Stratford-upon-Avon Tours
Shakespeare's Schoolroom & Guildhall Entry Ticket and Tour
5
Shakespeare's Schoolroom & Guildhall Entry Ticket and Tour
By Shakespeare's Schoolroom & Guildhall
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About
History and literature enthusiasts won't want to miss the chance to visit Shakespeare's former schoolroom and the Guildhall where his father was mayor. Get an insight into the kind of education Shakespeare would have had in the 1570s, plus tour one of the few remaining medieval guildhalls in England. You'll learn more about Shakespeare's life, as well as about the history of Stratford-upon-Avon.
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 0-115
Duration: 30–60 minutes
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
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Written guide: German, Arabic, Chinese, Russian, Portuguese, Japanese, Italian, French, Spanish
Print or digital reading material such as a guide, map, brochure, etc.
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Highlights
- Take part in an entertaining Tudor lesson, including Latin instruction
- Dress up in Tudor-style clothes and snap a selfie
- Tour some of the oldest buildings in Stratford
- A fun activity for both kids and adults
- Guide
- Tudor lesson
- Entry/Admission - Shakespeare's Schoolroom & Guildhall
What's not included- Gratuities
- Wheelchair accessible
- Pushchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Transportation is wheelchair accessible
- Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 51286P1- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Most travellers can participate
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Wheelchair accessible; elevator allows access to both floors
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 51286P1
From
£13.00
per adult
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About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- ELK_20190 contributionsFun, interactive, and educationalThis was the most fun we had in Stratford. The exhibits covered multiple periods of history and included hands-on activities, friendly guides, and interactive experiences (multimedia, conversations with an actor, writing with a quill, chance to dress up for kids, etc.). It truly is a hidden gem. The staff were so friendly and great with both adults and kids. We would definitely recommend it.Written 28 June 2024
- StephenCr0ss0 contributionsAmazing buildingShakespeare schoolroom is slightly off location wise on the TA map. However, you can’t miss it as it’s a large building and well signposted. Very historic.Written 18 March 2024
- Natalia M0 contributionsA must if you’re interested in British history!Went by myself this afternoon and wow, was not disappointed! Staff were very friendly and knowledgeable, had a great time chatting to them and learning more about history. Recommend :)Written 30 January 2024
- andrewsY5330IX0 contributionsWorth a visit.Kind of a must see. The headmaster is the main event. He was funny and very knowledgeable. The guide on the ground floor was probably an overseas student from China. Her English language skills weren't great. Which was the only negative. Too many 'ums'.Written 26 January 2024
- jmcinuk0 contributionsShakespeares school is worth the visitBest part of our day in Stratford upon Avon. We saw the birthplace which was very interesting and the bottom of the guildhall was interesting although a bit rigid when it came to the tour guide. The upstairs school section was the absolute highlight! Learned more about Shakespeares England than in the whole day. Highly recommend. Hang in there through the ground floor. Upstairs is worth it !Written 11 November 2023
- 297traceyw0 contributionsThis is a Must !If you have limited time in Stratford Upon Avon, and only have time for one tourist attraction, then pick this one ! Initially hesitant to spend £12.50 per adult to pop in a school room but was I wrong !!! This is a well thought out and co-ordinated tour and event, with the opportunity to see rare medieval paintings! So rare they are hidden behind a screen The tour is broken into 5 parts Part 1 : information show on the guild hall building Part 2: viewing of rare wall paintings Part 3 : staged classroom experience as young Elizabethan boys Part 4 : Learning to write with a quill Part 5 : The masters / prefects room There has clearly been a lot of thought, passion and pride with the custodians showing their guild hall history and school room experience ( it is still very much a working school) . This tour is exceptional. Well done we loved it !Written 22 October 2023
- Vanessa G0 contributionsThe best - really excellentFrom the moment we arrived, to when we left, we were impressed by the care this place takes of its visitors. It would be so easy to be tired of constant repetition... however, not this bunch. "We've got a big party coming after you - why not go to the schoolroom upstairs first, then come back and do this floor when they've gone through?" SO glad we did - we arrived 'late' upstairs to a 'lesson' and an utterly brilliant 'schoolmaster' duly chastised us, waving a birch. However, no harm was done - as he talked to us all about the philosophy of education in Shakespeare's time. Worth going just for this experience. I learned a lot. Then we had a fascinating visit to the more modern schoolroom, still equipped with desks with holes for inkwells. A private chapel, with a 'secret altar painting' which was revealed behind a protective screen. Then a short film. It was wonderful to find the young people from today's school nearby still use these rooms. Thank you all for a fabulous hour or so.Written 26 July 2023
- janetcY9979FB0 contributionsSee and feel Shakespeare's school, chapel, guildhall - better than the birthplace!We went inside to dodge a shower and stayed very happily for 90 minutes! This is the place to see and feel Shakespeare's Stratford with excellent, enthusiastc and well-informed, friendly guides, one as a 15thc schoolteacher! Use a real quill! Not corny at all though and we're OAPs. Genuinely enjoyed and learnt! Give yourself time to see the short, professional video's and also the 15thc wall paintings in the schoolroom, guildhall and chapel.Written 24 April 2023
- brendaoK6780KB0 contributionsMy second tour - could have stayed longer - definitely returnExcellent guided tour by Caroline - so much to see and learn in every room. we had visiited the Chapel next door, which made the video really informative and enjoyable - the lesson by the Master, and then looking at all the desk carvings (we saw a photo of a soldier on the interactive pad and found his carved name). Every room is interesting, and all the staff so friendly and helpful.Written 9 April 2023
- Netty1370 contributionsInteresting building, but the tour isn’t worth the moneyThe building is beautiful and very interesting. However the entrance fee is extremely overpriced and the tour very hit and miss. The staff were chatting amongst themselves and it rather felt that visitors were tolerated rather than encouraged. Definitely not worth the money. There are far more superior and value for money Shakespeare exhibits in Stratford on Avon.Written 1 April 2023
- SharmeenVazifdar0 contributionsRecommendedAfter being greeted at the reception by Christine , Verity took over and enthusiastically introduced the place and kick started the small tour. This was followed by a very dedicated performance by Taresh as the school’s headmaster providing us more information about the school and its association with William Shakespeare. Overall a very informative experience made interesting by committed and warm people.Written 5 February 2023
- TravellinAnt0 contributionsAbsolutely amazing! Travel back in time!I’m a big lover of history and we’re blessed in the U.K. to have an abundance of it, even though I’ve been in other guildhalls and timber framed buildings nothing is quite like this! So much of this rare survivor is original and it has this real atmosphere inside that makes you feel you just went back in time to the 1500s, it feels as authentic as it really is! What makes this of course furthermore of huge interest is its connection to John and William Shakespeare! Have to also give 5/5 for the service there and brilliant guide’s particularly the school teacher whom was so passionate, knowledgeable and made it all fun too! We actually didn’t have much time sadly in Stratford and this was the only attraction we were able to do but absolutely we chose the best one! This is the real deal! I cannot recommend a visit here enough!Written 5 December 2022
- 55mo550 contributionsThe old school daysMy favourite building in Stratford. Especially the top floor with the ancient teacher, very funny and informativeWritten 17 September 2022
- Dini-Belle0 contributionsFantasticThis was a great experience for a very reasonable cost, the staff were highly engaged with their customers, friendly, welcoming and knowledgeable. My son is 11 and they were able to connect with him and make this a fantastic learning experience for him because their enthusiasm was so contagious.Written 23 July 2022
- johnmR5985UF0 contributionsNot to be missed.A very enjoyable experience. Greeted and shown around by a relaxed yet knowledgeable guide (Peter) whoshared his obvious passion for the building. We met a very energetic and amusing master on our trip around the old schoolroom. Highly recommend a visit.Written 19 July 2022
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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5.0
176 reviews
Excellent
152
Very good
17
Average
3
Poor
1
Terrible
3
Susan L
Liverpool, UK38 contributions
Aug 2021 • Family
Possibly one of the best experiences of our trip to Stratford upon Avon was the visit to Shakespeares school room. School magister Jenkins brought the whole experience to life. His rapport with adults and children alike was both fun and educational. Our 11 year old granddaughter was captivated by his stories of Tudor schooling. Well worth a visit.
Also very Covid conscious environment with timed visitors.
Also very Covid conscious environment with timed visitors.
Written 14 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
933kr
Salisbury, UK17 contributions
We were fortunate to stumble across this attraction. We found the ladies on the desk to be friendly and helpful, the guide very knowledgeable and I learnt new information about Shakespeare and Tudor times. However the very best bit was the time we spent with the schoolteacher (Taresh). Reliving the schooling experience by having a schoolmaster dressed and acting out the part is inspired. Poor man I think we would have stayed all day given the chance…he was completely brilliant !
This was a fun & informative visit… I wholeheartedly recommend that you do yourself a favour and visit.
This was a fun & informative visit… I wholeheartedly recommend that you do yourself a favour and visit.
Written 27 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
stacey b
Nottingham, UK5 contributions
Jul 2021 • Couples
One of the most bizarre experiences I’ve ever had. The school room and guildhall could be really interesting and looks like a fun experience online. However, the reality was we left with no more knowledge about Shakespeare or the school than when we entered.
The school room is advertised as an opportunity to experience what the school would have been like in Shakespeare’s time. This wasn’t the case, at least on the day we visited. We expected to take part in a lesson, to see the “school master” and to learn about the school. We instead listened to a volunteer (not in period costume) talk about herself and Oxford for about 20 mins.
The building is interesting to look at, would be nice if volunteers talked about it and not a completely different town.
I wouldn’t recommend it. Visit Shakespeare’s birthplace instead, a much better experience where you will learn a lot.
The school room is advertised as an opportunity to experience what the school would have been like in Shakespeare’s time. This wasn’t the case, at least on the day we visited. We expected to take part in a lesson, to see the “school master” and to learn about the school. We instead listened to a volunteer (not in period costume) talk about herself and Oxford for about 20 mins.
The building is interesting to look at, would be nice if volunteers talked about it and not a completely different town.
I wouldn’t recommend it. Visit Shakespeare’s birthplace instead, a much better experience where you will learn a lot.
Written 15 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Stacey,
I'm very sorry that your experience was not to the high standard that we pride ourselves on. Please contact me directly on info@shakespearesschoolroom.org and I will arrange a full refund of your tickets.
Written 16 August 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
sweetgems
London, UK233 contributions
Really enjoyed our visit here, and stayed about an hour. Staff very welcoming and helpful, and the tour starts with a short video about the history of the building and Shakespeare's upbringing.
Then upstairs (lift available) to view the classroom and hall. It is laid out with desks where you can try out writing with a quill and ink, and they had additional colouring sheets and pencils for children, as well as outfits for dressing up. In the next room, a teacher beautifully engaged his 'class' with a flavour of what Shakespeare might have been taught, and some of the stories that he would have heard, including the origin of phrases such as "the Midas touch".
This was a fabulous place to visit with something for all the family to enjoy. Highly recommended.
Then upstairs (lift available) to view the classroom and hall. It is laid out with desks where you can try out writing with a quill and ink, and they had additional colouring sheets and pencils for children, as well as outfits for dressing up. In the next room, a teacher beautifully engaged his 'class' with a flavour of what Shakespeare might have been taught, and some of the stories that he would have heard, including the origin of phrases such as "the Midas touch".
This was a fabulous place to visit with something for all the family to enjoy. Highly recommended.
Written 19 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sam
1 contribution
Jul 2021 • Friends
Master Jenkins was fantastic! He was engaging and thoroughly enjoyed explaining the history of the school room and answering all our many questions. Seeing how interested we were in history and Latin, he invited a number of us back to talk with us about Shakespearean drama and act out some scenes. He went above and beyond his role and it was much appreciated and throughly enjoyed!
The guides were all incredibly friendly and had a genuine enthusiasm for the Schoolhouse - they could not do enough for us.
Well worth a visit and exceptionally good value for money! Would recommend
The guides were all incredibly friendly and had a genuine enthusiasm for the Schoolhouse - they could not do enough for us.
Well worth a visit and exceptionally good value for money! Would recommend
Written 12 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LuluT
3 contributions
May 2023
Interesting place to visit with my 10 year old. Nice interactive touches with history brought to life, including; learning from Shakespeare's very own teacher (!) about what it would have been like to be at school at that time, seeing an original writing desk from the 1500s and ye olde graffiti where past pupils had carved their names and initials into surfaces. Visitors can sit at the desks in the school room, write with quill and ink, and even dress up in neck ruffles and attire of the era. Overall a nice dip into the young Shakespeare's life. We bought a combined ticket for the MAD Museum (Mechanical Art & Design) and would recommend both.
Written 30 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tania B
3 contributions
Jun 2022 • Couples
All the staff were extremely welcoming. The initial guide was very informative and it was lovely to see and hear how passionate he was about the history of the building (and hidden gem!). The classroom teacher was brilliant, in total character, very informative and also really witty, whilst at the same time, giving us an real experience of years gone by. Getting the chance to use the quill and ink was a nice added extra. Overall, well worth the visit and good value for money.
Written 14 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Melanie L
2 contributions
Aug 2021 • Family
A memorable visit with a tour guide thrown in for free, an audio visual, a role play to enjoy and a chance to write with the quill. You really feel like you are stepping back in time. The building is beautiful and still operates as a school! You can appreciate how Shakespeare was inspired to write and perform.
Written 4 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Laura L
San Diego, CA130 contributions
May 2022
We bought a two day Explorer pass and this was one of the places included or frankly, we would have missed it. But, it was most memorable. The role playing "Master Jenkins" really gave us a feeling of what life was like at that time and how the school system worked. Very clever indeed! Wish we had some of those teaching methods today. Kids and adults alike really enjoyed this.
Written 24 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kitty33333
3 contributions
I very much enjoyed this experience, probably MORE than Shakespeare's birthplace. On entry the staff are very welcoming, the tour guides are extremely informative, 'Mr. Jenkins' brought the experience to life with his inclusive Latin lessons and his storytelling ability, which almost made me feel I had gone back in time.
Written 15 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is there anyway to be informed of cancellations? We're in Stratford on 11 December but the day doesn't seem to have any availability.
Thanks
Dave
Written 24 October 2021
Hi,
I think that there is a slight problem with the accuracy of the website in that this week (half term) is I think the last week that the venue is open until next season (certainly Anne Hathaway cottage and Shakespeare's new place are closed until something like March) - this is mainly due to Covid I believe. I know as a test I just tried to book a ticket and only the last few days of this week are available to book with no visibility past this.
If you are still in doubt, then have found the "contact us" section of the websites in general to be well marshalled and you should get a reasonably prompt answer.
Written 27 October 2021
Hi, Nikki. What would you like to know about this attraction?
how did buy the double ticket please ?
Written 19 September 2018
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