Historical Tudor Houses Walking Tour (Self Guided), Stratford-upon-Avon

The first thing that strikes one walking across the medieval center of Stratford-Upon-Avon is the abundance of timber-framed Tudor houses. Their most notable feature, often combined with an overhanging upper story, is an exposed wooden framework; the rest is typically filled with brick, plaster or wattle-and-daub.

Many of these buildings have been kept in their original state, notably the classic black-and-white appearance, since the 16th century. And as it is Shakespeare's hometown, there are quite a few properties closely associated with the Bard himself.

Here are some of the most notable examples of Tudor architecture in Stratford:

Old Thatch Tavern – a visible landmark and the oldest pub in town, licensed since 1623.

Tudor World – the oldest lived-in house in Stratford, once owned by William Rogers, the real-life person who inspired Shakespeare's comic Falstaff character; nowadays an award-winning Tudor museum.

Shakespeare Hotel – a 16th century gabled building carefully preserved in its original state.

Nash House – the former dwelling of William Shakespeare's granddaughter, Elizabeth Hall; named after her first husband and original owner of the property, Thomas Nash.

Falcon Hotel – a quintessentially Tudor, half-timbered inn; carefully restored.

Hall's Croft – named after the physician Dr John Hall who married William Shakespeare's eldest daughter, Susanna.

Stratford’s ancient Tudor buildings bring history to life. If you wish to step in the shoes of the great Bard and view the same stonework as Shakespeare himself might have gazed upon while composing his immortal plays, take this self-guided walk!