Stratford-Upon-Avon Dark History Walking Tour

Step into the shadows of Stratford-Upon-Avon, where the town's darkest secrets and sinister past come to life. From chilling unsolved murders and whispered tales of witchcraft to the horrors of Plague and Civil War, this 1.5-hour tour will reveal the eerie side of the town best known for its famous poet and playwright. But beware—what lurks in the history of Stratford is far darker than you might expect.
This is no ordinary walk through Stratford-Upon-Avon. As you tread through haunting graveyards and along its spooky, cobbled streets, your local guide will unravel spine-chilling stories of mystery, death, and terror. Forget the rosy tales of Shakespeare—here, the ghosts of Stratford's tragic past await you.

Meeting Point

Shakespeare's Birthplace

Henley St, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 6QW, UK

The guide will meet you outside Shakespeare's Birthplace on Henley Street, and will be wearing a bright orange jacket.

What's included:

• A friendly local guide

Not included:

• Admissions to any other attraction

What to expect:

Duration: 1 hour, 30 minutes

Shakespeare's Birthplace

Henley Street, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 6QW

Meet your guide outside Shakespeare's Birthplace and be introduced to the darker side of this beautiful village, including it's plague connection.

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

The Jester

Henley Street, , Stratford-upon-Avon

Discover the symbolism of the Jester statue and listen to the gruesome tale of the oldest murder in Warwickshire county.

5 minutes

The Old Thatch Tavern

Warwickshire, Greenhill St, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 6LE, UK

Look upon the oldest pub in Stratford, complete with thatch roof...and it's very own ghostly spirits!

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Garrick

25 High St, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 6AU, UK

Hear the dark past of the Garrick Inn, and how tragedy struck this building when Civil War was rampant in England.

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Stratford-upon-Avon Town Hall

Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 6EJ, UK

Whilst admiring the Town Hall, listen to stories of witches, gunpowder plots and assassination.

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Mercure Stratford upon Avon Shakespeare Hotel

Chapel St, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 6ER, UK

Look carefully at the Shakespeare Hotel , where you might see spectral forms in the windows.

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Shakespeare's Schoolroom & Guildhall

Church Street, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 6HB

Learn about the Masonic Guild of Stratford and their influence on the small town.

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Shakespeare's New Place

22 Chapel St, , Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 6EP

Discover the history of Shakespeare's New Place and a very controversial tree that led to a man being chased out of town.

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Hall's Croft

National Cycle Route 41, Old Town, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 6BG

Listen to your guide as they point out the features of Hall's Croft, and the unearthly inhabitants who reside here.

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Holy Trinity Church

Old Town, , Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 6BG

Unearth some of the secrets of Holy Trinity Church and what lies beneath its floors. Wander through the graveyard to reveal the lives behind some of the gravestones.

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Royal Shakespeare Theatre

Waterside, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 6BB

End your tour with hearing the dark truth of the Bard himself, and the tragic events at the Theatre.

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included