How long are the walks?

The Sinister Side of Shakespeare’s Stratford Guided Walking Tour normally takes about an hour and half, though larger groups can take slightly longer, though there is only about 20 minutes of actual walking involved, if that much! The length of each tour will vary depending on the conditions and participants.

Do I have to be physically fit?

No, but we do ask that participants only sign up for a walk if they can keep a steady pace, be that walking or in a wheelchair, as the whole group can only move as quickly as the slowest person. There are a few uneven surfaces, so whilst walking boots are not necessary, comfortable footwear is advisable and please take into consideration that areas, especially in the park, can be slippery in wet conditions.

Is the route wheelchair accessible?

We want to say yes, and on most days when all the car drivers are considerate and obey parking rules, it is absolutely a yes. The problem happens when people park over the dropped kerbs, which sadly happens far too often. If this does happen, our guide will help any wheelchair user overcome this problem if they should need it.

Does the tour go inside any attractions?

No. Unless the park and the graveyard count?

Can I just turn up at the start of the tour?

We really recommend that you book your place in advance. Tours will be cancelled if no-one has booked 60 minutes before a is due to start and some times we get private bookings go to other events. Occasionally, we might even have a day off! So you need to make sure a tour is actually happening – that’s why we say we tours are normally scheduled to run at 2.45pm, 5.00pm & 7.15pm MOST DAYS until the end of October If there is space and a tour is happening, you can pay on the day by cash or card on the day, but it is much better if you book in advance.

Where do the walks start?

The top of Sheep Street next to the phone box, on the corner of High Street, opposite the Town Hall, the Old Bank (HSBC) and the Garrick Inn, CV37 6EF. If you can see the river, you’re in the wrong place! There is a pin for the Platinum Jubilee Tree on Google Maps on this corner, exactly where the walks start. Though please bear in mind that the tree was only planted in 2022, so it isn’t particularly big yet!

How do I recognise the guide?

Red and Black Tailcoat, Black Top Hat, Cane with a Skull on it. In peak season, there might be a lot of men wandering about looking a little bit like that – especially with the hat. Only one of them should be at the start point at the right time and looking like this:

Do the walking tours run every day?

Until October, tours are normally scheduled to run at 2.45pm, 5.00pm & 7.15pm MOST DAYS. Check the booking form and book in advance! If a tour does not have bookings an hour before it is due to start, it will be cancelled!

Is the tour suitable for Children?

Without giving too much away, the tour contains stories of murder, torture, some pretty terrible deaths, horrible diseases, a bit more murder and torture, grave robbing, drowning, a few more murders and part of it takes part in a graveyard! Depending on the time of year and time of day, there may also be some bats flying around. To be fair, most kids who do come are totally fine, though we’re not the ones taking them home, so up to you!

How much does it cost?

Currently it’s £9.99 for adults, £6.66 for kids. Follow this link or click on of the ‘book now’ boxes on the page.

Are there any booking fees?

Not for you! We’ve absorbed them, so the price you see is the price you pay. Though there is a massive difference in what we get, hence why we keep pushing you to the TripAdmit booking page!

The reason TripAdmit is so much better for us is that they are just a ticketing portal and don’t do any of the advertising. With them, the advertising is up to us and that’s what this website and the leaflets are all about. If you’ve already booked with one of the other ticketing sites, that’s absolutely great, they did the work to get you to them. But if you’ve arrived here, that’s because of our marketing so please use TripAdmit to book, or of course you can contact us, reserve a place and pay cash or card on the day. Though if you pay cash, it’ll probably cost an extra penny!

Will there be an arctic sleet or glorious sunshine?

This is England, there could easily be both of those in the space an hour and a half. We will weather the weather, whatever the weather, whether we like it or not! Though when the ten-year flood arrives, we’ll probably call the tours off for a while……

What should I bring?

A happy face a positive attitude and a willingness to learn.

Do I get a refund if I need to cancel?

Refunds are available up to a day before the event, but depending on which platform you have booked with, their fees might be non-refundable because they charge whether you come or not. If you just don’t turn up without telling us then sorry, but there will be no refund!

Are there toilets available?

It’d be better if you go before you come! If things become urgent, please let your guide know we will try and organise a stop for you somewhere convenient if possible.

What if I am running late?

If you are only going to be five minutes late, do not worry too much as we will still be at the start point. If you are running late, please contact us through the form below or on 07312 109988, but remember we will not be available once walks have actually started!!

Are you insured?

Yes. We are insured and every effort is taken to ensure the safety and comfort of all customers. However, customers participate at their own risk and must make their own decision about suitability. Please listen to the instructions of the guide at all times for everyone’s safety. Customers can leave the walk at any time. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.