• Shakespeare’s Birthplace - Upon arriving at Stratford-Upon-Avon, the tour will begin at Shakespeare’s Birthplace, where visitors can explore the house where Shakespeare was born. This remarkable building offers the opportunity to walk in Shakespeare’s footsteps, closely examine Tudor artifacts, and uncover the truth about Shakespeare’s early years.

During the visit, the guide will explain what life was like for William, growing up as the son of John Shakespeare, a former Mayor of Stratford-Upon-Avon and a successful glove maker. Could this modest beginning explain Shakespeare’s rise to prominence? Might John’s role as Mayor and William’s education at the local Grammar School contribute to the knowledge Shakespeare displays in his plays? Could this somewhat privileged upbringing help refute claims that the Earl of Oxford or Kit Marlowe authored the plays attributed to the immortal bard? The knowledgeable guide will provide insights throughout the tour.

• The Shakespeare Bookshop - A Shakespeare tour wouldn’t be complete without a visit to one of Stratford’s wonderful bookshops. If more stops are desired, the guide will be happy to accommodate by visiting additional nearby bookshops.

This is an opportunity to purchase a copy of one of Shakespeare’s plays, a book of his sonnets, or even the complete works of Shakespeare, available in various editions.

While at the bookshop, the guide will explain how Shakespeare became such an important cultural icon, how the first folio (a collection of his plays) was published, and why some theatre directors, like the late great Peter Hall (former Artistic Director of the Royal Shakespeare Company, which will be visited later in the tour), create their own unique versions of Shakespeare’s scripts to help actors better understand Shakespeare’s language.

• Shakespeare’s Schoolroom & Guildhall - Shakespeare attended the King’s New School from ages 7 to 14. His education, which included learning to read and speak Latin, was instrumental in shaping William Shakespeare into the man and writer admired today.

At the Schoolroom, visitors can explore what a Tudor education was like in the very room where the greatest writer of all time learned to read and write.

• Hobsons Patisseries - Hobsons Patisseries is a highlight for the guides leading this tour. Known for its delicious sandwiches, perfect pies, and delightful cakes, it has even prompted detours to Stratford just for a meal here!

Serving traditional British food in a cozy, wood-beamed café, Hobsons is the ideal spot to refuel before continuing the Stratford journey.

While Hobsons is a local landmark, if visitors prefer to dine elsewhere, such as one of the many historic pubs or local restaurants, the guide is always willing to accommodate. For dietary requirements, please email in advance for assistance in choosing among local eateries.

• Hall’s Croft - Hall’s Croft was home to Susanna Hall, the daughter of William Shakespeare, and her husband, Doctor John Hall. Susanna married Dr. John Hall in 1607, and Hall’s Croft is dedicated to their life together and John’s medical practice. This stunning Grade 1 listed building offers a glimpse into an Elizabethan property, furnished with 16th and 17th-century furniture. It provides insight into life during that period and illustrates how Shakespeare’s status had risen, as his daughter married a learned man like Dr. Hall.

• Shakespeare’s New Place - Unfortunately, the building that was New Place, Shakespeare’s last residence in Stratford-Upon-Avon, no longer exists. It was demolished in 1759 by an owner frustrated with visitors, following a tax dispute. New Place is now a beautiful garden designed for tourists.

At New Place, visitors can explore the garden, designed to help tourists, academics, and Shakespeare enthusiasts connect with the greatest writer of all time. The guide will explain why Shakespeare’s purchase of New Place demonstrated his importance and wealth, and how some of his later plays, such as “The Tempest,” were written here rather than in London. Additionally, the discussion will cover how Shakespeare’s property holdings in both Stratford-upon-Avon and London raise questions about his loyalties that remain unanswered.

• Holy Trinity Church - Holy Trinity Church is closely associated with the Shakespeare family. John Shakespeare, William’s father, would have processed here in his mayoral robes during his tenure as Mayor, with a young William in tow. This is the church where William worshipped every Sunday while in Stratford-Upon-Avon and is most closely linked to the Shakespeare family.

William was baptized at Holy Trinity Church in 1564, married Anne Hathaway there in 1582, and both are buried there. Visitors will have time to visit the graves of William and Anne (who is buried next to him) and learn how the religious changes of the 16th century influenced William and his work.

• Royal Shakespeare Theatre - The Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) is the leading theatrical company specializing in productions of William Shakespeare’s works, ranging from Shakespeare to new writing and mega-hit musicals like “Les Miserables” and “Matilda.” Founded in 1875 and granted its royal charter in 1925 by King George V, the Royal Shakespeare Company tours its Shakespeare productions worldwide. At the Stratford headquarters, visitors can enjoy a drink in one of their cafes/bars and explore some of the free exhibits and exhibitions on display.

While there, the guide will discuss some of the most notable RSC productions throughout the company’s history, as well as the challenges faced by actors taking on some of Shakespeare’s most significant roles.

If there are no performances in the theatre on the day of the visit, tickets can be purchased for the RSC’s Tower, offering panoramic views of Stratford.

• Anne Hathaway’s Cottage & Gardens - Anne Hathaway’s cottage is where Shakespeare’s wife lived and grew up. This 12-room farmhouse was home to the Hathaway family until 1892 when it was purchased and preserved by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust.

Visiting Anne Hathaway’s cottage allows for a comparison of the childhoods of Shakespeare and his wife, and provides insight into the woman who married the greatest writer in the English language. While little is known about Anne, it is at her family home where the guide will help visitors learn more about why Shakespeare, upon his death, only bequeathed Anne his “second-best bed,” why none of Shakespeare’s sonnets, considered some of the greatest love poems of all time, are dedicated to Anne, and why William married a woman eight years his senior. Finally, the guide will discuss how Shakespeare’s home life, including the death of his son, influenced his plays and contributed to the creation of one of the most iconic Shakespearean characters of all time.

• Entry to Shakespeare’s Birthplace Trust
• Entry to Croft Hall
• Entry to New Place
• Entry to Anne Hathaway’s Cottage
• Entry to Shakespeare’s School Room

• Gratuities

Conducted by a seasoned actor and director with extensive experience in Shakespearean plays and presently undertaking a PhD in Drama at Queen Mary University of London under a globally recognized Shakespearean Scholar, this tour is a blend of narration, Shakespeare’s play excerpts, and the most recent knowledge in Shakespearean academics. It targets tourists interested in delving deeper into the life of William Shakespeare, and serves admirers of the eternal bard.

This excursion is structured to showcase the highlights of Stratford-Upon-Avon, enabling an understanding of the individual behind the legendary dramatist. It discusses aspects and sites related to William’s childhood, the rise and decline of his father, John Shakespeare, and William’s personal life with his wife and offspring, to which he reconnected in his twilight years after accumulating wealth in London.

Incorporating a service for pick-up and drop-off to London, and the inclusion of all admission fees, this tour eliminates any travel worries or navigational challenges in Stratford.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.