Private Full-Day Tour of Shakespeare's Stratford-Upon-Avon

Upon arrival in Stratford upon Avon, your tour will start with Shakespeare's birthplace and Stratford visitor centre exhibition, the top attraction for Stratford day visitors. This semi-woody Henley Street building with a large rear floor was probably acquired on two levels in 1556 and 1575 by Shakespeare's father John. It is decorated with many historical manuscripts and books in antique style. There is sometimes a performance in the outdoor celebration garden.

Our next stop will be Shakespeare's New Place. From 1597 to his death in 1616, New Place was Shakespeare's home. Shakespeare retired after completing his work. The New House survived after Shakespeare's death until its demolition in 1759. Picturesque garden space is where Shakespeare's original home was next door. The amazing Elizabethan Knot garden, created between 1919- 1920, has been based on images from Shakespeare's garden books and contains, to the extent possible, plants which Shakespeare had known. When Shakespeare bought New Place he was an established playwright and it is believed that he wrote his later plays there, including The Tempest.

Time to proceed to Hall’s Croft. The eldest daughter of Shakespeare, Susanna, was living with her husband, Dr Hall, in the Croft Hall. There is an exhibition about Dr Hall and his time's medicine and there is time to explore the house and gardens. In the building, there are excellent furnishings and paintings from the sixteenth and 17th centuries.

It’s now time to move on to Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, the most picturesque property of the Shakespeare Trust. In an idyllic location in Shottery, a mile west of Stratford nestles the cottage. This cottage belonged to the thriving family of Hathaway and was the pre-wedding home of Anne, wife of William Shakespeare. While it is known as a cottage, it is indeed a large 12-room Elizabethan farmhouse. The cottage and extensive gardens must-see places for today. Some of the buildings we are exploring dates back to the middle of the 15th century, some of which belonged to the Hathaways and their descendants. The garden is just excellent. In the summer months, garden tours are arranged so guests will have the chance to explore. There is a seasonal regular gift shop and a tea shop you will enjoy.

(Important Notice: Mary Arden's Farm is not open in winter term) A 3,5-mile distance from Stratford, Mary Arden grew up in this Tudor timbered farmhouse before she married John Shakespeare and moved to Henley Street. This timbered farmhouse is still in Wilmcote. The Shakespeare rural museum, two historical farms, exhibits of agricultural instruments, are housed here as well. You can see daily demonstrations of Falconry Heart of England, a forge for blacksmith and a duck pool.

Holy Trinity Church, the oldest remaining building of Stratford, which was built in 1210 on the site of a Saxon monastery. The Holy Trinity Church is where both William Shakespeare and Anne Hathaway are buried. The church and grounds have free access but the Shakespeare tomb, which is buried five meters underneath the church, is to be visited. On the wall near the grave is a Shakespeare monument, including a dramatist 's bust. It was produced shortly after his death and is regarded as Shakespeare's most authentic depiction.

Our last stop in Stratford-upon-Avon is the Royal Shakespeare Company that was founded by Peter Hall in 1960, and it offers the finest performers and directors working in some of the world's best theatre spaces. This is the place to be seen if you are a serious player not just in England, but also in the world. Guests may enjoy year-round performances in this building.