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Stratford-upon-Avon Museums & exhibitions

Our most recommended Stratford-upon-Avon Museums & exhibitions

London: Oxford, Stratford, Cotswolds, and Warwick Day Trip

1. London: Oxford, Stratford, Cotswolds, and Warwick Day Trip

Make the most of your time in England with a day trip to the English countryside. Enjoy a walking tour of Oxford city and university including entry to the University Church of St Mary the Virgin, witness the scenery of the Cotswolds, enter Warwick Castle, and visit the birthplace of Shakespeare. Walking tour of Oxford Follow in the footsteps of Oxford's famous students, from C.S. Lewis to Bill Clinton, as you stroll the captivating college courtyards and cobbled lanes of this historic university town, on this guided day trip by bus from London. Take in the famous 'dreaming spires' and see the Bodleian Library, one of the oldest libraries in Europe. Be captivated by the unspoiled narrow alleys and ancient squares of this naturally beautiful town. Oxford is famous for being home to the oldest university in the English-speaking world – countless bright young things have wandered the town’s cobbled streets over the years! During this guided walking tour you will see the stunning University Church of St Mary the Virgin and furtively discover unspoiled narrow alleyways, ancient squares, and towering spires. Entry to the 13th-century University Church of St Mary the Virgin. Soak in spectacular sights of the unique baroque design and architecture as you explore the center of the University of Oxford. This absolute gem is a must-visit on your trip to Oxford. The Cotswolds Enjoy views of the breathtaking countryside, sleepy villages, and bustling market towns as you drive through the charming scenery of one of England's most beautiful regions. Stratford–upon–Avon  A unique market town, famous as the home of William Shakespeare, arguably the world's greatest writer. Visit the picturesque half-timber house where the legendary bard was born, and gain fascinating insights into his childhood. Shakespeare’s birthplace: See where the famous playwright grew up and spent his years as a married man. Warwick Castle  Be part of Britain’s greatest medieval experience deep in the heart of Warwick Castle. Immerse yourself in battle preparations and feel the weight of a medieval sword. Become a soldier – try on a battle helmet for size. Visit the spectacular State Rooms and feast your eyes on Victorian party preparations. Enjoy a meet and greet from a medieval host as well as an introduction to the spectacular castle.

Warwick, Oxford and Stratford Full-Day Tour from London

2. Warwick, Oxford and Stratford Full-Day Tour from London

Journey back more than 1,000 years and learn about the bloody battles and extravagant banquets of Warwick Castle on this day trip from London by bus. See where Shakespeare was born and explore the campus of Oxford.  Hop aboard a climate-controlled bus and relax on the drive to Warwick Castle. Admire the Great Hall and State Rooms, and climb the towers and ramparts for an archer’s view of the historic town.  Join Richard Neville as he prepares for battle at the multi-sensory Kingmaker attraction, or stroll through the landscaped gardens. Board the bus for the drive to Stratford-upon-Avon. Gain fascinating insights into Shakespeare at his birthplace.  Discover the scenic villages of the Cotswolds on the drive to Oxford. Stop for a guided walking tour of the university city. Take in the famous colleges that date back to the 13th century. Listen to tales of former students such as Bill Clinton, C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien and Lewis Carroll. Discover where Harry Potter was filmed at Christ Church college before the drive back to London.

Shakespeare's Schoolroom and Guildhall Entrance Tickets

3. Shakespeare's Schoolroom and Guildhall Entrance Tickets

Open daily, Shakespeare’s Schoolroom and Guildhall invites visitors to explore one of the rarely seen places of William Shakespeare’s childhood and youth, a place that helps to fill the missing chapter in the story of his time in his home town.  The newly-restored venue offers a glimpse into Shakespeare’s formative years and sheds light on his time as a schoolboy.  Step into the shoes of the young Shakespeare, sit in the very room that he sat in as a pupil and learn about what subjects the great man would have studied and the teaching methods of the day.  You will hear how he encountered the riches of classical literature and theater and saw some of the country’s finest actors perform in this building. Built in 1420, Stratford's Guildhall is one of only a few remaining medieval Guildhalls in the country. The authentic and immersive experience of a visit to this early fifteenth-century building will fully engage all visitors in its unique story.  Soak up the atmosphere of the Guildhall, including the late medieval priest’s chapel with its rare and recently conserved wall painting and learn about the building’s role as a medieval provincial Guildhall.  The visit promises to be full of fun, excitement and drama worthy of Shakespeare’s legacy for any group. Take a guided tour with knowledgeable guides, see a short film by historian and broadcaster, Michael Wood, on the history of the Guildhall. Take a lesson with a Tudor Schoolmaster, practice quill writing and dress up in a Tudor costume. Shakespeare's Schoolroom & Guildhall is perfect for all ages.

London: Stonehenge, Stratford-Upon-Avon, and Bath Day Trip

4. London: Stonehenge, Stratford-Upon-Avon, and Bath Day Trip

Explore the region beyond London with a full-day trip to some of England's most fascinating and essential sights. Uncover the secrets of Stonehenge, have free time to discover the city of Bath, soak up the charm of the Cotswolds, and visit Shakespeare's hometown of Stratford-upon-Avon. Head straight to Stonehenge, the most popular prehistoric monument in the world. Marvel at the huge 40-ton Sarsens and the volcanic blue stones that were brought from the Preseli Mountains, located more than 280 miles away. Move on next to the beautiful Georgian city of Bath. You'll have plenty of time to shop and explore the charming streets. Drive through the picturesque Cotswold region. Take in scenic views of open countryside, crisscrossed by dry stone walls and bustling market towns. Stop outside the birthplace of William Shakespeare at Stratford-upon-Avon. See the home of the greatest writer in the English language and the world-renowned Royal Shakespeare Company. Admire Stratford with its delightful river that winds its way past the Holy Trinity church, where Shakespeare was laid to rest. Receive a private tour of Shakespeare’s Schoolroom and Guildhall, take part in a Tudor lesson, and write with a quill and ink.

Shakespeare’s Stratford & Cotswolds

5. Shakespeare’s Stratford & Cotswolds

An expert guide leads the way, regaling you with stories and interesting facts about the rich history of these beautiful places. Stratford-upon-Avon, the hometown of legendary playwright William Shakespeare, is the first stop on this day trip.  Filled with history, pay a visit to the place the famous Bard was born - a quaint, unassuming half-timbered house. Learn amazing stories and quirks of Elizabethan living from your expert guide. The next stop is a visit to Shakespeare’s bride Anne Hathaway’s cottage and gardens. This beautiful little thatched farmhouse is the place where the Bard courted his bride. To this day, the property holds items of original furniture, including the Hathaway bed. It is nestled within stunning grounds and gardens, overflowing with fragrant blooms and traditional shrubs. Then continue to the Cotswolds. Visit what is often agreed to be one of the most beautiful areas in the whole of the UK. With quaint villages and breathtaking scenery, the Cotswolds looks like it jumped off the pages of a storybook. The tour makes photo stops at 3 stunning Cotswolds villages: Bourton-on-the-Water, also known as ‘Little Venice’ due to its low bridges and stone banks, Burford which features an ornate medieval bridge and Bibury, a town once described by William Morris as ‘the most beautiful village in England’. After a wonderful day of sightseeing, arrive back to London at the approximate time of 7:15 PM.

From London: Oxford, Stratford, and Cotswolds Day Trip

6. From London: Oxford, Stratford, and Cotswolds Day Trip

After a morning pick-up in central London, you’ll head to Oxford, Stratford-upon-Avon, and the Cotswolds on a full-day tour that takes you through English history and beautiful countryside. Visit Shakespeare’s Stratford, take a short walk past the house where Shakespeare was born in the center of town, and then visit Shakespeare's Schoolroom with your tour manager. Afterward, you will have free time to explore Stratford with its rich Tudor and Shakespearean history. Enjoy a drive through the picturesque Cotswolds, an area of astounding natural beauty. Admire the landscapes of beautiful rolling hills and honey-colored stone villages. Weather permitting there will be time for photo stops. Next stop is Oxford for a walking tour with a guide who will show you many points of interest, such as the Sheldonian Theater, Balliol College, Christ Church, and the Museum of Science. Your expected arrival time back in central London is 19:00.

Warwick Castle, Stratford, Oxford & Cotswolds Day Trip

7. Warwick Castle, Stratford, Oxford & Cotswolds Day Trip

Travel into Britain's past as you escape the hustle and bustle of London. Start off the day with a short walking tour of Oxford, home to one of the world’s most famous universities. The ivy-clad colleges that make up the university are seen as some of the finest architecture in Europe. There will be some free time to shop for souvenirs before heading through the Cotswolds towards Stratford. Private tour of Shakespeare’s Schoolroom and Guildhall Described as ‘one of the most atmospheric, magical and important buildings in the whole of Britain,’ Shakespeare’s Schoolroom and Guildhall opened it’s doors to the public for the first time in 2016 to mark the 400th anniversary of the writer's death. Step back in time to the 1570’s when William Shakespeare was a pupil learning to read and write, and see the room where leading theater companies came to perform - a strong influence on the young playwright. You will be invited to enjoy a private tour before the school opens to the public in the morning, including the chance to take part in a Tudor lesson, write with a quill and ink, witness the rare medieval wall paintings, and much more.  Stratford-Upon-Avon The birthplace of William Shakespeare, the greatest writer in the English language and home to the theatres of the world-renowned Royal Shakespeare Company, Stratford is a charming market town set in the heart of rural England. A delightful river winds its way through the town, past the beautiful Holy Trinity Church, where Shakespeare lies buried. See some wonderful half-wooden buildings that date back to Shakespeare's time, including Shakespeare’s birthplace. Warwick Castle This is, quite simply, the greatest medieval castle in Britain. With a history that dates back over 1,000 years, Warwick Castle will take you back in time to a world of sumptuous banquets, bloody battles, and royal splendor. Enter over the footbridge and explore the castle's ramparts, towers, and gardens. Oxford and the Cotswolds Oxford, the city of dreaming spires, boasts one of the world’s greatest and oldest universities as well as some of the finest architecture in Europe. The colleges themselves, which make up the university, are amongst the architectural highlights, their ivy-clad stone walls protecting beautiful chapels, halls and libraries. Soak up the atmosphere of this remarkable town with a guided walking tour of the city or take tea in the shop where the real-life Alice (inspiration for Alice in Wonderland) bought her sweets! Your trip to Oxford promises an unforgettable experience for young and old alike. On the way to the remarkable city you will also enjoy a short drive through the scenic Cotswolds.

From London: Oxford, Stratford-upon-Avon, & Warwick Day Trip

8. From London: Oxford, Stratford-upon-Avon, & Warwick Day Trip

Enjoy the opulence of Oxford! Renowned for over 900 years as a centre of academic excellence, follow in the footsteps of its famous students; from Bill Clinton to Lewis Carroll and C.S. Lewis. Uncover the university town of Oxford at a leisurely pace and take in the Bodleian Library and the captivating college courtyards on your travels. Be guided through unspoilt narrow alleys and ancient squares of the historic town and view the many colleges, notably Christ Church, the film location for the Harry Potter movies. Entry to Christ Church is included. Cotswolds The tour drives through the Cotswolds, a charming blend of breathtaking natural beauty, bustling market towns and sleepy villages. Shakespeare’s Stratford-Upon-Avon Stratford is a market town with a difference. Bask in the birthplace of arguably the world's greatest writer, William Shakespeare, situated on the outskirts of the Forest of Arden. See Shakespeare's Birthplace - the half timbered house where he was born, to gain a fascinating insight into his childhood. You will view Shakespeare's birthplace from the outside, as it is closed for the holiday. Warwick Castle Be part of Britain’s greatest Medieval experience! Deep in the heart of Warwick Castle, the Great Hall becomes a hive of activity! Immerse yourself in battle preparations and feel the weight of a medieval sword. Become a soldier - try on a battle helmet for size! Visit the spectacular State Rooms and feast your eyes on Victorian party preparations. (Entrance to Warwick Castle Dungeon is not included in this tour).

From Oxford: Cotswolds and Shakespeare Full-Day Tour

9. From Oxford: Cotswolds and Shakespeare Full-Day Tour

See the natural beauty of the North Cotswolds and historic Stratford-upon-Avon on a full-day tour from Oxford. Make several stops in quaint Cotswolds villages and learn about the birthplace of Shakespeare. Head west from medieval Oxford and your first stop will be the old market town of Burford. Explore the ‘Gateway to the Cotswolds’ and stop for a refreshment. From there you’ll be taken on a scenic drive through some of the old quarrying villages of the Cotswolds until you arrive at Bourton-on-the-Water. Wander along the pretty riverside with its historic stone bridges and browse some of the country shops and cafes. Next, after crossing some rolling hills you’ll reach the charming old market town of Chipping Campden. Visit the old market hall and perhaps stop for lunch in a local pub or restaurant. Finally, follow a route that takes you past more breathtaking views until you reach Stratford-upon-Avon. Here you’ll receive a tour of Shakespeare’s hometown, where you’ll see picturesque timber-framed houses, the famous Shakespeare theaters, the River Avon, and Shakespeare’s birthplace.   After Stratford, head back to the Cotswolds via Shottery, where you’ll see the enchanting Anne Hathaway’s Cottage. Return to Oxford via the market town of Shipston, the idyllic village of Great Tew, and Blenheim Palace (birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill).

Frequently asked questions about Stratford-upon-Avon

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What people are saying about Stratford-upon-Avon

Danxia was such a knowledgeable tour guide! And entertaining! I cannot recommend this tour enough to people. You get enough time to spend on each spot to absorb not just the history but the community culture. Everyone was so welcoming. It was so much fun! And Malcolm *chefs kisses* safest, best driver one could ask for. Amazing team!

our guide was amazing. extremely knowledgeable and answered all our questions. each place we visited was amazing. I wish we had more time in Stratford-upon-Avon but the day was great nonetheless. highly recommend.

Absolutely amazing. The guides were brilliant. We were fortunate that some schoolchildren were there when we visited and they were telling us about some of Shakespeare’s history, which was fantastic

Really interesting tour around buildings and the guides were excellent at answering questions.

I loved the information that the guide Ari gave us and the places to visit, I would repeat