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Stratford-upon-Avon
Castle & palace tours

Castle & palace tours

Our most recommended Stratford-upon-Avon Castle & palace tours

Stratford-upon-Avon: Shakespeare's Birthplace Ticket

1. Stratford-upon-Avon: Shakespeare's Birthplace Ticket

Explore the life of William Shakespeare with a visit to the house where he was born and grew up. Your ticket will be valid for one admission to the property. On entering the house, see the workshop where Shakespeare’s father, John, ran his prestigious glove-making business. Walk through the rooms where William Shakespeare spent his early life.  Shakespeare spent the first five years of his marriage living in this house, the largest house on Henley Street, with his wife Anne Hathaway.  Visit the Beyond Words exhibition and don't miss Shakespeare's Second Folio, the 1632 edition of his collected plays. Don’t forget to scan your smartphone and watch the videos that bring Shakespeare's stories to life.

London: Oxford, Stratford, Cotswolds, and Warwick Day Trip

2. London: Oxford, Stratford, Cotswolds, and Warwick Day Trip

Make the most of your time in England with a day trip to the English countryside. Enjoy a walking tour of Oxford city and university including entry to the University Church of St Mary the Virgin, witness the scenery of the Cotswolds, enter Warwick Castle, and visit the birthplace of Shakespeare. Walking tour of Oxford Follow in the footsteps of Oxford's famous students, from C.S. Lewis to Bill Clinton, as you stroll the captivating college courtyards and cobbled lanes of this historic university town, on this guided day trip by bus from London. Take in the famous 'dreaming spires' and see the Bodleian Library, one of the oldest libraries in Europe. Be captivated by the unspoiled narrow alleys and ancient squares of this naturally beautiful town. Oxford is famous for being home to the oldest university in the English-speaking world – countless bright young things have wandered the town’s cobbled streets over the years! During this guided walking tour you will see the stunning University Church of St Mary the Virgin and furtively discover unspoiled narrow alleyways, ancient squares, and towering spires. Entry to the 13th-century University Church of St Mary the Virgin. Soak in spectacular sights of the unique baroque design and architecture as you explore the center of the University of Oxford. This absolute gem is a must-visit on your trip to Oxford. The Cotswolds Enjoy views of the breathtaking countryside, sleepy villages, and bustling market towns as you drive through the charming scenery of one of England's most beautiful regions. Stratford–upon–Avon  A unique market town, famous as the home of William Shakespeare, arguably the world's greatest writer. Visit the picturesque half-timber house where the legendary bard was born, and gain fascinating insights into his childhood. Shakespeare’s birthplace: See where the famous playwright grew up and spent his years as a married man. Warwick Castle  Be part of Britain’s greatest medieval experience deep in the heart of Warwick Castle. Immerse yourself in battle preparations and feel the weight of a medieval sword. Become a soldier – try on a battle helmet for size. Visit the spectacular State Rooms and feast your eyes on Victorian party preparations. Enjoy a meet and greet from a medieval host as well as an introduction to the spectacular castle.

The Sinister Side of Shakespeare's Stratford Walking Tour

3. The Sinister Side of Shakespeare's Stratford Walking Tour

Hear about the hidden dark side of Stratford-upon-Avon on a thrilling guided walking tour. Learn about the town's infamous witches, hear about famous murders, and keep an eye out for ghosts as you walk through the night. Meet your guide at the corner of Sheep Street and High Street and begin your journey into the macabre. Stroll through the birthplace of Shakespeare and see the town's darker side. As you walk through the streets, listen to exhilarating tales of murder, torture, and plague. Hear about the women accused of witchcraft and learn where the ghosts and even the devil can be spotted.

London: Stonehenge, Stratford-Upon-Avon, and Bath Day Trip

4. London: Stonehenge, Stratford-Upon-Avon, and Bath Day Trip

Explore the region beyond London with a full-day trip to some of England's most fascinating and essential sights. Uncover the secrets of Stonehenge, have free time to discover the city of Bath, soak up the charm of the Cotswolds, and visit Shakespeare's hometown of Stratford-upon-Avon. Head straight to Stonehenge, the most popular prehistoric monument in the world. Marvel at the huge 40-ton Sarsens and the volcanic blue stones that were brought from the Preseli Mountains, located more than 280 miles away. Move on next to the beautiful Georgian city of Bath. You'll have plenty of time to shop and explore the charming streets. Drive through the picturesque Cotswold region. Take in scenic views of open countryside, crisscrossed by dry stone walls and bustling market towns. Stop outside the birthplace of William Shakespeare at Stratford-upon-Avon. See the home of the greatest writer in the English language and the world-renowned Royal Shakespeare Company. Admire Stratford with its delightful river that winds its way past the Holy Trinity church, where Shakespeare was laid to rest. Receive a private tour of Shakespeare’s Schoolroom and Guildhall, take part in a Tudor lesson, and write with a quill and ink.

From Stratford-upon-Avon / Moreton-in-Marsh: Cotswolds Tour

5. From Stratford-upon-Avon / Moreton-in-Marsh: Cotswolds Tour

Join a local driver/guide on a relaxing full-day tour of the Cotswolds National Landscape. Experience the very best of this quintessentially English region on a tour that stops at 6 different and unique locations with ample time built into the day for self-exploration, shopping, and lunch. The tour stops at: • Dover's Hill: the Northern-most Cotswolds viewpoint offering panoramic views out towards Stratford-upon-Avon, Birmingham & Coventry • Chipping Campden: a historic wool town where you have an hour of free time to explore with our unique maps and local recommendations • A secret off-the-beaten-track Cotswolds village (join to find this one out) • Stow-on-the-Wold: your designated lunch stop with a wide range of wonderful food options to choose from  • Bibury: often referred to as the prettiest village in England it's also the home of the iconic Arlington Row of cottages • Bourton-on-the-Water: famed for the crystal clear waters of the River Windrush and the pretty bridges that cross it Between the stops, your driver-guide will tell you the story of the Cotswolds with a fun, fact-filled commentary as you travel the narrow back lanes only the locals know about.

City Sightseeing Stratford-upon-Avon Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour

6. City Sightseeing Stratford-upon-Avon Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour

As well as Britain's most famous playwright William Shakespeare and the world-famous Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford is great for a day on the River and then chilling out in the evening in one of the many chic restaurants and bars in the centre of town. Travel to all the Shakespearean Houses: Shakespeare's Birthplace, Anne Hathaway's Cottage, Mary Arden's House, New Place, Nash's House, and Hall's Croft. The Royal Shakespeare Theatre where the Bard's plays are performed for the majority of the year. The Holy Trinity Church where Shakespeare is buried, protected by a cursed tombstone. The Old 15th Century Grammar School where Shakespeare was educated. You also get to enjoy a lovely tour through the scenic Warwickshire countryside, visiting Wilmcote, the village where Mary Arden's House (Shakespeare's mother) can be found. Your Tour Itinerary Stop 1 - Visitor Information Centre, Near Avon Boating Stop 2 - Shakespeare's Birthplace and the Shakespeare Center Stop 3 - Market Square and American Fountain Stop 4 - Shakespeare’s New Place/Harvard House & Guild Chapel Stop 5 - Royal Avon and Royal Shakespeare Theater Stop 6 - Halls Croft, Holy Trinity Church and Shakespeare's Grave Stop 7 - Evesham Place Stop 8 - Alcester Road Stop 9 - Anne Hathaways Cottage Stop 10 - Mary Arden's Farm is closed until September 8th Stop 11 - Maybird Shopping Center

Warwick, Oxford and Stratford Full-Day Tour from London

7. Warwick, Oxford and Stratford Full-Day Tour from London

Journey back more than 1,000 years and learn about the bloody battles and extravagant banquets of Warwick Castle on this day trip from London by bus. See where Shakespeare was born and explore the campus of Oxford.  Hop aboard a climate-controlled bus and relax on the drive to Warwick Castle. Admire the Great Hall and State Rooms, and climb the towers and ramparts for an archer’s view of the historic town.  Join Richard Neville as he prepares for battle at the multi-sensory Kingmaker attraction, or stroll through the landscaped gardens. Board the bus for the drive to Stratford-upon-Avon. Gain fascinating insights into Shakespeare at his birthplace.  Discover the scenic villages of the Cotswolds on the drive to Oxford. Stop for a guided walking tour of the university city. Take in the famous colleges that date back to the 13th century. Listen to tales of former students such as Bill Clinton, C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien and Lewis Carroll. Discover where Harry Potter was filmed at Christ Church college before the drive back to London.

Shakespeare’s Stratford & Cotswolds

8. Shakespeare’s Stratford & Cotswolds

An expert guide leads the way, regaling you with stories and interesting facts about the rich history of these beautiful places. Stratford-upon-Avon, the hometown of legendary playwright William Shakespeare, is the first stop on this day trip.  Filled with history, pay a visit to the place the famous Bard was born - a quaint, unassuming half-timbered house. Learn amazing stories and quirks of Elizabethan living from your expert guide. The next stop is a visit to Shakespeare’s bride Anne Hathaway’s cottage and gardens. This beautiful little thatched farmhouse is the place where the Bard courted his bride. To this day, the property holds items of original furniture, including the Hathaway bed. It is nestled within stunning grounds and gardens, overflowing with fragrant blooms and traditional shrubs. Then continue to the Cotswolds. Visit what is often agreed to be one of the most beautiful areas in the whole of the UK. With quaint villages and breathtaking scenery, the Cotswolds looks like it jumped off the pages of a storybook. This tour makes photo stops at 2 stunning Cotswolds villages: Bourton-on-the-Water, also known as ‘Little Venice’ due to its low bridges and stone banks, and Burbury, a town once described by William Morris as ‘the most beautiful village in England. After a wonderful day of sightseeing, arrive back to London at the approximate time of 7:15pm’ to ‘7:30pm.

From London: Oxford, Stratford, Cotswolds & Warwick Castle

9. From London: Oxford, Stratford, Cotswolds & Warwick Castle

Follow in the footsteps of Oxford’s famous students, from C.S. Lewis to Bill Clinton, as you stroll the captivating college courtyards and cobbled lanes of this historic university town. Take in the famous ‘city of dreaming spires’ and see the Bodleian Library – one of the oldest libraries in Europe – on your visit. You’ll be captivated by the unspoiled narrow alleys and ancient squares of this naturally beautiful town. Enjoy a walking tour and free time. A market town with a difference, Stratford-upon-Avon is the famous home of arguably the world's greatest writer, William Shakespeare. Delve into the charms of this bustling market town at your leisure. Drive through the Cotswolds, a charming blend of breathtaking natural beauty, bustling market towns and sleepy villages. Be part of Britain’s Greatest Medieval Experience. Deep in the heart of Warwick Castle, immerse yourself in battle preparations and feel the weight of a medieval sword. Enjoy a walking tour and explore this lovely town with its host of attractive buildings.

Shakespeare's Schoolroom and Guildhall Entrance Tickets

10. Shakespeare's Schoolroom and Guildhall Entrance Tickets

Open daily, Shakespeare’s Schoolroom and Guildhall invites visitors to explore one of the rarely seen places of William Shakespeare’s childhood and youth, a place that helps to fill the missing chapter in the story of his time in his home town.  The newly-restored venue offers a glimpse into Shakespeare’s formative years and sheds light on his time as a schoolboy.  Step into the shoes of the young Shakespeare, sit in the very room that he sat in as a pupil and learn about what subjects the great man would have studied and the teaching methods of the day.  You will hear how he encountered the riches of classical literature and theater and saw some of the country’s finest actors perform in this building. Built in 1420, Stratford's Guildhall is one of only a few remaining medieval Guildhalls in the country. The authentic and immersive experience of a visit to this early fifteenth-century building will fully engage all visitors in its unique story.  Soak up the atmosphere of the Guildhall, including the late medieval priest’s chapel with its rare and recently conserved wall painting and learn about the building’s role as a medieval provincial Guildhall.  The visit promises to be full of fun, excitement and drama worthy of Shakespeare’s legacy for any group. Take a guided tour with knowledgeable guides, see a short film by historian and broadcaster, Michael Wood, on the history of the Guildhall. Take a lesson with a Tudor Schoolmaster, practice quill writing and dress up in a Tudor costume. Shakespeare's Schoolroom & Guildhall is perfect for all ages.

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Stratford-upon-Avon

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What people are saying about Stratford-upon-Avon

Overall rating

4.2 / 5

based on 90 reviews

Katya was superb- she was so informative and entertaining. I’d do another tour with her! As a travel agent, she would serve any client very well to these locations. I’d even go back on this tour once again because it was so informative.

A great one day trip! Our guide, Catia and driver Lucian were great, very very knowledgeable with a lot of curiosities and fun facts about history, language and sites. Really recommend this trip, you will not be disappointed!

Everything was excellent and Dolly, our guide, extraordinary! Without her, our experience was very good, but she offered us a lot of interesting information "from inside", as she studied at Oxford.

Our driver Dawn and Guide Katya were fantastic. Katya was very friendly and extremely knowledgeable. We had an amazing time.

It’s really nice trip and we went such a wonderful places. I highly recommend it