The Alternative Shakespeare Tour + 3 Course Carvery

Exploring With a Twist: The Alternative Shakespeare Tour + 3 Course Carvery

If you’re visiting Stratford-upon-Avon and craving a different perspective on Shakespeare’s world, this small-group minibus tour offers a charming day trip. For just over $80, you’ll spend about 3 hours exploring 8 villages that he cherished outside of Stratford, all narrated by knowledgeable guides. The tour wraps up at a 16th-century inn in Wixford, where a lavish 3-course carvery awaits — a perfect way to sample authentic British fare amid historic surroundings.

What we love about this experience is how it combines personalized storytelling with stunning countryside views. The intimate group size (small enough to ask questions or linger) makes it feel more like visiting friends than being herded around. Plus, the stop at the historic inn, mentioned in one of Shakespeare’s rhymes, adds a flavorful touch of history and local tradition.

One possible consideration is that this tour isn’t suited for children under 10, and the 3-hour duration might feel a bit brisk if you like to linger in each spot. It’s ideal for travelers wanting a casual, authentic glimpse of Shakespeare’s life outside the usual tourist spots, especially those interested in hidden villages and local stories.

Key Points

• Authentic Villages: Visit 8 of Shakespeare’s favorite villages outside Stratford, with insights into his personal life.
• Intimate Experience: Small-group tour in a comfortable mini bus enhances interaction and flexibility.
• Historic Meal: End with a generous 3-course carvery at a 16th-century inn with ties to Shakespeare’s rhymes.
• Scenic Comfort: Enjoy scenic Warwickshire countryside on a relaxed, well-paced 1.5-hour drive.
• Guided Insight: Knowledgeable guides (including a live tour guide) bring the history and stories to life.
• Flexible & Practical: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance, reserve now and pay later, with options in English and French.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the Experience

What the Tour Is and What It Isn’t

This tour offers a three-hour journey through some of Shakespeare’s most cherished villages, all accessed via a comfortable mini bus. It departs from Rother Market Square, a convenient starting point in Stratford, and makes a point of visiting 8 villages that Shakespeare knew well and loved — places that inspired some of his poetry and plays.

While the tour isn’t long enough to explore every village in detail, it strikes a good balance between sightseeing and storytelling, making it perfect for those who want a taste of local life and Shakespearean connection without spending an entire day.

The Villages and Stops

• Welford-on-Avon is a highlight, with a quick photo stop, and a chance to stroll through the village and soak in the views. It’s described as a place Shakespeare enjoyed visiting, with some of his favorite drinking spots still standing.
• The tour often includes a guided visit to one or more villages, providing insights into how Shakespeare’s life intertwined with these rural settings.

Reviews mention that guides are knowledgeable and engaging — they seem to bring Shakespeare’s personal stories and local anecdotes alive, making the past feel relevant and accessible.

The Scenic Drive and the Villages

The journey takes you through Warwickshire’s countryside, offering plenty of opportunities for scenic photos and quiet moments. We loved the way the landscape contributed to the overall atmosphere, making the experience feel like stepping back in time. The villages themselves are charming, often with historic pubs or ecclesiastical structures that Shakespeare might have visited.

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The Final Stop: The 16th Century Inn and the Carvery

The culmination of the day is at a historic inn in Wixford, which dates back to the 16th century and is mentioned in one of Shakespeare’s rhymes. Here, you’ll enjoy a hearty 3-course English carvery, featuring tender meats, fresh vegetables, and classic Yorkshire puddings. It’s a generous meal, giving travelers a true taste of traditional British fare.

The lounge-like setting adds to the authenticity, with a helpful staff making sure you have plenty of time to eat, take photos, or simply relax after the tour. Many reviews mention how satisfying the meal was and how it added to the overall experience, making it feel like a true countryside feast.

Group Size and Transportation

The small-group format (limited to a handful of travelers) means you’ll get personal attention and the chance to ask questions. The comfortable mini bus allows for a smooth ride, with scenic stops along the way. Travelers report that the vehicle is well-maintained and spacious enough for the duration of the trip.

Practicalities and Booking

This tour departs twice on Sundays — at 11.00 am and 2.30 pm — making it flexible for different schedules. It’s advisable to reserve in advance because the small group size is a draw, and spots fill quickly. The cost includes transportation, guiding, and the meal, which helps with planning a budget-friendly day.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, providing some peace of mind. Plus, the reserve now, pay later option adds flexibility for last-minute plans.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re keen on off-the-beaten-path Shakespeare sites, this tour is perfect. It’s ideal for history buffs, literature lovers, or anyone wanting to experience Warwickshire countryside with a knowledgeable guide. The tour’s focus on authentic village life and the historic inn makes it especially appealing for those who appreciate local stories and traditional fare.

Travelers who prefer small groups and a relaxed pace will find this a much more intimate alternative to larger, bus-only sightseeing options. It’s not suited for very young children or anyone with mobility issues, given the nature of the stops and the driving length.

The Sum Up

This Alternative Shakespeare Tour with a 3-course carvery offers a rich, authentic experience for those wanting to venture beyond Stratford’s main sights. We appreciated how it combined personal storytelling, beautiful countryside scenery, and a historically rich meal in a cozy 16th-century inn.

The small-group format fosters a more genuine connection with the guides, making it easier to inquire and absorb Shakespeare’s lesser-known, yet equally fascinating, world. The visit to villages that inspired his poetry adds depth and context that many travelers miss on more traditional tours.

While it’s a shorter outing, it packs a lot of value — especially if you’re interested in local history, rural charm, and Shakespeare’s personal life. The opportunity to sample genuine British cuisine at a historic inn is a bonus that makes this experience stand out.

This tour suits travelers who want a more intimate, story-rich experience with a dash of culinary tradition — ideal for those looking to deepen their understanding of Shakespeare’s life and the scenic Warwickshire landscape.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children?
Not for children under 10 years old, as the tour is geared toward adults and involves some walking and sightseeing stops.

How long is the drive between villages?
The total driving time is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, with scenic views and stops along the way.

Can I cancel the tour easily?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering peace of mind if your plans change.

What’s included in the price?
Transportation in a mini bus, a guided tour, and a 3-course traditional English carvery meal at a historic inn.

Are there multilingual guides?
Yes, live guides are available in both English and French, enhancing accessibility for international visitors.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins in Rother Market Square and ends back there, making it convenient for those staying in Stratford-upon-Avon.

Choosing this Alternative Shakespeare Tour means embracing a more personal, scenic, and flavorful side of Warwickshire — for anyone eager to see the countryside, hear secret stories, and enjoy a classic British feast in a setting that feels truly historic.

You can check availability for your dates here: