Oxford and Stratford-upon-Avon Tour

A ten-hour guided tour combining Oxford University and the Shakespeare heritage sites of Stratford-upon-Avon. The itinerary includes a walking tour of Oxford's medieval colleges and High Street, followed by visits to Shakespeare's birthplace on Henley Street and Anne Hathaway's cottage outside the town. Both literary sites include period furnishings and exhibits detailing the playwright's life. The tour is particularly rewarding during Oxford's university term time when colleges are more accessible. Best for literature lovers and university town enthusiasts. This is a moderate activity lasting 10 hours. Group size: 20-40. You meet at Marble Arch opposite Speakers Corner. Key highlights: Oxford University colleges including Christchurch and Magdalen with medieval quads, Bodleian Library - one of Europe's oldest research libraries, founded 1602, Shakespeare's birthplace on Henley Street with Tudor-era furnishings.

Price: £82

Duration: 10 hours

Difficulty: moderate

Group size: 20-40

Best for: literature lovers and university town enthusiasts

Best time: During Oxford University term time (January-March, April-June, October-December) when more colleges are open and accessible. May and June offer mild weather and longer daylight. Avoid August-September when many colleges restrict public access.

Meeting point: Marble Arch opposite Speakers Corner

Languages: English

Here is how the experience unfolds:

8:00am Pickup at Marble Arch, opposite Speakers Corner - Meet guide and board coach for the 90-minute drive to Oxford.

9:30am-11:30am Guided walking tour of Oxford University colleges and High Street - Visit Christchurch, Magdalen, or New College (accessibility varies by term time). Tour medieval quads, the Bodleian Library exterior, and the High Street's historic architecture from the 12th-18th centuries.

11:30am-12:30pm Free time in Oxford town centre - Independent exploration of the High Street, visit Blackwell's bookstore, or lunch at one of the college-adjacent cafés.

12:30pm-1:15pm Drive to Stratford-upon-Avon - Approximately 45-minute journey through the Cotswolds to Shakespeare's birthplace town.

1:15pm-3:00pm Shakespeare's birthplace guided tour and museum - Visit the 16th-century timber-framed house on Henley Street, tour period rooms with period furniture, and view manuscripts and artifacts related to Shakespeare's early life.

3:00pm-4:30pm Anne Hathaway's cottage visit - Tour the thatched farmhouse outside Stratford where Shakespeare's wife lived before marriage. Includes period furnishings, kitchen equipment, and gardens.

4:30pm-7:00pm Return journey to London - Depart Stratford and drive back to Marble Arch with guide commentary on Shakespeare's era and literary significance.

The whole experience takes 10 hours. Difficulty: moderate. You meet at Marble Arch opposite Speakers Corner.

• Oxford University colleges including Christchurch and Magdalen with medieval quads
• Bodleian Library - one of Europe's oldest research libraries, founded 1602
• Shakespeare's birthplace on Henley Street with Tudor-era furnishings
• Anne Hathaway's cottage - thatched farmhouse with period kitchen and gardens
• High Street architecture spanning 800 years of English design
• Accessibility: Oxford colleges have uneven cobblestone ground and narrow staircases between floors. Some areas may be restricted during exam periods. Shakespeare's birthplace and Anne Hathaway's cottage have stairs between floors; cottages less accessible than modern museums. Coach is standard; confirm wheelchair access at booking.

What is included: Return coach transport from Marble Arch, Guided Oxford University walking tour, Shakespeare's birthplace entrance and guided tour, Anne Hathaway's cottage entrance and self-guided tour, Guide commentary during travel.

Not included: Lunch or meals, Entry to Holy Trinity Church where Shakespeare is buried (located in Stratford, separate fee applies), Royal Shakespeare Company theatre tickets, Shopping or gift purchases. You will need to arrange these yourself.

What to bring: Comfortable walking shoes for cobblestone college quads, Weather-resistant jacket, Camera for Tudor architecture and period buildings, Cash for lunch in Oxford or snacks, Light layers as old buildings maintain cool interiors. Having these with you makes the experience smoother.

Best time to go: During Oxford University term time (January-March, April-June, October-December) when more colleges are open and accessible. May and June offer mild weather and longer daylight. Avoid August-September when many colleges restrict public access..

Tip: University term time better

Tip: Shakespeare houses entry included

Accessibility: Oxford colleges have uneven cobblestone ground and narrow staircases between floors. Some areas may be restricted during exam periods. Shakespeare's birthplace and Anne Hathaway's cottage have stairs between floors; cottages less accessible than modern museums. Coach is standard; confirm wheelchair access at booking..

Operator: Anderson Tours

After this activity, these are within easy reach:

• British Museum (15 min from Marble Arch pickup walk)
• Covent Garden (10 min from Marble Arch walk)

This activity is run by Anderson Tours.

Cancellation policy: Free cancellation 24 hours before the tour; £10 cancellation fee 12-24 hours prior; non-refundable within 12 hours..

Accessibility: Oxford colleges have uneven cobblestone ground and narrow staircases between floors. Some areas may be restricted during exam periods. Shakespeare's birthplace and Anne Hathaway's cottage have stairs between floors; cottages less accessible than modern museums. Coach is standard; confirm wheelchair access at booking..

Best time to go: During Oxford University term time (January-March, April-June, October-December) when more colleges are open and accessible. May and June offer mild weather and longer daylight. Avoid August-September when many colleges restrict public access..

Which Oxford colleges are open to the public on this tour?

The tour typically visits Christchurch and Magdalen College, though specific colleges vary by term time and restrictions. During exam periods (May-June and November-December), some colleges may limit public access. Confirm which colleges are accessible when booking, especially during term time.

Can I visit Holy Trinity Church where Shakespeare is buried?

Holy Trinity Church in Stratford is not included in the standard tour but is located nearby in town. Entry costs £3.50 per person. Your two-hour free time in Stratford could accommodate this visit if you skip lunch or use the break time efficiently.

What is the difference between Shakespeare's birthplace and Anne Hathaway's cottage?

Shakespeare's birthplace is a fully guided museum experience in a townhouse with exhibits, manuscripts, and period rooms where Shakespeare spent his childhood. Anne Hathaway's cottage is a thatched farmhouse on the outskirts of town, toured at your own pace, featuring period furnishings and gardens. Both provide insight into Shakespeare's early life.