Shakespeare's Schoolroom & Guildhall Tour: Embrace the Past where Great Playwright was Schooled
4.8
183 Ratings
Stratford-upon-Avon
Step into the past and explore Shakespeare's Schoolroom & Guildhall, where the world's greatest playwright was educated. Immerse yourself in 16th century Stratford, participate in a Tudor lesson, and experience the space where Shakespeare first witnessed performances by renowned actors. Perfect for all ages!
Duration: 1 hour
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Shakespeare’s Schoolroom & Guildhall - Visitors are invited to explore the very building in which young William Shakespeare was educated in the 1570s. Films provide background information about Shakespeare’s school days and the historic significance of Stratford-upon-Avon’s Guildhall. 

Built in 1420, this building is one of only a few remaining medieval Guildhalls in the country. Knowledgeable and passionate guides will bring the many stories to life about the building’s role in Stratford’s civic life over the centuries and how the Shakespeare family was involved.

See the Council Chamber, where William Shakespeare’s father served as Bailiff (Mayor) and the room where Shakespeare first witnessed performances by some of the country’s greatest actors. Participate in a Tudor lesson and brush up on your Latin. With this interactive and engaging visitor experience for all ages, you can dress up in Tudor-style for a ‘selfie,’ play Tudor games, get messy with quill and ink, and marvel at the medieval wall paintings.

What's Included
  • Tudor history lesson
  • Experienced guide
What's Not Included
  • Gratuities
Additional Information

Experience the educational journey of William Shakespeare that led him to become the world-renowned playwright we celebrate today, by visiting Shakespeare’s Schoolroom & Guildhall. Submerge yourself in the atmosphere of 16th century Stratford, and have the unique opportunity to sit in the exact room where a young Shakespeare once studied. Explore the Council Chamber where he would have been inspired by the most esteemed actors of his time. In this dynamic and captivating experience, take part in an authentic Tudor lesson, improve your Latin skills, capture the moment in Tudor-style clothing for a ‘selfie’, and indulge in some traditional Tudor games. A trip to Shakespeare’s Schoolroom & Guildhall provides a fun and educational day out suitable for all ages, with the admission fee, tour guide and a Tudor lesson inclusive.

  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • Wheelchair accessible; elevator allows access to both floors
Location
Shakespeare's Schoolroom & Guildhall
Church Street
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
4.8
(183 Ratings)
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Nergelag
Apr 21, 2024
Absolutely brilliant - funny and vey informative - Absolutely brilliant. A tour of the downstairs Guildhall together with short videos and a comprehensive and entertaining description of its history, then a visit to Shakespeare's schoolroom led by an actor playing the headmaster at the time he was being taught. Very entertaining, informative and at times very funny. Worth every penny.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ckd_09
Apr 12, 2024
Fantastic Experience - Shakespeare’s Schoolroom provides an incredible insight to school life in Elizabethan England. The whole team were great; especially the teacher and Jan; and provided an extremely memorable and interesting experience
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Wendy_t
Apr 7, 2024
Excellent - Dressing up in the schoolroom. Writing with a Quill pen. The guides were excellent and the history of the place amazing!
Review provided by Viator
846nickil
Mar 16, 2024
The highlight of our day - Shakespeare' schoolroom was not on our list of attractions to visit during our day trip to the town, but we passed by and decided to have a quick look; we were so glad we did! The staff were friendly, welcoming and knowledgeable and there was so much to see and discover. We particularly loved the altar painting and hidden figure and the school master talk was very entertaining and informative. We spent more than two hours exploring and would thoroughly recommend a visit - it was the highlight of our day, which also included all the other historic Shakespeare houses and sites. Thanks to the amazing team who brought Shakespeare's early years to life for us.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Stefwhite2000
Mar 11, 2024
Wonderful experience, very informative - I really enjoyed this small museum in the heart of Stratford Upon Avon. It’s been incredibly well preserved from its original building 600 years ago. We entered under the impression that we roam the building as we please but we managed to join a tour instead. The tour was very informative, the tour guide was fantastic and the costume interpreter was also. They were all clearly very passionate about their jobs and the history around the building.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Connector67882195141
Feb 28, 2024
Class visit - Well worth a visit, be prepared to get a good telling off when you visit the masters classroom, lots to look at, guides well informed
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Angiemx9600yg
Feb 6, 2024
Hands down favourite thing we did all day! - We came here after visiting Trinity Church (well worth the visit) and Shakespeare's birthplace (wonderful building but the tour was lacking). Its the best thing we did all day!! Unusually entrance is VIA the gift shop (nice selection of items but a better selection in the main birthplace shop) and you have time to visit that after the tour as you exit there also. Warm greeting on arrival and they check back in with you after. We had popped our heads in earlier to ask for a nearby cafe recommendation and were very grateful to Heather (more on her later) for the fantastic Fourteas Tea Room tip. You start with a general talk and introduction, followed by a short video, then time (and a very touching surprise) in the Chapel. Then proceed upstairs to the school rooms. A big shout out to our young guide Heather who spoke so well and was very sweet, interesting and clearly as well as justifiably a big fan of the place (especially the Chapel). Followed by many thanks to Tarish, our full of life and historical expertise 'School master' (we could have listened to him all day.... great personality and so knowledgeable) and finally to Dale... our history buff and fascinating lad with much to share and just generally a legend all round. There are chances to dress up (yes, including the grown ups) and to write with quills in the school room. And you even get to take the scrolls home with you. I've been to Stratford many times but this has been my favourite place to visit so far. Finally, one more shout out to Heather. For someone so young to speak so eloquently and with confidence... we were very impressed and think she will go far!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
C5116nekevinm
Dec 23, 2023
Well worth a visit! - You can feel the history in the place. Interesting to know that Shakespeare studied here and also that it is still used as a classroom for students of a local school .. very inspiring for budding young authors! The guides were very engaging and clearly very knowledgeable about Shakespeare. Thanks to Dwayne for answering all our questions in good humour!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
U281bllees
Mar 9, 2024
Great school house with hilarious, School master - This attraction is split into two. Firstly, you get to watch two short videos downstairs about the guild Hall, and you have the opportunity to ask the guides any questions, there is also quite a lot of narrative downstairs to read as well. Secondly, is the school room upstairs. This is definitely the best bit as you get to meet with the school master and also get to try your hand writing with a quill. It is very entertaining. The only issue that we had was with the reception staff on the desk., I really struggled to get an essential carer ticket or any concession due to my disability and was made to feel quite bad about it to be honest. Eventually they agreed to give my daughter a free ticket as she is a registered Young Carers, but I felt as if it had been a real ordeal to get it, and I felt quite uncomfortable.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Rosemaryc783
Feb 23, 2024
Better than expected - The building is interesting but small so it could have been a very short visit. However, there are a few short but enjoyable presentations. The school master was particularly good.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
May 2024
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