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Mousetrap, Agatha

Mousetrap, Agatha

Mousetrap, Agatha

Mousetrap, Agatha

Mousetrap, Agatha

Mousetrap, Agatha

Mousetrap, Agatha

Great British Heritage

Shakespeare in Stratford – From Quill to Stage

Follow in Shakespeare’s footsteps on this captivating break to Stratford-upon-Avon, exploring the places that shaped his life, inspired his works and preserve his remarkable legacy.

From the house where he was born to the church where he rests, discover the story of England’s greatest playwright through expert insight, historic buildings and beautiful riverside settings. With a performance by the Royal Shakespeare Company, exclusive backstage access to the Royal Shakespeare Theatre and visits to Anne Hathaway’s Cottage and Shakespeare’s New Place, this tour offers a wonderful introduction to the world of the Bard.

From

£799

per person

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what’s included

At A Glance

  • The Travel Editions Experience
    Our tours are thoughtfully crafted and meticulously planned, with every destination, hotel, excursion and stop along the way having been selected to form a truly memorable experience.
  • Meals Included
    All breakfasts, and one dinner
  • Handpicked Accommodation
    Two nights at the four-star DoubleTree by Hilton Stratford, based on sharing a twin room. 
  • Discover Shakespeare’s Stratford
    Visit key historic sites, enjoy a RSC performance, go behind the scenes at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, and experience the town’s timeless charm from both land and water.
  • Tour Manager
    Expert guide, Jane Tapley and Tour Manager throughout.
  • Transfers & Admissions
    All talks, guided tours, coach touring and entrance fees as per the itinerary.
Meet Your Expert Guide

Jane Tapley

Jane has led literary tours for Travel Editions for many years, bringing to life the worlds of Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, Shakespeare and Agatha Christie. A Blue Badge Guide, her knowledge of these writers and the places connected with them is second to none.

For forty years Jane was Special Events Organiser at the Theatre Royal Bath, regularly interviewing authors and working at the heart of British theatrical life. Her enthusiasm is much praised by travellers, and she often brings an added theatrical flourish to her tours through specially arranged dramatic performances.

Meet Our Expert Guides
itinerary & excursions

Your Itinerary

Explore this incredible tour in detail and discover what makes each day so special. Below, you’ll find a full day-by-day breakdown of your journey, from the moment you arrive to your final farewell. Learn more about the highlights you’ll experience, the unforgettable places you’ll visit, and the unique moments that bring each destination to life.

Exact order of itinerary may vary according to local conditions and tour manager’s discretion.

Day 1: Arrival and Introduction

Arrive independently at the Doubletree by Hilton Stratford-upon-Avon from 15.00.

This evening there will be a welcome drink, dinner with wine and an introductory talk by expert Jane Tapley. 

Day 2: Shakespeare Sights

Begin with a visit to Shakespeare’s Birthplace, where the Bard’s story began. Explore the house and exhibitions that bring his early life to vivid detail. Continue to the Shakespeare Schoolroom and Guildhall, where young William was educated and first encountered theatre.

In the afternoon, visit Shakespeare’s New Place, the site of his final home, now a beautifully landscaped garden with sculptures celebrating his legacy. Then walk to Holy Trinity Church, where Shakespeare was baptised and is buried— his grave lies near the altar, not in the surrounding churchyard.

Conclude the day with an evening theatre performance of ‘As You Like It’, immersing yourself in the magic of Shakespeare’s words on stage.

Day 3: Theatre Tour, River Cruise, Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, and Mary Arden’s Farm

Start with a guided tour of the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, including exclusive backstage access. Then stroll through Bancroft Gardens to admire the Gower Memorial, a striking statue of Shakespeare surrounded by his most famous characters. Enjoy a scenic River Avon cruise, offering views of Stratford’s historic heart.

In the afternoon, visit Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, the romantic thatched home of Shakespeare’s wife. On the return, pass by Mary Arden’s Farm, Shakespeare’s mother’s childhood home. Return to the hotel by 17:00.

Post-tour extra nights are available at a supplement.

Availability

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06/10/2026
London
£799
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29/10/2026
London
£799
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Solo Traveller Supplement From: £116
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HOTELS

Tour Accommodation

DoubleTree by Hilton Stratford-upon-Avon
DoubleTree by Hilton Stratford-upon-Avon offers a stylish and welcoming base in the heart of this historic market town. Just a short stroll from Shakespeare’s birthplace and the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, it’s perfectly placed for cultural exploration. The hotel features spacious rooms, a modern fitness suite, and a relaxed restaurant and bar. With on-site parking and EV charging, it’s also a convenient choice. Whether you’re exploring charming riverside walks, visiting nearby National Trust properties, or enjoying a leisurely afternoon in Stratford’s quaint streets and gardens, the hotel provides a peaceful retreat with all the comforts of home.

Hotel Website

our regular tours

Mobility Information

This tour has a demanding fitness rating, reflecting a fuller itinerary with plenty of walking and time spent exploring on foot.
 
Some visits may involve cobbled streets, uneven paving, slopes, steps, stairs, limited seating, or walking from the coach drop-off point to the entrance of a site or attraction. The exact demands will vary from day to day, and we highlight specific practical details within the itinerary wherever possible.
 
You should feel comfortable walking at a steady group pace, standing during visits and enjoying a full day of sightseeing.
 
If you are unsure whether this tour is right for you, please contact us before booking.

Mobility Information
Your questions answered

Tour FAQ

If you have a question, we are more than happy to answer it via email or phone, but you may find your answer below more quickly.

Simply complete our online booking form or give us a call on 020 7251 0045 between 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday where you can speak to a real person. A 20% deposit per person is required at the time of booking, to book your place. Payments by debit card or credit card incur no charge. 

You must pay for the balance of your holiday at least 12 weeks before departure. A balance reminder is sent approximately 10 days before the balance due date. If you book your holiday within 12 weeks of departure, full payment is required at time of booking. Please note that some tours may require final payment to be paid earlier than 12 weeks, due to financial commitment with suppliers. The exact date will be notified to you at the time of booking. Final joining instructions and documentation will be dispatched approximately 10 days before travel.

In almost all cases, the price includes your accommodation, meals as described in the itinerary, all excursions shown in the programme, and travel arrangements from the UK. Excursions are taken by private coach exclusively for Travel Editions guests. If anything is ever excluded from the price, it will be clearly marked as optional and payable locally, you won’t find any hidden extras on your final bill. Travel Editions operates a firm no-surcharge policy, so the price you are quoted is the price you pay.

The specifics vary by tour and are set out in your individual itinerary, but most of our tours depart from London, either by Eurostar from St Pancras International or by air. For rail tours, we advise allowing at least one hour before the Eurostar departure when planning your journey to London. For flights, all costs are based on economy class unless otherwise stated, and all times shown are local time. For tours in the UK, these often start at the hotel in question.

Flight upgrades and connections from regional airports are available on request and subject to availability, contact us on 020 7251 0045 or at tours@traveleditions.co.uk for details. We strongly recommend not booking non-refundable connecting travel until you have received your final joining instructions, which are sent around 10 days before departure and confirm all timings and meeting points.

Yes, and you’re very welcome. Single room supplements apply on most tours, reflecting the fact that single and double rooms are generally priced similarly by hotels. If you would prefer to share with another solo traveller of the same gender, we are happy to arrange this, simply let us know at the time of booking. Sharing is subject to another traveller in the same situation being booked on the same tour.

Each tour is accompanied by a dedicated tour manager, who in most cases will travel out from the UK with the group. On some tours, the tour manager will meet you at your destination station or airport, with full details being confirmed in your joining instructions 10 days before travel. Many of our tours are also led by expert lecturers or specialist guides whose knowledge brings each destination to life; details of who will be accompanying your particular tour are included in the individual tour pages and itineraries.

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