6 Shakespeare Tours in Stratford-upon-Avon to Build a Day Around

1.Shakespeare Distillery Tour – 1pm Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 598 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $27Our pick

At Shakespeare Distillery in Stratford-upon-Avon, you’ll see how small-batch gin and rum are made, hear the curious stories behind gin’s past, and sample at least three spirits with guidance on serving them. The 90-minute, 1pm tour suits a post-Shakespeare’s Birthplace afternoon, though you’ll need a taxi, Uber, or designated driver to enjoy the tasting fully.

“We booked this tour for something to do whilst visiting the Christmas Market and really enjoyed learning about gin and rum production, the final part of the tour was the highlight take a small taxi journey or have a designated driver”

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2.Shakespeare’s Globe Guided Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 481 reviews · from $37

Step into Shakespeare’s Globe on Bankside for a 45-minute guided tour of the reconstructed open-air theater and its exhibition. Guides such as Vicky, Mick, Clive, and Jeremy bring Elizabethan stagecraft to life, and you may see actors rehearsing. Add a Midsummer Night’s Dream afternoon tea for Thames and St Paul’s Cathedral views.

“Same price as booking on the website. The exhibition does not take very long. Got to see a rehearsal so was not able to actually go on the stage and see it.”

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3.Shakespeare’s Stratford-upon-Avon Day Trip by Coach

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 352 reviews · 10 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $122

Travel by air-conditioned coach from Victoria to Stratford-upon-Avon for about six hours of free time, including entry to Shakespeare’s Birthplace, Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, and Shakespeare’s New Place. The day runs roughly 10.5 hours and suits first-time England visitors, though walking, traffic, and tight timing can shape the experience.

“It was a wonderful and pleasant experience. Stefan was great. Knew a lot of interesting facts. Oxford was fantastic to see.”

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4.The Sinister Side of Shakespeare’s Stratford Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 279 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $16Best value

Follow Sinister Stratford from the Platinum Jubilee Tree through Shakespeare’s old town and along the River Avon. Expect plague tales, Civil War ghosts, witchcraft, murder, and stories tied to Shakespeare’s family. Guides such as Joe use theatrical delivery and humor. The walk suits adults and older children, with several departure times and groups capped at 20.

“Informative and fun. Would have been better at night but that was our only time available to do the tour”

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5.Shakespeare’s Schoolroom & Guildhall Entry Ticket and Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 232 reviews · 30 minutes to 1 hour (approx.) · from $18

Explore Shakespeare’s Schoolroom and Guildhall in Stratford-upon-Avon with a guide, including Regina and Master Jenkins. See medieval wall paintings, the Council Chamber, Tudor school displays, and the room where young William studied. Expect a short film, a hands-on Latin lesson, quill writing, Tudor dress-up, and games.

“One of the best museums I have ever visited. The guides were very knowledgeable and interesting and the interactive experiences were fun. Highly recommended.”

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6.Full Day Cotswolds Tour & Shakespeare’s Stratford From London

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 204 reviews · 10 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $104

Travel from Paddington in an air-conditioned 16-seat mini-coach to Stratford-upon-Avon and classic Cotswold villages including Chipping Campden, Stow-on-the-Wold, Bourton-on-the-Water, Snowshill, and Bibury. Guides such as Paul and Nathan provide local commentary, while free time lets you explore, eat, and take photos.

“Paul was a great guide and took us through the beautiful Cotswolds with great commentary. He lived in the Cotswolds so he really knows the area. It was nice being in a small minibus as we were able to traverse the country roads and visit some of the smaller beautiful villages. The seats are a bit cramped and larger folks might be uncomfortable unless they can get the front seats or the middle of the back row. We would love to return and visit the Cotswolds for an extended period. Burton on the Water was our favorite town. Definitely recommend this tour over any of the larger coaches!”

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