Affiliate links: This page contains affiliate links. If you book through one of our links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend things we genuinely believe in. Read our full disclosure policy.
Stratford-upon-Avon Shakespeare Tour - practical travel guide with honest advice.
This guided tour visits the three key Shakespeare sites in Stratford-upon-Avon: his childhood home on Henley Street, the thatched cottage where Anne Hathaway lived before marriage, and the Royal Shakespeare Company theatre. The 12-mile journey from Coventry takes 40 minutes by coach. You'll have guided access to two properties and a theatre walk-through, plus a lunch break in the town centre. Best for Literature lovers and theatre fans. This is a easy activity lasting 6 hours. Group size: 8-30. You meet at Coventry Railway Station. Key highlights: Shakespeare's Birthplace with period furnishings and interactive displays, Anne Hathaway's Cottage with original Tudor architecture and gardens, Royal Shakespeare Company theatre with backstage tour access.
Price: £45
Duration: 6 hours
Difficulty: easy
Group size: 8-30
Minimum age: 5+
Best for: Literature lovers and theatre fans
Best time: April to September; avoid peak school holidays (July-August) for smaller groups. Spring and autumn offer best light for photography.
Meeting point: Coventry Railway Station
Languages: English
Here is how the experience unfolds:
9:00am Meet at Coventry Railway Station and board coach - Allow 15 minutes for loading and headcount before departure.
9:45am Arrive Stratford-upon-Avon, guided walk to Shakespeare's Birthplace - Historic timber-framed house on Henley Street where he was born in 1564, now a museum with period rooms.
10:30am Visit Anne Hathaway's Cottage - Thatched farmhouse in Shottery village (1 mile walk or coach), where Shakespeare's wife lived before their marriage.
12:00pm Lunch break in Stratford town centre - Not included in price; choose from pubs, cafes, or restaurants on Bridge Street and High Street.
1:30pm Royal Shakespeare Company theatre tour and foyer visit - Behind-the-scenes walk showing stage technology and backstage areas; performances must be booked separately.
2:45pm Free time in Stratford town centre - 30 minutes to shop, visit other attractions, or explore the River Avon walk.
The whole experience takes 6 hours. Difficulty: easy. You meet at Coventry Railway Station.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Price | £45 |
| Duration | 6 hours |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Group size | 8-30 |
| Minimum age | 5+ |
| Meeting point | Coventry Railway Station |
| Languages | English |
| Cancellation | Free cancellation 7 days before; after 7 days, 50% refund; within 24 hours, no refund |
| Accessibility | Shakespeare's Birthplace has step-free ground floor access. Anne Hathaway's Cottage has gravel paths and one internal step. RSC theatre tour involves stairs. Contact operator for specific mobility requirements. |
What is included: Return coach from Coventry, Guided entry to Shakespeare's Birthplace, Guided entry to Anne Hathaway's Cottage, Royal Shakespeare Company theatre tour, Professional guide throughout.
Not included: Lunch and refreshments, RSC theatre performance tickets, Parking in Stratford, Souvenir merchandise. You will need to arrange these yourself.
What to bring: Comfortable walking shoes (2+ miles of walking), Weather-appropriate clothing, Spending money for lunch and gifts, Camera for photo opportunities, Sun protection in summer. Having these with you makes the experience smoother.
Best time to go: April to September; avoid peak school holidays (July-August) for smaller groups. Spring and autumn offer best light for photography..
Tip: RSC performance tickets sold separately
Tip: Lunch stop in Stratford included
Accessibility: Shakespeare's Birthplace has step-free ground floor access. Anne Hathaway's Cottage has gravel paths and one internal step. RSC theatre tour involves stairs. Contact operator for specific mobility requirements..
Operator: Heart of England Tours
After this activity, these are within easy reach:
This activity is run by Heart of England Tours.
Cancellation policy: Free cancellation 7 days before; after 7 days, 50% refund; within 24 hours, no refund.
Accessibility: Shakespeare's Birthplace has step-free ground floor access. Anne Hathaway's Cottage has gravel paths and one internal step. RSC theatre tour involves stairs. Contact operator for specific mobility requirements..
Best time to go: April to September; avoid peak school holidays (July-August) for smaller groups. Spring and autumn offer best light for photography..
No. Theatre tickets are optional and sold separately. The tour includes a behind-the-scenes walk of the RSC building, but watching a performance requires separate purchase at the box office. Most performances cost £20-50.
Lunch is not included. You have 90 minutes free time in Stratford town centre to eat at your own expense. Budget £10-20 for a pub meal or sandwich. No packed lunches are provided by the operator.
Approximately 40-45 minutes each way to Stratford-upon-Avon. Total journey time is included in the 6-hour duration. The coach is climate-controlled with toilet facilities onboard for the return trip.
No. Theatre tickets are optional and sold separately. The tour includes a behind-the-scenes walk of the RSC building, but watching a performance requires separate purchase at the box office. Most performances cost £20-50.
Lunch is not included. You have 90 minutes free time in Stratford town centre to eat at your own expense. Budget £10-20 for a pub meal or sandwich. No packed lunches are provided by the operator.
Approximately 40-45 minutes each way to Stratford-upon-Avon. Total journey time is included in the 6-hour duration. The coach is climate-controlled with toilet facilities onboard for the return trip.
Best for: Architecture enthusiasts and gentle walkers
Best for: Tudor history fans and garden enthusiasts
Best for: Art lovers and urban explorers
Best for: Families with children over 8
Live availability from our partner Viator