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Stratford-upon-Avon
Stratford Walking Tour: Uncover Shakespeare's Story
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Overview
The Stratford Town Walking Tour is an award-winning experience that operates 365 days a year. Guides share stories as they pass the Swan Fountain, Bancroft Gardens and Shakespeare's Birthplace. Visitors will walk through the pages of history. It's a must-do experience for anyone visiting Stratford-upon-Avon.
During the tour, visitors can expect to see iconic landmarks such as New Place, Hall's Croft, and Holy Trinity Church, where Shakespeare is buried. The tour also passes the Guild Chapel, Shakespeare's Schoolroom & Guildhall, and the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. Other notable sights include the Swan Theatre, The Other Place, Town Hall, High Cross & The Cage, The Almshouses (Guild Cottages), Harvard House, Marie Corelli's Home, Gower Memorial and the Birmingham to Stratford Canal and Rother Market.
The tour includes discounts at local cafes, restaurants, pubs, shops, and attractions, including the Shakespeare Houses and the Butterfly Farm. Entry to the Shakespeare Houses, Schoolroom, Holy Trinity Church, and other attractions are not included. A professional tour guide leads an informative and entertaining walk. 
Highlights
Award-Winning Tour: Experience a multi-award-winning guided walking tour of Stratford-upon-Avon.
Daily Operation: The tour runs 365 days a year, including Christmas Day.
Expert Local Guide: An experienced guide shares Stratford's history and Shakespeare's story.
Exclusive Discounts: Enjoy discounts at local shops, restaurants, and attractions.
Sentiment Analysis
Customers generally loved the tour for its informative guide, ease of walking, and discounts. Some wished for more time at each location.
Visitors really enjoyed the guide's stories and knowledge.
The tour is a good way to see many important places in Stratford-upon-Avon.
People liked that the tour was easy to walk.
Customers found the discounts useful.
Some visitors wished they had more time at each place.
A few people didn't like the weather but it didn't affect the experience.
The Journey
Swan Fountain, Bancroft Gardens
Begin your exploration at the picturesque Swan Fountain in Bancroft Gardens, a central meeting point and a vibrant hub along the River Avon. Look for your guide near the lamppost with the yellow sign, ready to lead you on a historical journey through Stratford-upon-Avon. The gardens themselves offer stunning views and a tranquil atmosphere, perfect for starting your adventure.
Shakespeare's Birthplace
Step back in time at Shakespeare's Birthplace, a beautifully preserved 16th-century half-timbered house on Henley Street. Here, John Shakespeare established his glove-making business, and William spent his formative years. Discover the stories of William's childhood, family life, and early inspirations in this iconic Tudor home where the world's most celebrated playwright was born in 1564. Don't miss the opportunity for a discounted visit before or after your tour.
New Place
Stand before the gates of New Place, once the grandest house in Stratford and Shakespeare's residence from age 33 until his death at 52. Imagine the bustling household and creative atmosphere where he penned some of his most famous works. Learn why this magnificent house was controversially demolished in 1759, leaving only its foundations and gardens as a testament to Shakespeare's later life.
Hall's Croft
Visit Hall's Croft, the elegant Jacobean manor house that was home to Dr. John Hall, who married Shakespeare's daughter Susanna. Explore the beautifully furnished rooms and wander through the tranquil gardens, while discovering fascinating insights into 17th-century medicine and the lives of Shakespeare's family. Hear intriguing stories of medieval medical cures, offering a glimpse into the life of a physician during Shakespearean times.
Holy Trinity Church
Reflect on Shakespeare's life and legacy at Holy Trinity Church, a serene and historic parish church on the banks of the River Avon. Walk the avenue of lime trees to approach this magnificent building dating back to 1210. Discover where Shakespeare was baptized, worshipped, and ultimately laid to rest within the Chancel, making this church a deeply significant site for literary pilgrims.
Guild Chapel
Marvel at the Guild Chapel, a prominent historical building dating back to 1269, once home to the Guild of the Holy Cross. Explore this iconic landmark and uncover one of Europe's rarest collections of medieval wall paintings, which provide a vivid glimpse into the religious and social life of Stratford during the Middle Ages.
Shakespeare's Schoolroom & Guildhall
Discover the origins of Shakespeare's genius at Shakespeare’s Schoolroom, a perfectly preserved half-timbered building dating back to the 1400s. Explore where William Shakespeare was educated and inspired, now King Edward VI Grammar School (K.E.S). Visit the Guildhall below, which served as Stratford Borough Council headquarters for over 400 years, to understand the civic life that shaped the young playwright.
Royal Shakespeare Theatre
Experience the magic of live theater at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, home to the world-renowned Royal Shakespeare Company. Designed by Elisabeth Scott, this modern theater replaced the original 1879 building and offers a stage where Shakespeare's timeless plays are brought to life. Admire the architecture and immerse yourself in the world of Shakespearean drama.
Swan Theatre
Explore the Swan Theatre, built within the red-brick gothic facade of the original Shakespeare Memorial Theatre that was partially destroyed by fire. This unique space offers a more intimate setting for theatrical performances. Appreciate how the theater rose from the ashes thanks to generous benefactors and a dedicated fundraising, and enjoy innovative interpretations of classic plays.
The Other Place
Visit The Other Place, a flexible and adaptable 200-seat theatre space. This site evolved from a corrugated tin shed dedicated to experimental theatre and new works. Explore this re-developed site and learn about its unique history and contribution to Shakespearean performance.
Town Hall
Admire the Town Hall, a Grade II listed building from the mid-1700s, standing on the site of the former Market House. See the statue of William Shakespeare presented by David Garrick, which stands proudly in a niche, and appreciate the historical significance of this civic building, which was officially opened during the Shakespeare Jubilee in 1769.
High Cross & The Cage
Visit the junction of High Street and Bridge Street, once the site of the High Cross that marked the location of the market in the 1400s. Nearby, discover 'The Cage,' a small building that once housed the town's jail. Also once the home of William Shakespeare's youngest daughter Judith and her husband Thomas Quiney, a vintner.
The Almshouses (Guild Cottages)
Discover the Guild Cottages, also known as The Almshouses, built by the Guild of the Holy Cross in the 1500s. These historic cottages provided housing for the aged and infirm members of the guild. Managed by the Municipal Charities of Stratford upon Avon, these cottages offer a glimpse into the town's history of charitable care.
Harvard House
Marvel at the elaborately carved facade of Harvard House, built in 1596 by Thomas Rogers. Admire the richest façade in town, a testament to Rogers’ wealth and standing. Learn about Katherine, Rogers's daughter, who married into the Harvard family, and her son John Harvard, who emigrated to America and founded the library that became Harvard University.
Marie Corelli's Home
Discover the former home of Marie Corelli, a famous Victorian novelist and a staunch advocate for Shakespeare and conservation. Reflect on her contributions to Stratford's cultural landscape and her role as a prominent resident and 'Shakespeare's Champion'.
Gower Memorial
Admire the Gower Memorial, created in 1888 by Lord Ronald Gower. Located near Clopton Bridge and visible from Bancroft Gardens, this statue features William Shakespeare surrounded by the characters of Hamlet, Prince Hal, Lady Macbeth, and Falstaff. Appreciate this tribute to Shakespeare's enduring characters.
Birmingham to Stratford Canal
Stroll along the Birmingham to Stratford Canal, opened in 1816. Once used for transporting goods, the canal now provides recreational activities for boaters. Observe the lock that allows access to the River Avon and enjoy the picturesque scenery along the canal's basin.
Rother Market
Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Rother Market, held weekly on Fridays and Saturdays. Explore the stalls and find local produce, crafts, and goods. Engage with the community and experience the lively tradition of this historic market site.
Know Before You Go
This walking tour includes a local professional tour guide who will provide an informative and entertaining experience. Discounts at select establishments are also included. However, entry to attractions such as the Shakespeare Houses, Schoolroom, and Holy Trinity Church are not included. There is no specific pickup or drop-off location; you will meet at the designated starting point.
Hot Tip
Wear comfortable shoes because you will be walking for a while. Also, be prepared for any kind of weather, as the tour takes place outdoors. And, bring some money to use the exclusive discounts for food or merchandise!
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