The market town of Stratford-upon-Avon is well-known for being the birthplace of the world’s greatest playwright, William Shakespeare.
The picturesque town sits on the banks of the River Avon in Warwickshire and is steeped in culture, and more than 800 years of history. You only need to wander the streets to get a taste of Olde England. Many of the historic timber buildings found within the town have been around since the 12th century, and some even longer with the town’s famous streets dating back to medieval times.
Visitors can follow in the footsteps of Shakespeare – from his Birthplace in Henley Street and the schoolroom he was educated in, to Holy Trinity Church where he is buried. There’s plenty of other things to discover too – from the many unique attractions, the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, to the diverse range of shops, restaurants, and accommodation on offer.
A visit to Stratford-upon-Avon will not leave you disappointed, and our guide is designed to help you make the very best of your stay.
Stratford-upon-Avon has a range of interesting and varied places to visit.
Many people come to the town to explore the places associated with Shakespeare, and Shakespeare’s Birthplace is one of the most popular destinations. As the name suggests, the Birthplace is the house in which William Shakespeare was born and spent his childhood years. The house offers visitors an insight into what Shakespeare’s family life was like in the 1500s. The building is cared for by the Shakespeare’s Birthplace Trust who also look after several other buildings in Stratford associated with the Shakespeare family.
Anne Hathaway’s Cottage was the family home of Shakespeare’s wife-to-be. Today you’ll find original furniture, beautiful gardens and five centuries of stories to uncover. Shakespeare’s New Place is a stunning landscaped garden, featuring specially commissioned artworks, that stands on the site where Shakespeare’s home of 19 years once stood. Demolished in 1759, the New Place was his home from 1597 until he died in 1616.
As well as the Shakespeare houses, Stratford-upon-Avon is also home to the fascinating 16th century Shakespeare’s Schoolroom and Guildhall. The schoolroom is the very place where William Shakespeare would have been taught in the 1570s and you can experience Tudor school life for yourself by taking part in a lesson with the Master! The immersive experience brings the medieval atmosphere of the building and its unique story to life.
If Shakespeare’s not your thing, you’ll find plenty of other great places to visit in Stratford too.
There’s the exotic Stratford Butterfly Farm where you’ll find the UK’s largest tropical butterfly paradise – a stunning rainforest environment with a lush landscape of flowers, waterfalls and pools filled with fish. The Farm is also home to reptiles, amphibians and minibeasts galore – fun whatever the weather.
The MAD Museum is another unique place to visit whilst you are in Stratford-upon-Avon. The quirky museum is the UK’s only permanent venue for mechanical and kinetic art – an interactive exhibition of beautifully crafted, moving sculptures.  The museum is a hands-on, sensory experience that is great for all the family – from the youngsters to the ‘big kids’ – and will challenge your imagination and creativity.
If you’re a fan of all things mystical, then Magic Alley is a must for your visit to Stratford. A treasure trove of books, toys, crystal balls, dragons and magical objects awaits where you will be sure to find something to ignite your imagination. Magic Alley is also home to a magical attraction where you can go on a quest to find a dragon’s egg or meet unicorns and fairies – suitable for older children and anyone with an interest in magic.
No trip to Stratford-upon-Avon would be complete without a visit to the Royal Shakespeare Theatre!
Sitting on the banks of the River Avon, the theatre first opened in 1879 as the Shakespeare Memorial Theatre then becoming the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in 1961. The theatre is home to the Royal Shakespeare Company who create world-class theatre and, of course, perform plays by Shakespeare ensuring his plays are accessible for everyone.
You can browse what’s on and book your tickets on the RSC website here.
If you don’t have time for a play, you can always get a bite to eat at the on-site Riverside Café or Rooftop Restaurant and soak up the atmosphere.
One of the most visited places in Stratford-upon-Avon is Holy Trinity Church. The beautiful parish church, also set on the banks of the River Avon, is the church where William Shakespeare was baptised, where he worshipped, and where he is buried. A church has been on the site since 845 with the present limestone building having been built in 1210. The church welcomes thousands of visitors every year who come to see the final resting place of the famous playwright. Visits to the church to view Shakespeare’s resting place are free (there is a charge to enter the Chancel).
One of the best ways to see both the Royal Shakespeare Theatre and Holy Trinity Church is from the River Avon with Avon Boating. Cruise along the tranquil waters in a traditional Edwardian passenger launch that passes them both and takes you under the 15th Century Clopton Bridge and past some beautiful countryside – a unique sight-seeing tour!
Another great way to see the famous sites of Stratford-upon-Avon and learn some of the fascinating history is on a guided walking tour with Stratford Town Walk.
The Town Walk tour runs every day (even Christmas Day!) and is lively and entertaining packed with interesting facts about the ancient streets and the town’s relationship with William Shakespeare.
The tours are suitable for families and are wheelchair friendly too.
You’ll be spoilt for choice for places to eat and drink in Stratford. From cosy tea shops to country pubs and contemporary restaurants there is something for all tastes and budgets. We’ve highlighted a few of our favourites.
One of our most recommended places to eat is the award-winning No.44 Brasserie. Situated in the heart of Stratford-upon-Avon in the Arden Hotel the restaurant offers a truly unique dining experience – perfect for an indulgent afternoon tea or a delicious dinner in a relaxed atmosphere. In the summer months the restaurant’s terrace allows customers to enjoy outdoor dining with breath-taking views of the Royal Shakespeare Theatre and River Avon – an experience hard to beat!
The Fourteas Tea Room is another unique experience to be discovered. A popular tearoom with a 1940s theme the Fourteas combines great tea and coffee with hearty food and a nostalgic ambience. Located in Sheep Street the tearoom gets very busy at weekends but is well worth a visit.
And for something a little different – why not try Rum School at Judith’s? Run by the Shakespeare Distillery the rum school is the only one in the Midlands and offers guests the opportunity to become immersed in the world of rum and even distil their very own spiced rum. Judith’s is situated in the building that was once the home of William Shakespeare’s daughter, Judith. The historical timber-framed building provides a beautiful opulent atmosphere.
Shakespeare Distillery also run tours of their distillery just outside Stratford where you can learn how gin and rum are made, and enjoy tasting some of their artisan spirits too.
For a full list of places to eat and drink in Stratford-upon-Avon and across Warwickshire take a look at the Shakespeare’s England directory here.
Stratford-upon-Avon has some lovely places to stay. If you’re looking for a cosy B&B or a boutique hotel there’s plenty to choose from in this popular tourist destination.
For a stay right in the heart of Stratford, the Arden Hotel boasts an unrivalled town centre location and 45 contemporary bedrooms. The hotel is dog-friendly and has family rooms available. There’s an award-winning restaurant and all-weather terrace with views of the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. It’s a great base for your visit. Many of the area’s top attractions are a short walk away – including Shakespeare’s New Place and Shakespeare’s Schoolroom as well as the River Avon and Stratford Recreation Ground. Free on-site parking is also available.
If you want to be away from the hustle and bustle but still within walking distance, then the peaceful Swan’s Nest Hotel is an ideal choice. Located just across the river from the historic town centre, the hotel dates back to the late 17th century. The Swan’s Nest offers luxurious accommodation that reflects the building’s historical character. There are two on-site dining options (The Bear and Le Bistrot Pierre), beautiful riverside views, on-site parking and the hotel is also dog-friendly.
For a full list of places to stay in Stratford-upon-Avon and across Warwickshire take a look at the Shakespeare’s England directory here.
Stratford-upon-Avon hosts many festivals every year – from the Shakespeare Birthday Celebrations in April, to a music festival, food festival and the Stratford-upon-Avon Literary Festival in November – making the town the cultural hub of Warwickshire.
For a full list of what’s on in Stratford-upon-Avon and across Warwickshire take a look at the Shakespeare’s England directory here.
By Car
Stratford-upon-Avon is easily accessible from the M40, A429 and A46. There are plenty of car parks in the town centre. For details, please visit the Stratford-upon-Avon District Council website.
By Train
Stratford-upon-Avon can be reached via train from Birmingham and London with trains running every 1 -2 hours. The train station is located just outside the town centre.
For more information and timetables visit the Chiltern Railways or West Midlands Railway websites.
Shakespeare’s Birthplace
The Shakespeare Centre, Henley Street, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 6QW
shakespeare.org.uk
Anne Hathaway’s Cottage
22 Cottage Lane, Shottery, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 9HH
shakespeare.org.uk
Shakespeare’s New Place
22 Chapel Street, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 6EP
shakespeare.org.uk
Shakespeare’s Schoolroom & Guildhall
Church Street, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 6HB
shakespearesschoolroom.org
Stratford Butterfly Farm
Swan’s Nest Lane, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 7LS
butterflyfarm.co.uk
The MAD Museum
4-5 Henley Street, Stratford upon Avon, CV37 6PT
themadmuseum.co.uk
Magic Alley
Unit 23A Bell Court, Stratford upon Avon, CV37 6EX
magicalleystratford.com
Royal Shakespeare Theatre
Waterside, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 6BB
rsc.org.uk
Avon Boating
Swan’s Nest Boathouse, Swan’s Nest Lane, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 7LS
avon-boating.co.uk
Stratford Town Walk
stratfordtownwalk.co.uk
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Get entry to Warwickshire’s finest attractions for one great price!
Get entry to Warwickshire’s finest attractions for one great price!
Stratford-upon-Avon hosts many festivals every year – from the Shakespeare Birthday Celebrations in April, to a music festival, food festival and the Stratford-upon-Avon Literary Festival in November – making the town the cultural hub of Warwickshire.
For a full list of what’s on in Stratford-upon-Avon and across Warwickshire take a look at the Shakespeare’s England directory here.
By Car
Stratford-upon-Avon is easily accessible from the M40, A429 and A46. There are plenty of car parks in the town centre. For details, please visit the Stratford-upon-Avon District Council website.
By Train
Stratford-upon-Avon can be reached via train from Birmingham and London with trains running every 1 -2 hours. The train station is located just outside the town centre.
For more information and timetables visit the Chiltern Railways or West Midlands Railway websites.
Shakespeare’s Birthplace
The Shakespeare Centre, Henley Street, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 6QW
shakespeare.org.uk
Anne Hathaway’s Cottage
22 Cottage Lane, Shottery, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 9HH
shakespeare.org.uk
Shakespeare’s New Place
22 Chapel Street, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 6EP
shakespeare.org.uk
Shakespeare’s Schoolroom & Guildhall
Church Street, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 6HB
shakespearesschoolroom.org
Stratford Butterfly Farm
Swan’s Nest Lane, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 7LS
butterflyfarm.co.uk
The MAD Museum
4-5 Henley Street, Stratford upon Avon, CV37 6PT
themadmuseum.co.uk
Magic Alley
Unit 23A Bell Court, Stratford upon Avon, CV37 6EX
magicalleystratford.com
Royal Shakespeare Theatre
Waterside, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 6BB
rsc.org.uk
Avon Boating
Swan’s Nest Boathouse, Swan’s Nest Lane, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 7LS
avon-boating.co.uk
Stratford Town Walk
stratfordtownwalk.co.uk
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