The first of about a dozen stops that are included in our 2.1km guided tour. The world famous RST has a rich history and is viewed by many actors as the pinnacle of their career. This iconic theatre is our meeting point and from here we overview the origins of this world famous town.

At Market Cross you will see one of the original Market Halls - dating back to 1500AD and the place that John Shakespeare often used to trade his artisan gloves. Across the road is Judith Shakespeare's house - and there lies another torrid tale!

This is our third stop and here we showcase the living conditions of the very fortunate young William Shakespeare, born as he was into a prosperous Tudor family. The house dates from the early 1500's and is now a living museum.

At this historically important site the Town's livestock market was located from 1196 when the settlement first became a Market Town. Two pubs that have survived from the Tudor period are also located on this important junction.

Our next visit is Bell Court where you can see the Bell that was used to draw people to the towns artisan markets hanging in the main entrance. Bell Court houses a wide range of drinking and dining venues.

At the top of Sheep Street is a junction we call History Corner - as within sight are buildings that span five centuries. These include the birthplace of John Harvard, the founding father of Harvard University, as well as another Tudor era pub, now called The Garrick Inn.

Originally built in 1483, Shakespeare bought his huge retirement pad in 1597. The largest house in town with a history almost as colourful as that of William's father, John.

Nearing the end of our tour you will visit the Guild Chapel - part of the towns original seat of power which dates back to 1269. The Guild Chapel is Free to enter and has its own absolutely fascinating history. Shakespeare's schoolroom is right next door and we'll see that too!

The Guild, itself founded in 1269, started a school in 1295 that exists to this day. William Shakespeare attended it in the late 1500's, gaining a superb education. It is now a living museum.

See the enormous Tudor Hosue where Shaespeare's eldest daughter, Susanah, lived with her physician husband Dr John Hall.

See the amazing C13th church in which William Shakespeare was both christened and then 52 years later buried. A beautiful setting above the river and a lovely stroll back to the theatres.

See the RSC's third theatre - The Other Place

Here we describe the history of the Theatre complex and explain why the facade of The Swan is all that survives of the original Shakespeare Memorial Theatre.

We finish back at our our original starting point, the RST. Your Guide will be happy any questions you may have to help you to optimise your visit to our wonderful town.