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Private Day Tour to Stratford-Upon-Avon - All things Shakespeare

5 (3)
Stratford-upon-Avon, GB
5 (3)
Stratford-upon-Avon, GB
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Embark on a captivating journey to the birthplace of William Shakespeare with this day tour to Stratford-Upon-Avon. Led by a trained actor and director with extensive knowledge of Shakespearean plays, this tour immerses you in the life and times of the legendary bard. Explore Shakespeare's birthplace, walk in his footsteps, and uncover the truth behind his upbringing. Visit the local bookshops and delve into Shakespeare's cultural significance. Discover the Tudor education that shaped his literary genius at the King's New School. Indulge in traditional British food at Hobsons Patisseries, a local Stratford landmark. Explore Hall's Croft, the former home of Shakespeare's daughter, and New Place, his last residence. Visit Holy Trinity Church, where Shakespeare was baptised, married, and buried. Finally, explore the headquarters of the Royal Shakespeare Company and be enchanted by Anne Hathaway's Cottage. This fully guided tour includes pick-up and return to London, as well as all entry fees. Don't miss this opportunity to reveal the secrets of the immortal bard and experience the magic of Stratford-Upon-Avon.

About this experience

  • Free Cancellation For a full refund cancel at least before the start of your booking
  • Admission Included
  • 11 hours
  • Suitable for 1-5 Participants
  • Private Tour, Small Group Tour
  • Guided Experience
  • Visit Stratford's bookshops and learn about Shakespeare's cultural significance
  • Discover Shakespeare's education at the King's New School
  • Indulge in traditional British food at Hobsons Patisseries
  • Experience the historic Hall's Croft, home of Shakespeare's daughter
  • Entry to the shakespeare's birthplace trust
  • Entry to new place
  • Entry to anne hathaway's cottage
  • Entry to shakespeare's school room
  • Entry to croft hall
  • Gratuities

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More about this experience

Introduction

Experience an unforgettable journey to the enchanting birthplace of the world's greatest playwright, William Shakespeare. Led by a knowledgeable actor and director who specializes in Shakespearean plays and holds a PhD in Drama, this tour promises a captivating exploration into the life and legacy of the immortal bard.

What to expect?

Prepare to immerse yourself in the rich history and literary genius of William Shakespeare. From his humble beginnings to the height of his fame, this tour offers a comprehensive journey through key locations and significant events in his life. Discover the house where Shakespeare was born, walk in his footsteps, and unravel the mysteries and influences that shaped his remarkable career.

Who is this for?

This tour caters to both curious tourists seeking a deeper understanding of Shakespeare's life and dedicated enthusiasts eager to delve into the world of the bard. Whether you're a literature lover, history buff, or simply intrigued by the enduring appeal of Shakespeare's works, this tour welcomes all who are eager to discover the man behind the legend.

Why book this?

With a trained actor and director as your guide, this tour provides an unparalleled opportunity to gain insights that go beyond standard historical accounts. Engage with captivating storytelling, quotes from Shakespeare's plays, and the latest Shakespearian scholarship, as you explore the places that shaped his life. This immersive experience ensures a profound connection with the words and works of one of the greatest writers in history.

Good to know

This day tour includes a convenient pick-up and return to London, as well as all entrance fees. Forget the hassle of travel logistics and simply relax as you journey through the picturesque town of Stratford-Upon-Avon. Be sure to bring your appetite, as you'll have the chance to savor traditional British fare at renowned local cafes and restaurants.

Reviews

Travelers who have embarked on this Shakespearean adventure rave about the depth of knowledge and passion displayed by their guide. Guests appreciate the carefully curated itinerary, which encompasses the essential locations and key insights into Shakespeare's life. With enthusiastic feedback praising the engaging tour experience, it's no wonder that this exploration of Stratford-Upon-Avon has become a must-do for any Shakespeare aficionado.

How long before the event do I need to book?

  • You can book at any time before the event

Vouchers accepted in the following formats

  • Mobile

Your Itinerary

Shakespeare's Birthplace

Upon arriving at Stratford-Upon-Avon we will head straight to Shakespeare's Birthplace where we will explore the house that Shakespeare was born in. This amazing building gives us the chance to walk in Shakespeare's footsteps, to get up close and personal with some Tudor artefacts, and uncover the truth behind Shakespeare's youth. Whilst here your guide will explain what it was like for William, growing up the son of John Shakespeare, the one time Mayor of Stratford-Upon-Avon and successful glove maker. Might this (not) so humble beginning explain how Shakespeare rose as far as he did? Might John's position as Mayor and Williams education at the local Grammar School also go some way to explain the knowledge that Shakespeare demonstrates in his plays? Might this somewhat privileged upbringing help disprove the claim the Earl of Oxford or Kit Marlowe wrote the plays which are accredited to the immortal bard? Our amazing guide will explain all during the tour.

Admission Included

The Shakespeare Bookshop

It wouldn't be a Shakespeare tour without stopping at one of Stratford's amazing bookshops (if you want to stop at more, please ask our guide on the day and they will be happy to fulfil your bookish dreams by stopping at some of the other nearby bookshops). This is your chance to pick up a copy of one of Shakespeare's plays, a book of his sonnets, or if you are feeling bold the complete works of Shakespeare, which are available in a number of editions. Whilst here your guide will explain how Shakespeare has become such an important cultural icon, how the first folio (collection of his plays) was published, and why some theatre directors such as the late great Peter Hall (the former Artistic Director of the Royal Shakespeare Company which we will visit later in the tour) have their own unique versions of Shakespeare's scripts created, to help the actors who they are working with better understand Shakespeare's language

Shakespeare's Schoolroom & Guildhall

Shakespeare attended the King’s New School between the ages of 7 and 14. Taught to read and speak Latin Shakespeare his education was instrumental in making William Shakespeare the man, and writer, that we all know and love today. At the Schoolroom, we will be able to explore what a Tudor education was like in the room where the greatest writer of all time learned to read and write.

Admission Included

Hobsons Patisseries

Hobsons Patisseries is one of the main reasons our guides fight to lead this tour. Known for its stunning sandwiches, perfect pies, and cracking cakes we have even been known to detour to Stratford whilst travelling elsewhere just so we could eat here! Serving traditional British food in a cosy, wood-beamed cafe Hobsons is the perfect place to fill up before continuing our journey around Stratford. While Hobsons is a local Stratford landmark and institution, if you would like to eat elsewhere, such as one of the many historic pubs or one of the local restaurants please feel free to ask as we are always willing to accommodate customers needs. If you have a dietary requirement please email us and we will help you choose between the 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 is a chance to explore an Elizabethian property, which has been furnished with 16th and 17th-century furniture. This gives us a clear idea not only of what it was like to live in the period, but also how far Shakespeare's standing had increased due to the fact that his daughter was able to marry a man of learning such as Dr Hall.

Admission Included

Shakespeare's New Place

Sadly, the building that was New Place, Shakespeare's last residence in Stratford-Upon-Avon, no longer exists. Demolished in 1759 when the owner, who was sick of visitors, demolished the property in an argument over tax New Place is now a gorgeous garden, designed specifically for tourist. Whilst at New Place you will have the chance to explore the garden which has been designed to help tourists, academics, and lovers of Shakespeare connect with the greatest writer of all time. Your guide will also explain why, at the time, Shakespeare's purchase of New Place demonstrated Shakespeare's importance and wealth, and how some of Shakespeare's later plays such as "The Tempest" were written here, rather than in London. In addition to this, we will discuss how Shakspeare's property portfolio in both Stratford-upon-Avon and in London create questions about his loyalties which still go unanswered to this day.

Admission Included

Holy Trinity Church

Holy Trinity Chruch is the Church most closely associated with the Shakespeare family. John Shakespeare, Shakespeare's father, would have processed here in his mayoral robes during his tenure as Mayor with a young William in tow. It is this Church which William would have worshipped in every Sunday whilst in Stratford-Upon-Avon, and which is closest associated with the Shakespeare family. It was at Holy Trinity Church that William was baptised in 1564, where he married his wife, Anne Hathaway in 1582, and where they are both buried. Whilst at Holy Trinity Church you will have time to visit the grave of William and Anne (who is buried next to him) and hear how the religious changes of the 16th century influenced William and his work.

Royal Shakespeare Theatre

The Royal Shakespeare Company (known as the RCS) is the leading theatrical company specialising in productions of the works of William Shakespeare, with work that ranges from Shakespeare to new writing and mega smash hit musicals like "Les Miserables" and "Mathilda". Founded in 1875, and granted its royal charter in 1925 by King George V the Royal Shakespeare Company tours its productions of Shakespeare across the globe. Whilst at the Stratford headquarters you will have the chance to enjoy a drink in one of their cafes/bars and explore some of the free exhibits and exhibitions on display. Whilst here your guide will talk you through some of the most notable RCS productions throughout the companies history, as well as some of the difficulties faced by actors taking on some of Shakespeare's biggest roles. If the are no performances in the theatre on the day of your visit, you can also purchase a ticket to the RSC's Tower where you can enjoy panoramic views of Stratford.

Anne Hathaway's Cottage & Gardens

Anne Hathaway's cottage is where Shakespeare's wife lived and grew up. This 12 roomed farmhouse was the home of the Hathaway family until 1892 when it was bought and preserved by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust. Visiting Anne Hathaway's cottage allows us to contrast the childhoods of Shakespeare and his wife, and learn more about the woman who married the greatest writer in the English language. While little is known about Anne it is at her family home where your guide will help you learn more about why Shakespeare upon his death only bequeathed Anne his "second-best bed", why none of Shakespeare sonnets, considered some of the greatest love poems of all time, are dedicated to Anne, and why William married a woman who was 8 years older. Finally, your guide will discuss how Shakespeare's home life, including the death of his son, informed his plays and gave us one of the most iconic Shakespearian characters of all time.

Admission Included

Reviews

(3)

5 (3)

anitadD2230TZ

Michael was our guide extraordinaire! He was friendly, charming & informative. His knowledge of the area was interesting and extensive. He took us to a delightful place for lunch (Hobsons) and gave us plenty of time to shop at the locations we visited. Scott drove our taxi and he was wonderful as well. I would highly recommend Michael's expertise to anyone wanting to visit Stratford-upon-Avon!

V1499COmichaelb

Dewi our guide was on time and ready to go for our private tour to Stratford-Upon-Avon. I am someone who has a moderate knowledge of Shakespeare, he was able to answer all our questions and explain everything on our level, he also made our trip relaxed and not feeling pushed through the experience. He is extremely knowledgeable of all the sites, and a plethora of information regarding our tour. This was our second tour with Dewi, and we will definitely request and refer him as a guide. If we could give more stars we would. Thank You

Kris B

Tour guide was knowledgeable, friendly, and accomodating. The tour was personized to our particular interests. The area of expertise of the guide was far reaching.
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2024-06-15 19:31