Stratford Town Walking Tour 365 Days a Year
4.9 / 5 · 421 traveler reviews
Multi award-winning Guided Walking Tour, established 2002. Operates 365 days a year - even Christmas Day! All welcome. The Tour Guide tells the Shakespeare story as you pass the main sights and attractions in Stratford upon Avon. "It's like walking through the pages of history". "A must do" Fee includes exclusive discounts (to use before or after the tour) at a selection of cafes, restaurants, pubs, shops and attractions, including the Shakespeare Houses, Schoolroom & Guildhall, Butterfly Farm and many more.
Your experience
Stop 1
The Swan Fountain in the Bancroft Gardens on Waterside is the meeting place for the Stratford Town Walk. Look out for the guide (wearing a flash of yellow), standing by a lamppost with a yellow sign our company name. The route of the Town Walk may vary. Please ask the guide if you need to know the ending place of the tour.
Stop 2
A beautiful 16th century half-timbered building in Henley Street. It was the family home of John and Mary Shakespeare and where their son William Shakespeare was born in 1564. It was in this building where John Shakespeare established his glove-making business, where William grew up and after his marriage, lived with his wife Anne Hathaway. Hear stories of his childhood years and family life in Tudor times. (note - if you would like to visit Shakespeare's Birthplace before or after the tour, a discount is offered to Stratford Town Walk customers)
Stop 3
William Shakespeare purchased New Place when he was 33 years old and where he lived with his family until he died, ages 52. As you stand outside the magnificent gates, imagine the largest house in the town and find out why it was demolished in 1759.
Stop 4
Hall's Croft was the home of John Hall, physician who married William Shakespeare's eldest daughter Susanna. As you admire the impressive Jacobean residence, hear fascinating stories of medieval medical cures.
Stop 5
Holy Trinity Church, on the banks of the River Avon is one of England’s most visited Parish Churches. It is where William Shakespeare was baptised, worshipped and subsequently buried within the Chancel. As you approach along an avenue of Lime trees enjoy the magnificent building dating back to 1210.
Stop 6
The Guild Chapel is one of Stratford’s most iconic and important historic buildings. Dating back to 1269, it was the home of the Guild of the Holy Cross, a prominent social and religious organisation. The building contains one of the rarest series of medieval wall paintings in Europe.
Stop 7
William Shakespeare’s Schoolroom is a fine example of a half-timbered building dating back to the 1400’s Discover where William Shakespeare was educated and inspired to become the world’s greatest playwright. It was known as The King’s New School but is now King Edward VI Grammar School (K.E.S). Below the schoolroom is the Guildhall and in 1553 the headquarters of Stratford Borough Council. It remained the heart of civic life for over 400 years.
Stop 8
The Royal Shakespeare Theatre dates back to 1932. It was designed by British Architect, Elisabeth Scott who won a competition with her design. The theatre was a replacement for the 1879 Shakespeare Memorial Theatre, destroyed by fire in 1926. It is the home of the world-class Royal Shakespeare Company who perform Shakespeare’s plays to visitors from all over the world.
Stop 9
The Swan Theatre stands on the site of the 1879 Shakespeare Memorial Theatre, most of which was destroyed by fire in 1926. Only the library and art gallery were saved. In 1986, thanks to fundraising and generous benefactors the Swan Theatre opened within the original red-brick gothic facade.
Stop 10
In the 1970’s, The Other Place was a corrugated tin shed rehearsal room and studio space dedicated to new work and experimental theatre. Re-developed over the years it re-opened in 2006 as The Courtyard Theatre. It seated 1000 people and was used as a temporary theatre during the transformation of the RST and Swan Theatres. The Other Place is now a flexible and adaptable 200 seat theatre space with rehearsal rooms and costume storage.
Stop 11
The Town Hall, a Grade II listed building, dates back to the mid 1700’s. It stands on the site of the Market House which during the English Civil War was used as a munitions store. Unfortunately, the building was badly damaged following a gunpowder explosion. The current building was completed in 1767 and officially opened in 1769 by actor, David Garrick. Standing proudly in a niche on the front of the building is a statue of William Shakespeare, presented by David Garrick at the official opening and during the Shakespeare Jubilee.
Stop 12
It was in this area, in the 1400’s a High Cross was sited at the junction of High Street and Bridge Street to signify the location of a market. In the corner if High Street and Bridge Street is a small building, sometimes referred to as ‘The Cage’. The town’s jail was located beneath the building. It was also the home of William Shakespeare’s youngest daughter Judith and her husband Thomas Quiney, a vintner.
What’s included
- Local professional Tour Guide delivers an informative & entertaining walking tour
- Multi award-winning tour giving insight into Stratford's history and links with William Shakespeare
Not included
- Entry to the Shakespeare Houses, Schoolroom, Holy Trinity Church and other attractions
Meeting and pickup
The Swan Fountain (water fountain) is on Waterside, 200 yards in front of the Royal Shakespeare Theatre and opposite Sheep Street. Look out for the guide (wearing a flash of yellow) standing by a lamppost with a small yellow sign saying, "Walking tour meeting place". What 3 Words: waving.oasis.cure
Before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Public conveniences nearby
- Disabled parking bays nearby
- Cafes and restaurants nearby
- Mobility scooters and wheelchairs can be hired locally from Shopmobility
- If fully booked or shorter tour required, check out our 2pm Discover Stratford in 60 mins tour (Mon to Fri) April to Sept
- Not recommended for travellers who have difficulty standing or walking
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Check the policy for your selected date and option before booking.
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