the famous WalkTalkShow of . . .
Stratford upon Avon
"We are such stuff as dreams are made on."
Stratford’s famous WalkTalkShow is a fascinating, entertaining, educational and fun Guided Walking Tour that steps you through the incredible history of Stratford upon Avon. We have the TOP customer review scores across all of Stratford’s visitor attractions (on both TripAdvisor & GetYourGuide).
Tours –Twice Daily:
Our expert guides start our daily Tours at 1pm and then again at 3pm; so just pick the time that suits you best. Tour duration is 90minutes, distance 1.3km and it includes12 stops.
We present 14 centuries of history, C7th to C21st.
See Shakespeare’s Birthplace and hear his life story.
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 – dating from 1269.
Up to 20 stops, each with a wealth of information; including Shakespeare’s schoolroom as well as his very grand retirement house. Amazing buildings, amazing monuments and you will hear incredible stories that befit them all!
We start and finish outside The Royal Shakespeare Theatre (the RST aka the RSC), outside the main entrance at 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.
Please book with us through this website, you cannot buy cheaper anwhere else, and we’ll extend you the maximum flexibility on swapping dates & times as well as for last minute cancellations. The Gold standard tickets are those purchased via this website using our ticketing platform: Ticketebo.
Dogs are very welcome but must be kept on a lead.
Our passage through history is 1.3km (1mile) and 1400 years long. It is all on established paths with nothing more than a gentle incline (our route is wheelchair and mobility scooter friendly).
Our 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 precisely 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 more than 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 credit note – IF you have booked directly with us.
Fancy a Private Group Tour?
If you are interested in booking a private guided tour for your family or group, at a 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 Guides
We have Guides with many years experience of working on local and Cotswolds sightseeing coaches. We can meet your coach or minibus and run a live guide commentary as we guide you on a 60min (or longer) local (or Cotswolds) 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 :
“Vast knowledge ...
Superb, fun and very educational ...
A fantastic trip through history...
Our family had such a fun experience on this tour! ...
The best walking tour we've ever done ...
It all came alive ...
Totally magical ...
Marcus danced us through history ...
Incredible! ...
Kate was simply wonderful ...
The perfect walking tour ...
Extremely interesting ...
Highly recommended ...
Richard knows this town inside out ...
We loved Glynda, our tour guide ...
Great for all ages ...
Dwayne was a delight, such a great way to learn ...
Fascinating history.”
A few tour highlights :
Where we meet . . . the RST
Below the main steps into the Royal Shakespeare Theatre (aka The RSC) at the base of the Tower. Please remain outside the RST building.
Guild Chapel & Alms Houses
The town's mighty Guild built it's Chapel in 1269 and these Alms houses for the poor and underprivileged of the town. That was early in the 16th Century. The Guild's own story reads like a Dan Brown novel. (Funny that!)
The Bancroft Gardens
With room for everyone the gardens and canal basin are peppered with historical statues, monuments and memorials - as well as great views across the river. There's that Tower again.
New Place & Nash's House
William Shakespeare made himself a wealthy man and aged just 33 he bought the biggest house in the town; having 26 rooms. Deliberately destroyed not once but twice its now beautiful gardens belie its troubled past.
History Corner at Sheep Street
Named after the main route for livestock Sheep Streets' restaurants have long made it a magnet for foodies. Learn about fascinating buildings that span five centuries - right in front of your eyes.
Shakepeare's Birthplace
See the house where William was born in 1564 - recreated 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 at the top of town is historically significant. What might look like a Greek church is an Old Market Hall and dates back to the early 1500's. Here traders, including John Shakespeare, would sell their goods across its' flat top tables.
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 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 – from this website. You cannot save money by purchasing tickets through other platforms and 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 issue credit notes IF you need to cancel within 24hours of a tour – for those booking directly through this website.
The Famous 'WalkTalkShow' . . . 12stops, 90minutes.
Our twice daily circular route takes about 90 minutes and includes 12 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) KES (C21st) from Chapel Lane
11) The Swan Theatre, Waterside
12) Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Waterside.
Throughout your tour your guide will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
A few 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 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 almost whatever the weather – so please dress accordingly. Our guided walk covers a distance of 1.3km and it is all on hard pathways with no more than gentle inclines – so 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 90 minutes, the tour duration is ultimately determined by the pace of the group.