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Offered languages
- English
Stratford's famous WalkTalkShow is a fascinating and entertaining guided tour through the entire history of Stratford, from its humble 7th Century beginnings. You will learn all about the town, William Shakespeare and the buildings and events that punctuate a history spanning 14 centuries.
The tour has 20 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 in 1269] to local history - and who was the enigmatic Hugh Clopton?
See Harvard House (1596), the birthplace of the man who went on to start America's first and 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 consequently the wider world. Full details at: WalkTalkShow.co.uk.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
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.
Itinerary
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1Royal Shakespeare Theatre
The first of about a dozen stops that are included in our 2.1km 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 • Admission ticket free -
2Stratford-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. Across the road is Judith Shakespeare's house - and there lies another torrid tale!
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
3Shakespeare's Birthplace
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 now a living museum.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
4
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.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
5Stratford-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.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
6
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 • Admission ticket free -
7Shakespeare's New Place
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 -
8Stratford-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 • Admission ticket free -
9Shakespeare's Schoolroom & Guildhall
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 -
10Hall's Croft
See the enormous Tudor Hosue where Shaespeare's eldest daughter, Susanah, lived with her physician husband Dr John Hall.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
11Holy Trinity Church
See the amazing C13th church in which William Shakespeare was both christened and then 52 years later buried. A beautiful setting above the river and a lovely stroll back to the theatres.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
12
See the RSC's third theatre - The Other Place
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
13
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 • Admission ticket free -
14Royal Shakespeare Theatre
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.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Show 1 more
Additional info
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- 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 experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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