Private Day Tour to Stratford-Upon-Avon - All things Shakespeare

based on 3 reviews

Duration:11 hours (approx.)
Location: London, England

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This tour is led by a trained actor and director who has worked on numerous Shakespearian plays and is currently studying a PhD in Drama at Queen Mary University of London under one of the worlds leading Shakespearian Scholars. Mixing storytelling, quotes from Shakespeare's plays, and the latest Shakespearian scholarship, this tour is aimed at tourists keen to learn more about William Shakespeare, as well as people who are passionate about the immortal bard.

Designed to give you access to the best bits of Stratford-Upon-Avon, this tour gives insight into the man behind the legendary playwright, covering details and locations linked to William's upbringing, the rise and fall of William's father, John Shakespeare, and William's domestic life with his wife and children, to which he returned to in his old age after making his fortune in London.

Including a pick-up and return to London, and all entry fees, this tour takes the hassle out of travel to and finding your way around Stratford.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

WHAT TO EXPECT

1.
Upon arriving at Stratford-Upon-Avon we will head straight to Shakespeare's Birthplace where we will explore the house that Shakespeare was born in. This amazing building gives us the chance to walk in Shakespeare's footsteps, to get up close and personal with some Tudor artefacts, and uncover the truth behind Shakespeare's youth. Whilst here your guide will explain what it was like for William, growing up the son of John Shakespeare, the one time Mayor of Stratford-Upon-Avon and successful glove maker. Might this (not) so humble beginning explain how Shakespeare rose as far as he did? Might John's position as Mayor and Williams education at the local Grammar School also go some way to explain the knowledge that Shakespeare demonstrates in his plays? Might this somewhat privileged upbringing help disprove the claim the Earl of Oxford or Kit Marlowe wrote the plays which are accredited to the immortal bard? Our amazing guide will explain all during the tour.
2.
It wouldn't be a Shakespeare tour without stopping at one of Stratford's amazing bookshops (if you want to stop at more, please ask our guide on the day and they will be happy to fulfil your bookish dreams by stopping at some of the other nearby bookshops). This is your chance to pick up a copy of one of Shakespeare's plays, a book of his sonnets, or if you are feeling bold the complete works of Shakespeare, which are available in a number of editions. Whilst here your guide will explain how Shakespeare has become such an important cultural icon, how the first folio (collection of his plays) was published, and why some theatre directors such as the late great Peter Hall (the former Artistic Director of the Royal Shakespeare Company which we will visit later in the tour) have their own unique versions of Shakespeare's scripts created, to help the actors who they are working with better understand Shakespeare's language
3.
Shakespeare attended the King’s New School between the ages of 7 and 14. Taught to read and speak Latin Shakespeare his education was instrumental in making William Shakespeare the man, and writer, that we all know and love today. At the Schoolroom, we will be able to explore what a Tudor education was like in the room where the greatest writer of all time learned to read and write.
4.
Hobsons Patisseries is one of the main reasons our guides fight to lead this tour. Known for its stunning sandwiches, perfect pies, and cracking cakes we have even been known to detour to Stratford whilst travelling elsewhere just so we could eat here! Serving traditional British food in a cosy, wood-beamed cafe Hobsons is the perfect place to fill up before continuing our journey around Stratford. While Hobsons is a local Stratford landmark and institution, if you would like to eat elsewhere, such as one of the many historic pubs or one of the local restaurants please feel free to ask as we are always willing to accommodate customers needs. If you have a dietary requirement please email us and we will help you choose between the local eateries.
5.
Hall's Croft was home to Susanna Hall, the daughter of William Shakespeare, and her husband Doctor John Hall. Susanna married Dr John Hall in 1607 and Hall's Croft is dedicated to their life together, and John's medical practice. This stunning grade 1 listed building is a chance to explore an Elizabethian property, which has been furnished with 16th and 17th-century furniture. This gives us a clear idea not only of what it was like to live in the period, but also how far Shakespeare's standing had increased due to the fact that his daughter was able to marry a man of learning such as Dr Hall.
6.
Sadly, the building that was New Place, Shakespeare's last residence in Stratford-Upon-Avon, no longer exists. Demolished in 1759 when the owner, who was sick of visitors, demolished the property in an argument over tax New Place is now a gorgeous garden, designed specifically for tourist. Whilst at New Place you will have the chance to explore the garden which has been designed to help tourists, academics, and lovers of Shakespeare connect with the greatest writer of all time. Your guide will also explain why, at the time, Shakespeare's purchase of New Place demonstrated Shakespeare's importance and wealth, and how some of Shakespeare's later plays such as "The Tempest" were written here, rather than in London. In addition to this, we will discuss how Shakspeare's property portfolio in both Stratford-upon-Avon and in London create questions about his loyalties which still go unanswered to this day.
7.
Holy Trinity Chruch is the Church most closely associated with the Shakespeare family. John Shakespeare, Shakespeare's father, would have processed here in his mayoral robes during his tenure as Mayor with a young William in tow. It is this Church which William would have worshipped in every Sunday whilst in Stratford-Upon-Avon, and which is closest associated with the Shakespeare family. It was at Holy Trinity Church that William was baptised in 1564, where he married his wife, Anne Hathaway in 1582, and where they are both buried. Whilst at Holy Trinity Church you will have time to visit the grave of William and Anne (who is buried next to him) and hear how the religious changes of the 16th century influenced William and his work.
8.
The Royal Shakespeare Company (known as the RCS) is the leading theatrical company specialising in productions of the works of William Shakespeare, with work that ranges from Shakespeare to new writing and mega smash hit musicals like "Les Miserables" and "Mathilda". Founded in 1875, and granted its royal charter in 1925 by King George V the Royal Shakespeare Company tours its productions of Shakespeare across the globe. Whilst at the Stratford headquarters you will have the chance to enjoy a drink in one of their cafes/bars and explore some of the free exhibits and exhibitions on display. Whilst here your guide will talk you through some of the most notable RCS productions throughout the companies history, as well as some of the difficulties faced by actors taking on some of Shakespeare's biggest roles. If the are no performances in the theatre on the day of your visit, you can also purchase a ticket to the RSC's Tower where you can enjoy panoramic views of Stratford.
9.
Anne Hathaway's cottage is where Shakespeare's wife lived and grew up. This 12 roomed farmhouse was the home of the Hathaway family until 1892 when it was bought and preserved by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust. Visiting Anne Hathaway's cottage allows us to contrast the childhoods of Shakespeare and his wife, and learn more about the woman who married the greatest writer in the English language. While little is known about Anne it is at her family home where your guide will help you learn more about why Shakespeare upon his death only bequeathed Anne his "second-best bed", why none of Shakespeare sonnets, considered some of the greatest love poems of all time, are dedicated to Anne, and why William married a woman who was 8 years older. Finally, your guide will discuss how Shakespeare's home life, including the death of his son, informed his plays and gave us one of the most iconic Shakespearian characters of all time.

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Posted By : anitadD2230TZ
Michael was our guide extraordinaire! He was friendly, charming & informative. His knowledge of the area was interesting and extensive. He took us to a delightful place for lunch (Hobsons) and gave us plenty of time to shop at the locations we visited. Scott drove our taxi and he was wonderful as well. I would highly recommend Michael's expertise to anyone wanting to visit Stratford-upon-Avon!
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2023-09-22 21:02:46

Posted By : V1499COmichaelb
Dewi our guide was on time and ready to go for our private tour to Stratford-Upon-Avon. I am someone who has a moderate knowledge of Shakespeare, he was able to answer all our questions and explain everything on our level, he also made our trip relaxed and not feeling pushed through the experience. He is extremely knowledgeable of all the sites, and a plethora of information regarding our tour. This was our second tour with Dewi, and we will definitely request and refer him as a guide. If we could give more stars we would. Thank You
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2022-07-14 04:05:10

Posted By : Kris B
Tour guide was knowledgeable, friendly, and accomodating. The tour was personized to our particular interests. The area of expertise of the guide was far reaching.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2022-05-27 17:03:38

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Private Day Tour to Stratford-Upon-Avon - All things Shakespeare

WHAT'S INCLUDED

WHAT TO EXPECT

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

ADDITIONAL INFO

CANCELLATION POLICY

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How it works

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Retrieving available

Tickets

Private Day Tour to Stratford-Upon-Avon - All things Shakespeare

WHAT'S INCLUDED ⟱

WHAT TO EXPECT ⟱

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

ADDITIONAL INFO ⟱

CANCELLATION POLICY ⟱

Partner Resources

How it works

Travel

Insurance

Adventure

Contact

WHAT'S INCLUDED

WHAT TO EXPECT

ADDITIONAL INFO

CANCELLATION POLICY