The WalkTalkShow.co.uk - Guided Tour of Stratford upon Avon
Overview
The tour has 15 stops - each one used to illustrate key historical details; both about the Bard and his hometown. Just how significant were 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 Americas most famous University. Shakespeare frequented all five of the taverns from his day that survive to this - and you still can; you will see them all. 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 then the wider world. Full details at: WalkTalkShow.co.uk
Inclusions
- Experience 14 centuries of history, see buildings dating back to 1210 and chart Shakespeare's life
What to expect
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Royal Shakespeare Theatre Waterside, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 6BB England
The first of 17 stops that are included in our 3km guided tour. The world famous RST has a rich history and is viewed by many actors as the pinnacle of their career.
Duration: 10 minutes
Pass By: Shakespeare's Birthplace, Henley Street, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 6QW England
This is our third stop and here we showcase the living conditions of the very fortunate young William, born as he was into a prosperous Tudor family.
Stop At: Shakespeare's Schoolroom & Guildhall, Church Street, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 6HB England
Midway through our 17-stop tour you will visit the Guild Chapel - part of the towns original seat of power which dates back to 1260. The Guild Chapel is Free to enter and has its own absolutely fascinating history.
Duration: 10 minutes
Pass By: Hall's Croft, Old Town, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 6BG England
Stop number ten is a superb house on the edge of Old Town. Hall's Croft was the home of Shakespeare's daughter Susanna and her husband Dr John Hall. Perhaps her wise choice of husband gave her the edge over her sister Judith - who married a scoundrel and was subsequently largely written out of her father's will.
Stop At: Holy Trinity Church, 1 Old Town, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 6BG England
Our eleventh stop is 'The Place' - the place where William Shakespeare was christened, would worship and ultimately be buried - inside the Chancel. You can visit his grave inside the church and read his own cursed epitaph. The Church like much of Stratford has its own rich and fascinating history - only heightened by its associations with the Bard.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Royal Shakespeare Theatre Waterside, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 6BB England
From Holy Trinity we gradually make our way back to our 17th and final stop - our original start point, the RST. Along the way we will stop to take in some great views, gardens, memorials and other attractions.
Duration: 5 minutes
Additional information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Transportation is wheelchair accessible
- Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Most travelers can participate
- With regards to Covid, our tour takes place outdoors with the exception of those choosing to enter the free attractions of the Guildhall and Holy Trinity Church. We ask all guests to respect anybody wearing a mask by giving them adequate social distancing.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 24 travelers
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Ticket delivery
Cancellation
Stratford is a beautiful town and Richard our guide really brought it to life. He gave our group an outline of how Stratford developed over the centuries and added in lots of interesting facts and anecdotes. I was especially interested in Shakespeare’s life and Richard not only pointed out the pl...
Stratford is a beautiful town and Richard our guide really brought it to life. He gave our group an outline of how Stratford developed over the centuries and added in lots of interesting facts and anecdotes. I was especially interested in Shakespeare’s life and Richard not only pointed out the places Shakespeare would have known and explained their connection to him but also pointed out many other interesting places we wouldn’t have noticed otherwise. The length of the walk was about right, on level ground and ends in the centre of town again so we had our pick of the cafes for lunch. All in all, a lovely morning.Our guide was friendly and knowledgeable about Shakespeare, his family, what the town of Stratford was like during his lifetime and the buildings that are associated with him. The walk was a little over the hour and a half advertised, but that was because we were enjoying ourselves and had plenty...
Our guide was friendly and knowledgeable about Shakespeare, his family, what the town of Stratford was like during his lifetime and the buildings that are associated with him. The walk was a little over the hour and a half advertised, but that was because we were enjoying ourselves and had plenty of questions. The town is small enough with enough historically important buildings that we didn't have to walk far from one place of interest to the next. Our guide was also able to explain and show other aspects of the town's history and development, not just Shakespeare's Tudor period. As a local resident, he was also able to give useful recommendations on things to do and places to eat and drink. A very enjoyable and informative experience.Really enjoyed the tour. Guide was really informative and interesting taking us to the main places of interest in Stratford with some fascinating background stories. Well worth doing.
Really enjoyed the tour. Guide was really informative and interesting taking us to the main places of interest in Stratford with some fascinating background stories. Well worth doing.The history of Stratford-upon-Avon was brought to life during our most enjoyable experience. Richard did a terrific job helping us better understand the period of Shakespeare in Stratford-upon-Avon
The history of Stratford-upon-Avon was brought to life during our most enjoyable experience. Richard did a terrific job helping us better understand the period of Shakespeare in Stratford-upon-AvonLiz was friendly and incredibly knowledgeable about both Shakespeare and his home town of Stratford - amazing tour guide. This town of only 30,000 copes with 5 million tourists each year! We learned about the changes in Stratford from its beginnings as an encampment straddling the Avon River at t...
Liz was friendly and incredibly knowledgeable about both Shakespeare and his home town of Stratford - amazing tour guide. This town of only 30,000 copes with 5 million tourists each year! We learned about the changes in Stratford from its beginnings as an encampment straddling the Avon River at the narrowest point where it could be forded. (street where you can ford the river = Stratford On Avon). After the Romans built here, later the town took advantage of their old road. Liz explained the medieval economic & political system meant permission had to be granted to have a market. A powerful Guild used to run the city until the 1550s, when a Town Council took over. We saw Shakespeare's home where he grew up, Anne Hathaway's home, and where the house Shakespeare had built used to be. We learned about the changing architectural styles... that thatch roofs ended up banned because of fires, that many Tudor buildings put up fake fronts to modernize so that very few original Tudor style remain. The Town Hall with its classical columns and symmetry is Georgian style and contrasts with Victorian buildings and modern properties. The ancient Holy Trinity Church is away from the current Town Center because the town moved closer to the market. Liz explained the importance of the canals until railroads were built. And finally we learned about the theater where the Royal Shakespeare Company performs - the winning architectural design by an "E. Scott" turned out to be by a young woman named Elizabeth - the first public building in the country planned by a woman. The RSC theater and recreation area next to the river are on a flood plain and historically was a commons where livestock could be held. Our tour didn't just walk the streets but was immersed in detailed knowledge about both Shakespeare and Stratford. The Walking Tour, especially with Liz as guide, is the very best way to visit Stratford On Avon.Richard was a fantastic guide - friendly, knowledgeable, and an all round nice guy! It was a brilliant, interesting and fun tour - highly recommend!
Richard was a fantastic guide - friendly, knowledgeable, and an all round nice guy! It was a brilliant, interesting and fun tour - highly recommend!