The Alternative Shakespeare Tour + 3 Course Carvery Meal

Prepare to embark on an unforgettable journey and peel back the layers of time to explore Shakespeare's life outside of Stratford-upon-Avon. We invite you to step into the very footsteps of the world's greatest playwright! Our comfortable minibus will pick you up from Market Square, Rother Street, Stratford Upon Avon CV37 6LT (opp. One Stop shop) every Sunday 11:00-14:30 Visiting eight villages described in his rhymes, poems, and quotes, gaining a fresh and unique insight into Shakespeare's social life outside of Stratford Upon Avon. After the 6 village Wixford we will stop for food (90mins) for a traditional 3 course English carvery Enjoy the beautiful Warwickshire countryside as we tour Shakespeare's favourite drinking establishments, where he loved to gamble, laugh with his friends, and find muses for his timeless works. Uncover the villages that whispered inspiration into Shakespeare's ears, inspiring many of his poems and plays, with every play laced with references to alcohol!

1. 1

   Welford on Avon

   10 min

   According to local history, William Shakespeare was on his way back to Stratford upon Avon in the rain after meeting Drayton and Ben Jonson for a drink at the ’Bell Inn Welford, when he contracted fatal pneumonia

2. 2

   Long Marston

   Pass by

   Known as one of the Shakespeare villages, ‘Dancing Marston’. Long Marston was the starting point for Shakespeare and his friends legendary drinking contest with the Bidford-on-Avon club.

3. 3

   Pebworth

   Pass by

   Visit St. Michael’s Church, where Shakespeare is said to have visited on several occasions.

4. 4

   Bidford-on-Avon

   15 min

   Visit the famous 13th century ‘Falcon Inn Pub’ where he spent many a night drinking and gambling with his friends. One night at the ‘Falcon’ he took part in a drinking contest, ending up drunk and slept under a crab tree for days. The tree, along the main road to Bidford-on-Avon, became a shrine and target of souvenir hunters until what was left of it was rooted up in 1824. After the tree had disappeared it acquired celebrity status.

5. 5

   Broom

   Pass by

   As mentioned in his rhyme ‘Beggerley Broom’ a small village near Bidfrod and Wixford

6. 6

   Wixford

   1.5 hours

   Your tour takes a break here towards the end at our historic 16th Century Inn, Three Horseshoes Wixford, where you will indulge in a sumptuous traditional homemade three-course English carvery, all included in your tour price! The perfect way to end your day filled with exquisite history and culture. Plenty of time to take photos ‘Restaurant time 1hr 30mins

7. 7

   Exhall

   Pass by

   On the way back to Stratford we will pass through Exhall as quoted by Shakespeare in his rhyme ‘Dodging Exhall’ A very quaint village close to Wixford and Bidford on Avon

8. 8

   Temple Grafton

   Pass by

   On the way back to Stratford we will pass through Temple Grafton village as quoted by Shakespeare in his rhyme 'Hungry Grafton'

• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• This experience is not wheelchair accessible

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.