London to Stratford-upon-Avon: Four best day trips

Planning a day trip from London to Stratford-upon-Avon? Compare the best Stratford-upon-Avon tours, expertly selected by Visit London.
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Shakespeare's Birthplace, a restored 16th-century half-timbered house in Stratford-upon-Avon at sunset.
Visit Shakespeare's Birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon. Image credit: Shutterstock. Image courtesy of Shutterstock.

Discover the best tours to Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of William Shakespeare. Located around 100 miles (161km) north-west of the capital, this popular destination is typically reached by coach in around three hours, making it ideal for a day trip from London

Find the best tours of Stratford-upon-Avon from London, whether you're looking to uncover Shakespeare's birthplace, explore the town's historic streets, or combine your visit with destinations such as the Cotswolds, Oxford or Warwick Castle. Our editorial team has carefully curated a selection of the best Stratford-upon-Avon trips, making it easy to compare itineraries, inclusions and tour styles in one place.  

Best Stratford-upon-Avon day trips from London in 2026

How we chose the best Stratford-upon-Avon tours from London

We chose the best Stratford-upon-Avon tours using a combination of search data, local knowledge and visitor reviews. We carefully consider the popularity and appeal of each destination we recommend, and we also use first-hand insights from our team of experts to ensure that our selections are accurate and well-informed.

Stratford-upon-Avon Shakespeare day trip from London – Best for literature fans

Shakespeare's statue in Stratford-upon-Avon on a sunny day with blue sky and red brick houses in the background.
Get up close to Shakespeare's statue in Stratford-upon-Avon. Image credit: Shutterstock. Image courtesy of Shutterstock.
Where: The tour departs from Bus Stop 1, Bulleid Way, SW1W 9SR
Nearest Tube or train: Victoria (Circle, District and Victoria)
When: Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays at 8.30am
Duration: Around 9 hours
Price: From £69.00

Step into the world of William Shakespeare on this full-day Stratford-upon-Avon day trip from London. Travel by luxury coach to the medieval market town and enjoy plenty of free time to explore at your own pace.

Enjoy optional visits to Shakespeare’s Birthplace, his wife Anne Hathaway’s cottage, and Shakespeare’s New Place, the site of the playwright’s family home until his death in 1616. Delve into Shakespeare's life and legacy as you wander the streets of Stratford-upon-Avon, take a riverside stroll, and browse charming shops and cafes. With no set itinerary, you are free to explore this historic town at your leisure.

Best for: Shakespeare fans, history lovers and travellers looking for a flexible Stratford-upon-Avon tour from London.
Good to know: This is an unescorted day trip, giving you the freedom to explore Stratford-upon-Avon independently. Attraction entry is included only with selected ticket options.

Book your Stratford-upon-Avon Shakespeare day trip from London. 

Oxford, Stratford-upon-Avon, Cotswolds and Warwick Castle day trip – Best for a multi-stop tour

Panoramic view on the Radcliffe Camera, the Bodleian library and the city of Oxford on a sunny day.
Wander the cobbled streets of Oxford, home to one of the oldest universities, and don't miss the Radcliffe Camera and the Bodleian Library. Image credit: Shutterstock. Image courtesy of Shutterstock.
Where: The tour departs from Bus Stop 1, Bulleid Way, SW1W 9SR
Nearest Tube or train: Victoria (Circle, District and Victoria)
When: Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays at 8.30am; daily departures from mid-March
Duration: Around 10 hours
Price: From £79.00

Visit no fewer than four historic destinations in this action-packed day trip from London. Begin with a luxury coach ride to Oxford, where you can look forward to a guided walking tour introducing you to world-famous landmarks including the Bodleian Library and the Radcliffe Camera. Step inside the magnificent University Church of St Mary the Virgin, and snap plenty of photos as you stroll through the cobbled alleyways. 

Expect another scenic drive – this time through the spectacular Cotswolds countryside – before arriving at Stratford-upon-Avon. Enjoy an optional visit to Shakespeare’s Birthplace, or simply wander the picture-perfect streets of this charming market town. 

Finally, prepare to step back in time as you walk the halls of Warwick Castle, exploring the breathtaking Great Hall and the lavish State Rooms. 

Best for: Seeing multiple popular destinations in just one day.
Good to know: You can purchase tickets either including or excluding entry to Warwick Castle and Shakespeare's Birthplace, but the Oxford walking tour is included in the price, as well as a professional guide onboard your coach.

Book your Oxford, Cotswolds, Stratford-upon-Avon and Warwick Castle day trip. 

Private full-day tour of Stratford-Upon-Avon and Warwick Castle – Best for a personalised experience

Photo of Warwich castle amongst green trees with blue sky in the background.
Explore Warwick Castle and its magnificent gardens. Image credit: Getty Images / iStockphoto. Image courtesy of Getty Images / iStockphoto.
Where: Pick-up from any central London hotel
When: Daily, from 8.30am
Duration: Around 11 hours
Price: From £474.75

Venture through the glorious English countryside in a private car with your own tour guide, visiting both Stratford-upon-Avon and Warwick Castle. 

Upon arrival in Stratford-upon-Avon, you are free to stroll through the cobbled streets, amble along the banks of the river Avon or check out the charming cafes, pubs and independent shops. You can also choose to enter popular attractions such as Shakespeare’s Birthplace and Anne Hathaway’s cottage. 

After learning about Shakespeare’s connections to this handsome market town, prepare for the next stop on your private tour: Warwick Castle. Entry is included with your ticket, so make sure to soak up everything the historic site has to offer – the magnificent Great Hall and the opulent State Rooms are a must-see.  

Best for: Those seeking a tailored trip to two fantastic destinations.
Good to know: The tour is scheduled to last around 11 hours, but there is no fixed itinerary or pre-determined duration for each stop. Please note that exclusions apply for pick-up and drop-off.

Book your private full-day tour of Stratford-Upon-Avon and Warwick Castle. 

Oxford, Cotswolds and Stratford-upon-Avon Christmas lunch tour – Best for festive sightseeing

An areal view of central Oxford in the winter with snow in the courtyards and on the rooftops.
Discover the magic of Oxford in the winter. Image credit: Shutterstock. Image courtesy of Shutterstock.
Where: The tour departs from Bus Stop 1, Bulleid Way, SW1W 9SR
Nearest Tube or train: Victoria (Circle, District and Victoria)
When: 8.30am on 25 December
Duration: Around 11 hours
Price: From £199.00

Soak up the magic of Oxford, Stratford-upon-Avon and the Cotswolds on this festive tour, which includes Christmas lunch. 

Set off on Christmas Day and explore your first stop: Oxford. You'll soon be treated to a guided walking tour, with plenty of time to admire landmarks including the Bodleian Library and the Radcliffe Camera. 

After a mesmerising drive through the Cotswolds, hop off the coach in Stratford-upon-Avon, where you can look forward to another guided walking tour. Meander through the cobbled lanes, delve into the history of England’s most famous playwright and indulge in a traditional Christmas lunch before you return to the capital. 

Best for: A multi-stop Christmas Day trip.
Good to know: Lunch includes a three-course meal and a glass of wine or a soft drink of your choice.

Book your Oxford, Cotswolds and Stratford-upon-Avon Christmas lunch tour. 

Stratford-upon-Avon tours from London FAQs

What is the best Stratford-upon-Avon tour from London?

Finding the best Stratford-upon-Avon tour from London will depend on your budget and your preferred itinerary. The Stratford-upon-Avon Shakespeare day trip is the best tour for literature fans, while the Oxford, Stratford-upon-Avon, Cotswolds and Warwick Castle tour is best for a varied experience.

How long do Stratford-upon-Avon tours from London take?

The drive from London to Stratford-upon-Avon takes between two and three hours, and each day trip usually lasts around 10 hours in total.

How do I choose the best Stratford-upon-Avon tour from London?

To choose the best Stratford-upon-Avon tour from London, consider your ideal budget and your preferred itinerary. Some tours offer multiple different stops, including Oxford, Warwick, Cotswolds and Stratford-upon-Avon, while others give visitors more free time to explore attractions such as Shakespeare's Birthplace.

What is included in a Stratford-upon-Avon tour from London?

While most Stratford-upon-Avon tours include return coach transport, entry to attractions such as Shakespeare's Birthplace and Anne Hathaway's Cottage is only included with certain ticket types. We recommend checking before you book to ensure that you get the best experience.