William Shakespeare Walking Tour (Self Guided), Stratford-upon-Avon

The picturesque town of Stratford-upon-Avon is steeped in the history of William Shakespeare. This is where the Bard was born in 1564, on April 23rd, and where he died exactly 52 years later, on April 23rd, 1616.

Many historic places connected with Shakespeare and his family have been preserved and are visited by millions of people who come to Stratford each year to celebrate his life and work. But what exactly is there to see, and how long should you allow? Well, the answer is about the same as asking, “How long is a piece of string?” There’s plenty to discover.

A natural place to begin is Shakespeare’s Birthplace, the half-timbered Tudor house on Henley Street where he was born in 1564 and spent his early years. From there, the story of his life continues at Shakespeare’s New Place, the substantial home he bought later in life and where he spent his final years. After his death, the property remained in the family and became the home of his daughter, Susanna Hall.

Close by is Nash’s House, once the home of Shakespeare’s granddaughter, Elizabeth Hall. It takes its name from her first husband, Thomas Nash, who owned the property.

Another important stop is Shakespeare’s Schoolroom and Guildhall, where the young William is believed to have received his education. Here, he would have studied Latin authors and encountered the literature and drama that later helped shape his work.

The final chapter of Shakespeare’s life can be found at Holy Trinity Church. He was baptized here as an infant and, more than five decades later, was buried inside the church after his death in 1616. His wife, Anne Hathaway, is buried there as well.

Together, these places trace Shakespeare’s life from childhood and education to family life, success, and final resting place. If you’d like to explore them independently, while also discovering streets and buildings the playwright himself would have known back in the 16th century, follow this self-guided walk.