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Guided Tour of Stratford: A Journey Through Time with WalkTalkShow.co.uk
4.9
235 Ratings
Warwickshire
Embark on a captivating journey through time with WalkTalkShow.co.uk’s guided tour of Stratford. Discover the rich history of the town, William Shakespeare, and iconic landmarks that shaped the Bard’s legacy.
Duration:
1 hour, 30 minutes
Cancellation:
1 day
learn more
Highlights
- Royal Shakespeare Theatre - The first of about a dozen stops that are included in our 1.4km guided tour. The world famous RST has a rich history and is viewed by many actors as the pinnacle of their career. This iconic theatre is our meeting point and from here we overview the origins of this world famous town.
- Stratford-upon-Avon - At Market Cross you will see one of the original Market Halls - dating back to 1500AD and the place that John Shakespeare often used to trade his artisan gloves.
- Shakespeare’s Birthplace - This is our third stop and here we showcase the living conditions of the very fortunate young William Shakespeare, born as he was into a prosperous Tudor family. The house dates from the early 1500’s and is a living museum.
- The American Fountain - At this historically important site the Town’s livestock market was located from 1196 when the settlement first became a Market Town. Two pubs that have survived from the Tudor period are also located on this important junction.
- Stratford-upon-Avon - Our next visit is Bell Court where you can see the Bell that was used to draw people to the towns artisan markets hanging in the main entrance. Bell Court houses a wide range of drinking and dining venues.
- Town Hall Stratford upon Avon - At the top of Sheep Street is a junction we call History Corner - as within sight are buildings that span five centuries. These include the birthplace of John Harvard, the founding father of Harvard University, as well as another Tudor era pub, now called The Garrick Inn.
- Shakespeare’s New Place - Originally built in 1483, Shakespeare bought his huge retirement pad in 1597. The largest house in town with a history almost as colourful as that of William’s father, John.
- Stratford-upon-Avon - Nearing the end of our tour you will visit the Guild Chapel - part of the towns original seat of power which dates back to 1269. The Guild Chapel is Free to enter and has its own absolutely fascinating history. Shakespeare’s schoolroom is right next door and we’ll see that too!
- Shakespeare’s Schoolroom & Guildhall - The Guild, itself founded in 1269, started a school in 1295 that exists to this day. William Shakespeare attended it in the late 1500’s, gaining a superb education. It is now a living museum.
- Stratford-upon-Avon - We stop briefly on Chapel Lane to take in King Edward the Sixth Grammar School, this large, modern, grammar school is today’s version of the original Guild school that started in 1295; the same school that Shakespeare attended.
- Swan Theatre - Here we describe the history of the Theatre complex and explain why the facade of The Swan is all that survives of the original Shakespeare Memorial Theatre.
- Royal Shakespeare Theatre - We finish back at our our original starting point, the RST. Your Guide will be happy any questions you may have to help you to optimise your visit to our wonderful town.
What's Included
- Experience 14 centuries of history
- See buildings dating back to 1210
- Chart Shakespeare’s life
Additional Information
Stratford’s renowned WalkTalkShow offers an intriguing guided tour through the rich history of Stratford, dating back to its modest beginnings in the 7th Century. Our knowledgeable guides will share stories about the town, William Shakespeare, and the significant buildings and events that mark a history spanning 14 centuries.
The tour includes 12 stops, each highlighting key historical details about both the Bard and his hometown. Discover the importance of the Guild of the Holy Cross, established in 1269, to local history, and uncover the mystery of Hugh Clopton.
Visit Harvard House (1596), the family residence of the founder of America’s most prestigious university. Shakespeare visited all five of the taverns from his era that still exist today, and you can too. You’ll also gain insights into the greatest writer of all time and the transformative forces of English history that influenced him, his hometown, the British Isles, and subsequently the world. For more information, visit: WalkTalkShow.co.uk.
Location
Royal Shakespeare Theatre
Waterside
Meet just below the main entrance steps to the Royal Shakespeare Theatre [also known as RSC] at the base of The Tower - unmissable. Please remain outside the building or you could miss us. If it is crowded your Guide will be holding a RED umbrella aloft to help you locate them.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.9
(235 Ratings)
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Angie_a
Aug 31, 2024
Enjoyable and interesting . Great tour guide. - The tour was really enjoyable . Dwaine did a great job of sharing his knowledge about Stratford upon Avon and its history whilst keeping it upbeat and interesting. As a group of people of mixed ages I think he did great to keep everyone engaged . Thanks very much
Review provided by Viator
Discover52375592004
Aug 27, 2024
Good walking tour - Kate was very knowledgeable and enthusiastic about her home town. Lots of insight and good information. Walked us round like a mother hen which was not easy with some of the group who were more interested in their phone and wanting to get lost🤪
Review provided by Tripadvisor
T7696rramandal
Aug 27, 2024
Walking tour of Stratford on Avon , with a historic information guide - We did the walking trip around Stratford with Kate. She was wonderful, considerate and informative. Definitely recommend. Thanks Kate
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Tedwar01
Aug 20, 2024
Thanks Glinda - Glinda was fantastic. Very knowledgeable and well delivered info. Highly recommend if you want to find out more about William Shakespeare and his history in Stratford Upon Avon.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Susanna_a
Aug 16, 2024
Must do Stratford tour - We took the afternoon WalkTalkShow tour with Glinda. She was a knowledgeable and immensely entertaining guide. She showed us the significance of parts of Stratford we would never have found ourselves. We learned about Stratford's deep history, its culture, and of course, about Shakespeare in Stratford. Glinda was always open to our questions, and very generous with her time. She clearly loves her subject, and that spills over into the tour.
Review provided by Viator
Karen_d
Aug 12, 2024
Shakespeare revisited - Learning about Shakespeare’s family and history. Dwayne was a very enthusiastic guide with a lot of knowledge to share.
Review provided by Viator
Gillian
Aug 7, 2024
Cheerful and friendly guide. - We enjoyed a two hour + guided walk around Stratford with Dwayne yesterday. We learned such a lot about the buildings and people of Stratford in a cheerful and friendly way. We are retracing our steps today and visiting the fabulous places explained. A great introduction to our visit, well worth the feeling and time. Thanks to Dwayne.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
286gunnerr
Aug 5, 2024
Excellent tour for the whole family and dog! - Excellent tour! Not too long! Came as family of 4 , children age 9 and 11. Kids enjoyed the tour very much! We had dog with us too! Kate was excellent! Can’t recommend enough!
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Guide07110576785
Aug 1, 2024
Do it! Awesome! - A wonderful enthusiastic guide, Kate. One local with a lot of knowledge and a nice way of telling.
Duration tour 1 hour 15, full of fun facts and facts. A great town anyway. Good value for money.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Steve_b
Aug 26, 2024
Guide Marcus was brilliant - The guide ajar us was brilliant, he has amazing t knowledge of both Stratford Upon Avon and British History .,,I would have given him 5 stars but the only reason I gave four stars is because we had wished the walk had included other great buildings such as Hall Croft and some other areas …well worth the money.
Review provided by Viator