Stratford-upon-Avon History and Shakespeare Tour

Stratford's famous WalkTalkShow is a fascinating guided walk through the entire history of Stratford, from its humble 7th Century beginnings. Our guides will tell you all about the town, William Shakespeare and the buildings and events that punctuate a history spanning 14 centuries.
The tour has 12 stops - each one used to illustrate key historical details; both about the Bard and his hometown. Just how significant was the Guild of the Holy Cross [founded 1269] to local history - and who was the enigmatic Hugh Clopton?

See Harvard House (1596), the family home of the man who went on to start America's most famous University. Shakespeare frequented all five of the taverns from his day that survive to this - and you still can. You will also learn a lot about the greatest writer ever as well as the iconoclastic forces of English history that shaped the man, his home town, the British Isles - and thereafter the wider world. Full details at: WalkTalkShow.co.uk.

Meeting Point

Royal Shakespeare Theatre

Waterside, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 6BB, UK

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.

What's included:

• Experience 14 centuries of history, see buildings dating back to 1210 and chart Shakespeare's life

What to expect:

Duration: 1 hour, 30 minutes

Royal Shakespeare Theatre

Waterside, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 6BB

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.

10 minutes

Stratford-upon-Avon

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.

5 minutes

Shakespeare's Birthplace

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

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.

5 minutes

The American Fountain

Rother Street, , Stratford-upon-Avon

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.

5 minutes

Stratford-upon-Avon

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.

Pass by without stopping

Town Hall Stratford upon Avon

, , Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 6EF

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.

10 minutes

Shakespeare's New Place

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

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.

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Stratford-upon-Avon

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!

5 minutes

Shakespeare's Schoolroom & Guildhall

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

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.

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Stratford-upon-Avon

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.

Pass by without stopping

Swan Theatre

Waterside, , Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 7LS

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.

10 minutes

Royal Shakespeare Theatre

Waterside, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 6BB

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.

5 minutes