Explore the building and immerse yourself in the workings of theatre while hearing stories of individuals who have shaped the RSC’s unique history – from well-known performers, skilled professionals to our incredibly talented staff. 

The tour

Our guided tour is a 60-minute journey that runs daily, led by our experienced tour guides, and every tour will be truly unique.  

We begin the story of the RSC in our Front of House areas, taking a look at the hidden history of the most-seen areas of the building and introducing visitors to the people and stories that have shaped what the RSC is today.

No day at the RSC is the same so depending on what is happening on the day of your tour, you will get to see a part of the building that is not usually accessible to the public.* While you're with us, you could be led through the Royal Shakespeare Theatre to discover more about the auditorium and backstage, or our state-of-the-art Costume Workshop to delve deeper into the expert craftmanship that goes into costume making from past to present, or, from April 2023, you could be taken into the newly transformed Swan Theatre.

To continue your journey of the RSC’s history, our free exhibition The Play’s The Thing opens daily from midday. Lose yourself in this hidden gem as you uncover stories, props and costumes from the RSC collection.

Tickets cost £13.50. For families, up to four children go half price with every full price paying adult. Find out more below about what we can offer for your school group and to those who require a helping hand.

For group bookings of 10 or more people, please contact the Box Office on 01789 331111 (Monday - Friday, midday - 6pm excluding bank holidays). 

*We will make every effort to include access to the auditorium or Costume Workshop areas as part of the tour, however please note that as a working theatre company routes may change due to other activity taking place and so this cannot always be guaranteed.

Book tours

The Tower

You can now visit the viewing platform of our theatre tower for free. The tower is open daily, boasting panoramic views of Stratford-upon-Avon. It stands at 32m above street level - or the equivalent of approximately the height of seven double-decker buses stacked on top each other. 

Look out over the town's local historic buildings, the River Avon or even further where on a clear day you can see almost 20 miles of Warwickshire countryside and even into Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire and Worcestershire.

You can visit from 12 midday to 4pm, except on matinee days or during inclement weather.

Advance booking is required for groups of 10 or more, along with payment of a small administrative fee. Further details can be found on our Groups page. Please contact the Box Office to book your Group Tower visit on 01789 331111.

Schools

Schools can book a Theatre Tour by emailing learning.boxoffice@rsc.org.uk or call the Learning Hotline on 01789 331259 (midday – 6pm, Monday – Friday, excluding Bank Holidays).

Advanced booking is required and is subject to availability. 

Blue Peter Badge

Children aged 6 to 15 who have been awarded a Blue Peter Badge can experience our Guided Tours for free.

To gain free entry, badge holders must book with the Box Office in person or by phone on 01789 331111 (Monday - Friday, midday - 6pm excluding bank holidays). On arrival tickets can be collected at the Box Office upon presentation of badge and valid badge card.

*Each badge holder must be accompanied by a full paying adult. If a disabled badge holder is accompanied by a registered carer, both can gain free entry. Carers must bring supporting documents. Before your visit please read the Blue Peter Terms and Conditions.    

TOURS AND TOWER ACCESS 

This is a walking tour but routes are fully accessible and the Tower is fully accessible by lift. Please let one of our Front of House team know if you have any questions or specific requirements during your visit.

If you are coming to one of our BSL interpreted performances, you can book onto one of our signed theatre tours to find out more about the magic of the RSC, from our beginnings in the 1800s all the way to the present day. BSL interpreted tours are also available at other points throughout the year.

Before our audio-described shows, visitors can also join one of our Touch Tours, where you will be escorted to the stage to see, touch and feel the set and costumes, and possibly meet some of the actors from the play. The tour is free but must be booked at the same time as your ticket for the audio-described show.