A Summer of Shakespeare at Shakespeare’s Schoolroom & Guildhall

An interactive experience that vividly brings to life the story of young William Shakespeare, Shakespeare’s Schoolroom & Guildhall in the heart of Stratford-upon-Avon is a must for any family’s summer holiday bucket list.

The tale of the world’s greatest ever playwright is explored through the life story of the 15th century Guildhall, one of the town’s most important historic buildings and the place where William Shakespeare received his early education as a young schoolboy.

Families will find themselves transported back in time, when they take their places on the Schoolroom’s ‘forms’ to participate in an interactive lesson with Tudor Schoolmaster, Master Thomas Jenkins.  Such is the thrill of this unique experience, recreated just as in William Shakespeare’s day, that it is consistently highlighted by TripAdvisor reviewers as the must-do experience in Stratford-upon-Avon.  The journey of discovery that unfolds is made all the more fun by taking part in the Family Quiz, following the clues to uncover the schoolroom’s hidden secrets with a special reward at the end!

The building itself is one of only a handful of remaining timber framed Guildhalls across the country and features a painting of John the Baptist, found as part of a medieval wall painting during the restoration of the building in 2016. Shakespeare’s Schoolroom & Guildhall is a cornucopia of hidden treasures and fascinating stories that will fire the imagination.

The Guildhall’s Georgian classroom, the place where in Tudor times William would have first watched professional theatrical performances, is the relaxed setting for some Tudor themed entertainment, with dressing up, quill writing and traditional games like rope hoop to get hands on with, as well as colouring in and puzzles to amuse children of all ages.

Turn your visit into a whole day of exploration and pick up the Schoolroom’s free Family Trail that takes families on an interactive trail around Shakespeare’s hometown, pointing out some fascinating and fun facts about one of England’s most historic towns along the way.

Shakespeare’s Schoolroom & Guildhall is open daily to the public from 11am to 5pm, with last admissions at 4:30pm. Tudor lessons, quill writing and dressing will take place every day during the school summer holidays.