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

The picturesque town of Stratford-upon-Avon is steeped in the history of William Shakespeare. Indeed, Shakespeare's hometown is where he was born and also where he passed away on the same day (23 April) 52 years later.

Many period locations in town, related to his and his family's life, are preserved as Britain's national heritage and visited by millions of people every year in a bid to celebrate Shakespeare's life and work.

But what exactly is there to see and how long should it take? The answer is about the same as how long is a piece of string! Here are some of the most popular Shakespearean sights in Stratford:

Shakespeare's Birthplace – a half-timbered Tudor family home in Henley Street, where the Bard was born in 1564.

Shakespeare's New Place – here Shakespeare lived in towards the end of his life; upon his death, New Place became the home of his daughter, Susanna Hall.

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.

Shakespeare's Schoolroom and Guildhall – here Shakespeare spent his school years and was inspired to become the world’s greatest playwright.

And of course, no trip to Stratford is complete without taking a short stroll to the Holy Trinity Church where William Shakespeare and his wife Anne Hathaway are buried.

If you wish to explore these and other prominent Shakespeare places independently and discover the buildings that the great man himself would have been familiar with as he went about his business back in the 16th century, take this self-guided walk!