English school trips to Stratford Upon Avon
£175 to £475
A typical school trip to Stratford upon Avon cost is £175 to £475 per person, depending on time of travel, transport, accommodation and inclusions.
Expand the imagination and creativity of each student in your English class with a school tour to Stratford-upon-Avon – Shakespeare's birthplace and the home to his wife's cottage along with his mother's farm. Stratford-upon-Avon truly is a step-back in time and a walking tour will allow students to learn about how the life and history of Shakespeare has had an impact on the town itself. Our specialists can coordinate a Royal Shakespeare Theatre tour as well as workshops where teachers can decide the text the students will work on to help them understand the dialogue in a new and exciting way. The opportunity to investigate landscapes and historical contents that influenced Shakespeare’s works is an invaluable experience and this school trip will greatly benefit English studies when returning to the classroom.
SUGGESTED ITINERARIES
Day
1
- Depart school and travel to Stratford-upon-Avon
- Royal Shakespeare Theatre visit
- Evening meal at your accommodation
Day
2
- Visit Shakespeare's houses
- Depart Stratford-upon-Avon
- Arrive back at school
GCSE English Literature: Shakespeare
Stratford-upon-Avon offers students a unique opportunity to explore the birthplace of William Shakespeare and gain a deeper understanding of the playwright at the heart of many GCSE English Literature specifications.
Curriculum Links:
- Study of Shakespeare texts including Macbeth, Romeo and Juliet, The Merchant of Venice and Julius Caesar.
- Exploring dramatic methods, characterisation and themes.
- Understanding the importance of historical and social context.
- Analysing Shakespeare's use of language, structure and form.
- Evaluating different interpretations of Shakespeare's plays through live performance.
A-Level English Literature
Visits to Stratford-upon-Avon enable students to engage with Shakespeare's works in their original cultural setting and consider critical interpretations.
Curriculum Links:
- Independent critical analysis of Shakespearean texts.
- Exploration of literary theories and interpretations.
- Contextual study of Renaissance literature and society.
- Evaluation of performance choices and audience responses.
- Comparative study of literary texts and dramatic works.
GCSE English Language
The town provides rich opportunities for students to explore language in authentic and historical contexts.
Curriculum Links:
- Developing spoken language and discussion skills.
- Analysing how language varies according to purpose, audience and context.
- Using observation and experience to inspire descriptive and narrative writing.
- Building vocabulary and communication skills.
- Exploring language change across history.
Creative Writing and Storytelling
Stratford's literary heritage provides inspiration for students developing their own writing.
Curriculum Links:
- Narrative structure and storytelling techniques.
- Creating effective characters and settings.
- Writing for purpose and audience.
- Descriptive and imaginative writing.
- Developing originality and authorial voice.
Drama and Performance Studies
Experiencing productions by the Royal Shakespeare Company allows students to see literary texts transformed into live performances.
Curriculum Links:
- Interpretation of character and theme through performance.
- Use of staging, costume and dramatic conventions.
- Audience engagement and theatrical impact.
- Performance analysis and evaluation.
- Understanding the relationship between text and performance.
Cultural Capital and Literary Heritage
A visit to Stratford-upon-Avon helps students develop a broader appreciation of Britain's literary history and cultural influence.
Curriculum Links:
- Understanding literary heritage and its impact on modern culture.
- Exploring how writers are shaped by their environment.
- Examining the lasting influence of Shakespeare worldwide.
- Developing cultural awareness and appreciation of the arts.
- Supporting Ofsted's cultural capital objectives.
Careers in Literature, Theatre and Creative Industries
Students gain insight into the wide range of careers connected to literature and performance.
Curriculum Links:
- Careers in publishing, journalism and communications.
- Theatre production and arts management.
- Acting, directing and performance.
- Creative writing and content creation.
- Transferable skills including communication, analysis and presentation.
Features
ACCOMMODATION
Based in Warwick, the Holiday Inn Express is only a short drive (approximately 20 minutes) from Stratford-upon-Avon. The hotel offers free Wi-Fi throughout, as well as a bar and snack facilities.
- Free Wi-Fi
- TV
- Air conditioning
- Continental breakfast included
Based in Warwick, the Holiday Inn Express is only a short drive (approximately 20 minutes) from Stratford-upon-Avon. The hotel offers free Wi-Fi throughout, as well as a bar and snack facilities.
- Free Wi-Fi
- TV
- Air conditioning
- Continental breakfast included
Excursions
Royal Shakespeare Theatre
Let your group get immersed in a live theatre production of a Shakespeare adaptation at this iconic theatre, which dates back to 1879 and features a ‘one-room’ theatre – allowing the plays to appear as they did when they were first produced more than 400 years ago. Guided tours also allow students to explore both the public and private areas of this famous theatre, where they can learn all about the Royal Shakespeare Company.
Shakespeare's Houses
Believed to be the birthplace of William Shakespeare in 1564, this restored 16th century house is now open as a museum dedicated to the playwright. It’s one thing to hear of such artifacts from the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust’s collections, but another to let students get up close with them while they hear stories of the great Bard's life from entertaining costumed guides. An excursion we know language and literature students will love.
Royal Shakespeare Theatre
Let your group get immersed in a live theatre production of a Shakespeare adaptation at this iconic theatre, which dates back to 1879 and features a ‘one-room’ theatre – allowing the plays to appear as they did when they were first produced more than 400 years ago. Guided tours also allow students to explore both the public and private areas of this famous theatre, where they can learn all about the Royal Shakespeare Company.
Shakespeare's Houses
Believed to be the birthplace of William Shakespeare in 1564, this restored 16th century house is now open as a museum dedicated to the playwright. It’s one thing to hear of such artifacts from the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust’s collections, but another to let students get up close with them while they hear stories of the great Bard's life from entertaining costumed guides. An excursion we know language and literature students will love.
Trip details
All Equity packages are tailor-made to suit the needs of our groups. Here are our standard package inclusions:
- Return travel by coach
- 1 free staff place for every 8 full paying passengers by coach
- Half-board accommodation
- Excursions
- 24-hour emergency service support
- All travel documentation, luggage labels and resort information
- Lunches
Prices are subject to change based on intended dates of travel and final numbers, the Equity team are here to offer you advice and guidance from start to finish, ensuring your school trip runs smoothly and is a great success.
Travel by: Coach
Best times to travel: All year round
Suggested tour length: 2 days, 1 nights
- London – Explore highlights like Shakespeare's Globe, the National Theatre, and London's wider literary heritage.
- All English Language School Trips – Browse our full collection of expertly planned English school trips.
Frequently Asked Questions About English School Trips to Stratford-upon-Avon
Why is Stratford-upon-Avon one of the best destinations for an English school trip?
As the birthplace of William Shakespeare, Stratford-upon-Avon offers students an immersive literary experience that brings Shakespeare's life and works to life through historic sites, museums and world-class theatre performances.
How does a Stratford-upon-Avon trip support the GCSE English Literature curriculum?
Students can explore the context behind Shakespeare's plays, experience live performances and develop a deeper understanding of the themes, characters and language studied for GCSE examinations.
Is Stratford-upon-Avon suitable for A-Level English Literature students?
Absolutely. A-Level students benefit from engaging with Shakespeare's cultural context, exploring critical interpretations and analysing professional productions that enhance literary understanding.
What literary attractions can students visit in Stratford-upon-Avon?
Popular visits include Shakespeare's Birthplace, Anne Hathaway's Cottage, Shakespeare's Schoolroom, Hall's Croft and performances by the Royal Shakespeare Company.
How can seeing a Shakespeare play improve exam performance?
Experiencing a live performance helps students better understand character relationships, dramatic techniques, themes and staging choices, providing valuable insights for essays and examinations.
Can Stratford-upon-Avon inspire reluctant readers?
Yes. Experiencing Shakespeare beyond the classroom through interactive workshops, historic settings and live theatre can make literature more engaging and accessible for students of all abilities.
Why do teachers choose Stratford-upon-Avon for English educational visits?
Teachers value the destination's direct curriculum relevance, strong links to Shakespeare, outstanding educational experiences and ability to inspire students through immersive literary learning.
Can the trip support both English and Drama students?
Yes. Stratford-upon-Avon is ideal for both subjects, combining literary analysis with performance, interpretation and theatrical practice.
More English school trips
