the famous WalkTalkShow of . . .
Stratford upon Avon
TripAdvisor ‘Excellent’ 4.9/5 (280+ reviews)
GetYourGuide ‘Top Activity’ 4.9/5 (390+ reviews)
"We loved this tour with Richard! He was knowledgeable and engaging and we learnt so much about Stratford and its history. Very good value - would recommend to anyone! Trip Advisor review by Caroline on 270925.
WalkTalkShow is a fascinating and entertaining Guided Walking Tour that steps you through an incredible history, that spans 14 Centuries. We follow the life of William Shakespeare from birth to grave – but there’s a whole lot more as well.
Stratford’s famous WalkTalkShow has the HIGHEST overall Customer Review scores of ANY of Stratford’s visitor attractions (including the RSC/RST)! (on both TripAdvisor & GetYourGuide – where you can see hundreds of reviews similar to the one above).
Book via this website to ensure you get maximum flexibility – should your plans subsequently change.
Daily Tours
We run one tour daily, meeting at 1pm with a Tour duration of approx. 2 hours, an easy stroll with a total distance of 2.1km (1.3 miles).
We present you with 14 centuries of history, C7th to C21st. Our story takes you from the orginal settlement in the C7th to the third ‘version’ of the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in 2011.
You will also see Shakespeare’s Birthplace and follow his life story through the towns streets and buildings.
You will see Harvard House – birthplace of the founder of Harvard University. Learn about the all powerful Guild of the Holy Cross and visit the ancient Guild Chapel – which dates from 1269 – and Shakespeare’s school which it started in 1295. Amazing buildings, amazing monuments and many incredible stories.
We start and finish outside The Royal Shakespeare Theatre (the RST/RSC), outside the main entrance near the base of the huge Viewing Tower; so you can’t fail to find us! Your Guide will be there; at busy times holding a red umbrella.
Dogs are always welcome but must be kept on a lead please.
Our route is all on established paths with nothing more than a gentle incline (wheelchair and mobility scooter friendly).
Our expert guides are all locals with a special interest and expertise in local history; all have extensive guiding experience as well as a wealth of knowledge and information to share, and love to do just that.
Please book your tickets directly with us – from this website. We have a full no questions instant refund policy for any cancellation request that is at least 24hours ahead of a booked tour. We will also swap the date/time of any booked Tour on request. Even if you need to cancel at the last minute WE will give you a full future credit – IF you have booked directly with us via this website. We use FareHarbor one of the worlds leading online ticketing platforms.
Fancy a Private Group Tour?
If you are interested in booking a private guided tour for your family or group, at a date and time (and even start point) of your choice, just contact us via the email link below – or via our Contacts page.
Click below to email us about a private group guided tour, or any other issue that isn’t addressed on our FAQ page:
Coach Tours – Why not Embed a Guide.
We have Guides with many years experience of working on both Stratford Town and Cotswolds sightseeing coaches. We can meet your coach or minibus and run a live guided commentary as we direct you on a 60min (or longer) tour. We know all the best routes, and can react to minimise the effects of traffic congestion.
Click the email link below to message us about using an embedded guide :
Average customer score on both TripAdvisor & GetYourGuide is 4.9+/5 :
Which WTS Guide will you get ?
"We had a great time in the tour, Marcus was very knowledgeable and took time to answer all of our questions and cover some extra topics. He was also very good at getting to know all the people in the group and relate to everyone in some way." [Lee, London]
"Glynda was a fantastic guide. She was very knowledgeable about Stratford-upon-Avon and William Shakespeare but she was clearly passionate about the subject too. She delivered the information in a relatable way so that every member of the family enjoyed their tour around the town. Thank you Glynda!" [Jennifer W]
"Very entertaining tour which I would recommend. Great walk around Stratford with a very knowledgeable and entertaining guide, Richard. He was very well informed about the area around the Old Town of Stratford. The two hours passed very quickly. I would definitely recommend this company." [Nigel T]
"Our guide Kate, was very knowledgeable but also made the tour fun with her anecdotes about Shakespeare and the town of Stratford upon Avon. Her enthusiasm for the history of this town was infectious and made this guided walk very informative and enjoyable." [Sarah, UK]
"A great afternoon’s tour. Dwayne was an excellent guide, enthusiastic in his subject, interested in his audience, informative and humorous. We were blessed with good weather and pleasant, interesting companions. Perfect, thank you, Dwayne." [Nikki & Helen, Aylesbury]
"The Guide, Christa, was amazing. She had a thorough knowledge and made her talk immersive and entertaining. We walked at a rapid pace round Stratford, learning lots and the history and the characters of the times. Made our weekend away so enjoyable. Thank you." [Joanne]
"This was a lovely tour, our guide Sharon was friendly and informative and was a perfect amount of information on the walk , and I will come back to look around more as it is a beautiful place and being my first solo trip made me feel relaxed and very welcome." [Barney & Jill, Exeter]
A selection of tour highlights . . .
Where we meet: RST
Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Waterside, CV37 6BD. Right at the base of the Viewing Tower. Our guides are punctual, but may only arrive 5 mins ahead of your start time. Please remain outside.
Guild Chapel & Alms Houses
The town's mighty Guild built it's Chapel in 1269, founding it's school in 1295. The Guild's own story reads like a Dan Brown novel.
The Bancroft Gardens
With room for everyone the gardens and canal basin are peppered with historical monuments. There's that Tower again!
New Place & Nash's House
William Shakespeare made himself a wealthy man and aged 33 he bought the biggest mansion in the town.
History Corner at Sheep Street
Learn about fascinating buildings that span five centuries - right in front of your eyes.
Shakepeare's Birthplace
William was born here in 1564 - now restored as it would have been when he was a boy. Our guide will paint you a picture of the life and times of the literary genius.
Market Cross
This intersection is historically significant. What might look like a Greek church is an Old Market Hall and dates back to the early 1500's.
The Swan Theatre & RST to Finish
Housed in the main theatre complex The Swan is the smaller auditorium - where non Shakespearian productions often take to the stage. We discuss the theatre's history across its three historical incarnations.
The Garrick Inn. Harvard House
The Garrick is one of five taverns where you can still share a drink with Shakespeare's spirit - and right next door is the house where John Harvard was born - he would go on to emigrate before founding the world famous Harvard University.
Messing aboat on the river
Stratford offers visitors a myriad of ways to relax and unwind. Scores of bars and restaurants, open parklands, themed attractions and every type of river journey. Our Guides are always available to advise you on what to do, next - of course!
Chart the life of Shakespeare
Your Tour spans a history of 14 centuries but it also follows the timeline of Shakespeare's life; from his birthplace to the home he bought to retire to. His 52 years changed the world forever.
booking with the 'WalkTalkShow' . . .
Please book your tickets directly with us – via this website which links to one of the world’s best ticketing platforms, FareHarbor. We have a full no questions instant refund policy for any cancellation request that is more than 24hours ahead of a booked tour. We will also swap the date/time of any booked Tour on request – and even issue a credit note IF you have to cancel within 24hours of a tour – a facility available only to those booking directly through this website.
The Famous 'WalkTalkShow' . . . 20stops, 120minutes.
Our daily circular route takes about two hours and includes 20 stops:
1) Royal Shakespeare Theatre, inc historical overview
2) Market Cross; Market Hall (1500), Judith’s House & Architecture
3) Shakespeare’s Birthplace, Henley Street
4) Rother Street (The American Fountain, Market & Kings Rooms)
5) Bell Court from Wood Street
6) History Corner from Sheep Street inc Harvard House
7) Shakespeare’s New Place
8) The Guild of the Holy Cross – Guild Chapel
9) Shakespeare’s Schoolroom (Tudor era KES)
10) The Windmill – approaching Old Town
11) Hall’s Croft
12) The Memorial Gardens
13) Holy Trinity Church – Limes Avenue
14) Holy Trinity Church – Shakespeare’s place of rest
15) Leaving by the River Walk
16) Theatre Gardens and International Promenade (lights)
17) The Chain Ferry & The Dirty Duck pub
18) The Other Place – the RSC’s third theatre
19) The Swan Theatre, Waterside
20) Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Waterside.
Throughout your tour our guide will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
A few more customer comments; see 100's more on TripAdvisor & GetYourGuide
“Our wonderful tour guide explained everything in detail. He was very professional and answered all the questions our boys had showing an amazing depth of knowledge”
Katherine A. Cumbria, UK
“A fantastic experience with our terrific guide, Richard. History was brought to life during our most enjoyable experience.”
George & Phyllis C. NJ, USA
“We really enjoyed the tour; our Guide was really informative and interesting, taking us to all the main places of interest with some fascinating background stories.”
Angela D. Bristol, UK
“Our Guide was able to show and explain wider history about the town than just Shakespeare's period. . . . A totally enjoyable and informative experience.”
Andrew & Julie S. Aberdeen, Scotland
“Great value and delivered at a perfect pace. Our guide had boundless knowledge about both the town and its most famous son.”
Douglas B. Glasgow, Scotland
“Kate was such a great guide. It is though she had 'skin in the game' as one directly affected by all of the historical facts. Thank you Kate, for making our visit so special and rewarding - your tour genuinely made our whole trip from the US worthwhile!”
Mike S. California, USA
“A fantastic informative tour - even in the rain! We were a family of four and we learned a lot about the town and the life of Shakespeare , with plenty of tips for tourists too. The duration was perfect, as was the early afternoon start time which perfectly fitted our schedule. Thanks again.”
Dan P. London, UK
Private Group Bookings
If you are interested in booking a private WalkTalkShow for your family or group, at a date and time (and even start point) of your choice, just contact us via the email link below – or visit our Contacts page.
QUESTIONS?
Please see if your question has already been addressed on our FAQ’s page.
If not, we’re happy to answer any questions, please email us: stratfordwts@gmail.com
Terms & Conditions
The WalkTalkShow (WTS) generally goes ahead whatever the weather – so please dress accordingly. Our guided walk covers a distance of 2.1km and it is all on hard pathways with no more than gentle inclines – no walking boots or high levels of fitness are required.
The route has been risk assessed and optimised for the safe transition of a guided group – so wheelchairs and mobility scooters can easily navigate our route.
In the unlikely event of extreme weather conditions (e.g. torrential rain, gale force winds or compacted ice/snow) the tour may have to be shortened or cancelled for safety reasons. In this case you will of course receive a full refund.
All our Guides are fully vaccinated against Covid-19. The Walk Talk Show takes every precaution to ensure the safety and comfort of all customers. However, customers do participate entirely at their own risk.
We accept no liability for our customers health and safety and neither do we accept any liability for their personal belongings. All children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who is responsible for their supervision and safety throughout the duration of the tour. Always make your own decision when crossing roads, your Guide will wait for you!
Whilst scheduled to take two hours, the tour duration is ultimately determined by the pace of the group.