the Cotswolds’, with its picturesque High Street lined with golden-hued stone buildings and tea rooms. We also explore the beautiful market town of Stow-on-the-Wold, renowned for its traditional stone architecture and wonderful collection of artisan boutiques.

Full Day

Stratford & the Cotswolds Weekend

We journey to the beautiful town of Stratford-upon-Avon, forever associated with William Shakespeare. Fans of The Bard can visit the house in which he was born, and there’s a chance to wander the riverside gardens or discover the town’s theatres including the Swan Theatre, home of the Royal Shakespeare Company.

Half Day

Walk the historic market square of Stow-on-the-Wold, framed by antique shops, traditional inns and handsome townhouses. Amble the side streets to discover butchers, bakeries and artisan boutiques that celebrate the Cotswolds’ slow-crafted traditions and village rhythm.

Learn how the wool trade shaped Stow’s prosperity and seek the storybook doorway of St Edward’s Church, framed by ancient yews. Its cobbles, stone porches and weathered timbers invite you to pause for photos and reflection amid enduring medieval character.

Explore Stratford-upon-Avon, where Tudor timber-framed streets meet the gentle flow of the River Avon. Stroll by the riverside gardens and past the Swan Theatre, home to the Royal Shakespeare Company, as you take in shop-lined lanes and heritage facades on Henley Street and High Street.

Absorb the atmosphere of Shakespeare’s hometown, with views toward Holy Trinity Church across the water. The town’s blend of Elizabethan architecture, theatres and well-tended green spaces offers an evocative snapshot of England’s literary heartland.

Step inside Shakespeare’s Birthplace on Henley Street and wander through timbered rooms where John and Mary Shakespeare raised their family. Curators bring The Bard to life through exhibits, period furnishings and storyteller insights, as creaking floorboards and leaded windows set a vivid Tudor mood.

Gain context from the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust’s collections and garden displays. This is an optional visit at additional cost, bookable on tour and subject to availability during your time in Stratford.

Join an RSC theatre tour to peek behind the scenes of Stratford’s celebrated stages. Discover rehearsal spaces, costume stories and the architectural intimacy of the Swan Theatre, where stagecraft brought to life reveals how text becomes performance.

Alternatively, opt for one evening performance (when available) to experience Shakespeare where he’s most at home. This is an optional experience at additional cost, bookable on tour and subject to schedules.

Climb Broadway Tower, a 200-year-old folly crowning a windswept hilltop above the village, and ascend the spiral stair for far-reaching Cotswold views. On clear days, the horizon ripples with patchwork fields, church spires and distant ridgeways.

Learn how architect James Wyatt designed this romantic landmark with Arts & Crafts connections and links to William Morris. Admission is optional, at additional cost and bookable on tour, time permitting.

Sample a classic cream tea in a cosy Cotswold tearoom, pairing loose-leaf tea with home-baked scones, clotted cream and jam. Warm interiors, polished wood tables and the aroma of fresh bakes create a gentle pause between village explorations.

Hear how afternoon tea became a beloved British ritual and chat with friendly staff about local produce and preserves. This optional treat is at additional cost and bookable on tour, with venues chosen for character and quality.

Explore Broadway along its broad, tree-lined High Street, where galleries and tearooms glow with honey-coloured Cotswold stone. Wander past independent boutiques and historic coaching inns, pausing by village greens and mellow limestone facades to soak in the village atmosphere that earned Broadway the name the ‘Jewel of the Cotswolds’.

Uncover hints of its stagecoach heritage and Arts & Crafts connections as you browse inviting shopfronts and quiet lanes. The village’s harmonious stonework and gentle rural setting make this a serene introduction to the Cotswolds’ classic charm.