June 18, 2026

 June 18, 2026 – Shakespeare Country and Oxford

Today was our longest day on the coach as we traveled to the land of Shakespeare. Before arriving at Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, we passed through several charming towns, including Henley-in-Arden, with its picturesque streets and historic buildings.

Our first stop was Anne Hathaway’s Cottage and Gardens. Anne was the wife of William Shakespeare. When they married, William was just 18 years old and Anne was 26. Her family lived on this farm for many generations. The cottage dates back to 1463, and her father was a successful sheep farmer.

The gardens at Anne Hathaway’s Cottage were beautiful. Our docent explained that gardens have existed on the property since Shakespeare’s time, making it easy to imagine Anne and William strolling the grounds more than four centuries ago.

Anne was pregnant with their first child when they married. In those days, young men typically did not marry until they had completed a seven-year apprenticeship and established themselves in a trade. Shakespeare found himself in quite a predicament! Fortunately for all of us, he turned out to be a gifted storyteller.

William’s father was a glove maker, and the Shakespeare family was relatively prosperous. They lived in Stratford-upon-Avon above the family glove shop. After William and Anne married, they spent time living with the Shakespeare family before eventually establishing their own household.

It is remarkable to think that words written by William Shakespeare over 400 years ago remain relevant today. His stories have been adapted countless times, and many of his phrases have become part of everyday speech. Perhaps the best word to describe his work is timeless.

We walked down to the River Avon and stood on the very same banks Shakespeare would have known. Looking across the water, I couldn’t help but wonder what he would think of the world today.

Our next destination was Oxford, England—the famed City of Dreaming Spires. Upon arrival, our coach stopped near the center of town. Bellmen met us with rolling carts, and we walked a couple of blocks to our hotel, The Store. Formerly it was Boswells a department store. 

A local guide led us on a walking tour of Oxford University. Oxford is made up of numerous independent colleges, each with its own traditions, buildings, and student community. Students live, eat, study, and socialize within their college while earning degrees from Oxford University. Our guide also described the long evolution toward admitting women as students and faculty members, something that seems hard to imagine today.

Later, we enjoyed rooftop cocktails at our hotel. In a previous life, The Store had been a department store, and from the rooftop terrace we enjoyed beautiful views across Oxford. Everywhere we looked, church towers and college spires rose above the skyline.

Dinner was at No. 1 Ship Street, where we discovered several of our fellow travelers had the same idea. Perhaps our tour guide planted the seed when we passed by earlier in the day! Our meal included mussels, frog legs, lamb, risotto, and steak—all delicious.

As the sun set over the dreaming spires of Oxford, we reflected on another wonderful day filled with history, learning, and great company.

Good night, Oxford!