Picture a quaint town nestled on the banks of the River Avon that’s also Shakespeare’s birthplace. How does it sound? Now add Tudor shopping streets, antique shops, and plenty of theatrical excitement to the mix. What you have is Stratford-upon-Avon, one of the most charming and quaint English towns you can plan a trip to.
There is no dearth of things to do in Stratford-upon-Avon, as you’ll find out, with Stratford-upon-Avon walking tours, River Avon boat tours, storytelling, and whatnot!
Let’s take a look at some of the key Stratford-upon-Avon attractions that you simply CANNOT afford to miss!
Why Visit Stratford-Upon-Avon
Planning to visit Stratford-upon-Avon is always worth it! It’s got incredible Shakespearean heritage, housing the birthplace of the legendary playwright and also the Royal Shakespeare Theatre that’s dedicated to his creations. If you were still wondering about Stratford-upon-Avon, what to do, there are lovely river walks, Tudor streets, Stratford festivals, and even attractions like the Stratford Christmas market in winter.
Wander through 16th-century cobblestone streets, visit the local markets, relax in the lush green parks, and walk about in the compact and easy-to-navigate town. It’s an excellent option if you’re looking for a culturally enriching trip for a few days.
Top Attractions in Stratford-upon-Avon
Here are some of the best places to see in Stratford-upon-Avon:
Shakespeare’s Birthplace
Shakespeare’s birthplace, Stratford-upon-Avon, is the key highlight of your trip. It’s a historic Stratford-upon-Avon museum and family home, where the legendary bard was born and spent his early years. You’ll find several immersive exhibits and recreations of period rooms, along with incredible stories about Shakespeare’s early life. Find it on Henley Street, and people can reach it with a 10-15-minute walk from the Stratford-upon-Avon station.
Timings are usually from 10 AM to 5 PM, with the last admission at 4.30 PM. Make sure you book your tickets from the official Shakespeare Birthplace Trust in advance.
Anne Hathaway’s Cottage
One of the best things to do in Stratford-upon-Avon for couples is to give you an immersive feel of Tudor-era romance. It’s the childhood home of Shakespeare’s wife, situated amidst lovely gardens. Witness the charm of a Tudor love story while viewing the original furniture and plant species mentioned by Shakespeare in his works. The cottage opens daily, although the hours may vary (check the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust website for daily updates).
You’ll find this landmark at Cottage Lane in Shottery, about 1.3 km away from the town center (30 minutes on foot). It’s particularly enchanting in the spring or summer, when the gardens are in full bloom.
Royal Shakespeare Theatre
The Royal Shakespeare Theatre is situated at Waterside and offers various theatrical performances for you to enjoy. You can find more details on the official website and book tickets through the same. You’ll find it just off Junction 15 of the M40, and once you’re here, don’t forget to visit the famous thrust stage that keeps you close to the action!
You can also book backstage tours with your show tickets. There are several productions staged here regularly by the Royal Shakespeare Company.
Holy Trinity Church
It’s one of the hidden gems of Stratford-upon-Avon, although it’s gained more popularity in recent years. This is also the resting place of William Shakespeare, and you can visit his grave at the spot. The church is right on the River Avon banks and is a stunning Gothic building.
While the church is one of the best things to do for free, donations are often recommended for visiting the monument and the grave of Shakespeare. Some attractions include the stained-glass windows, a 1200s sanctuary knocker, and more.
Stratford Butterfly Farm
This is one of the best family-friendly attractions in the town. It is situated at Swan’s Nest Lane, and you’ll love the greenhouse-like aviaries. It stays open throughout the year with varying summer and winter timings (mostly 10 AM to 4 PM or 10 AM to 6 PM). You can reach the farm by public transport or through the M40. In fact, it’s a great option for day trips to Stratford-upon-Avon from London, with the journey taking around two hours.
Don’t miss the Tropical Realm greenhouse zone with its butterflies, the Metropolis with the UK’s biggest leafcutter ant colony, and the Emerging Cage where you can see butterflies coming out of their chrysalises. It’s an ideal rainy day destination with its massive heated aviaries.
The MAD Museum
The MAD (Mechanical Art & Design) museum is an interactive yet quirky landmark at Henley Street. It’s open seven days a week, with hours varying between 10-10.30 AM and 4.30-5 PM. You can use the Windsor Street multistoried car park to reach and check out 70+ fascinating exhibits. Use the pushchair storage at the street level and keep at least 1.5-2 hours for a visit.
Must-Do Experiences in Stratford-Upon-Avon
Here are some must-do activities that go well beyond usual sightseeing.
River Avon Boat Tours
You can opt for various kinds of tours, including punts, private charters, rowing, public cruises, etc. Durations usually vary from 30 to 90 minutes, with cruises running seasonally between March and October. Punting tours mostly take about 30 minutes, and you can expect a romantic experience around sunset. Keep the weather conditions in mind and always book your tickets in advance.
Walking Tours & Storytelling
There are quite a few interesting things to do near Stratford-upon-Avon. You can choose a Tudor Tales walk with daytime options. They mainly focus on the history of the town and Shakespeare. You’ll also find engaging ghost walks in the evening, such as the Stratford Town Ghost Walk (usually around Saturday evenings at 7.30 PM from the Stratford Town Market). The route includes the Royal Shakespeare Theatre and the bard’s birthplace.
Some ghost walks also come with money-saving vouchers for pubs and local stores. The Tudor walk will cover Shakespeare’s Schoolroom & Guildhall along with many other buildings from the era. Ticket prices vary, depending on the season.
Festivals & Events
There are several exciting festivals taking place here throughout the year. Here are some of the best choices:
- Shakespeare’s Birthday Parade: Held in late April, with street theatre, processions, and cultural performances. Arrive early to get a good viewing spot.
- Stratford-upon-Avon Literary Festival: Held annually with varying dates. See the official website for more details. It is attended by several speakers, thinkers, and authors.
- Stratford-upon-Avon Christmas Market: Held in late November with local food, beverages, entertainment, gifts, and artisanal crafts.
Best Day Trips from Stratford-upon-Avon
You can also take some enjoyable day trips from Stratford-upon-Avon. Some of the top choices include:
- Warwick Castle: You can take the X18 bus or direct trains to Warwick station.
- Kenilworth Castle: Take a direct train or bus to reach.
- Cotswolds: You can take the Stagecoach 3 bus to get to the Cotswolds. Other options include trains to Cheltenham Spa and connecting buses for specific villages in the area.
Leisure & Shopping in Stratford-upon-Avon
Here are some of the top destinations for leisure and shopping in the town.
- High Street: It’s the central shopping hub with multiple shops, antique stores, and a lot more.
- Henley Street: You’ll fall in love with the historic Tudor buildings here.
- Henley Street Antiques Centre: It’s a great place to snap up some fabulous antiques.
- The Barn: It’s a highly-rated antiques store for connoisseurs.
- Rother Street Market: You’ll find fresh produce and artisanal products here. It’s held every Friday and Saturday from 9 AM to 4 PM.
Eating Out in Stratford-Upon-Avon
Some of the top eateries here include:
- The One Elm: It’s a popular pub that offers authentic British grub and ale.
- The Coach House: You’ll love the ambience of the place and its delicious food.
- The Dirty Duck: It’s locally known as the Black Swan, and the Dirty Duck nickname came from American soldiers at the time of the Second World War.
- Havilands Tea Room: Savour the authentic afternoon tea at this charming establishment. It’s something of a tradition here, to say the least!
Accommodation in Stratford-upon-Avon
You’ll find several serviced apartments in prime locations, in case you’re looking for places to stay in Stratford-upon-Avon. They offer more space, flexibility, and comfort than regular hotels and are cost-effective as well. Cook your meals, invite people over, enjoy home-like comfort, and get hotel-like services- all for a reasonable price. You’ll find apartments in various locations near the river or Henley Street with ease.
It’s easy to book accommodation near the riverside caravan park in Stratford-upon-Avon, including boutique hotels, B&Bs, and some gorgeous apartments. You’ll find the best apartments online, including those with stunning views and oodles of space.
Travel Tips for Visitors
Some general travel tips that you can use include the following:
- Spring and fall are the best times to visit, in case you want pleasant weather conditions.
- You can also consider transport passes like DayRider from Stagecoach for convenient and affordable commutes.
- Use Google Maps for navigation, Stratford-upon-Avon Walks for your walking tours, and currency converters like XE. You can also use Google Translate, Uber, and RingGo (for parking), if needed. For public Wi-Fi networks, use security apps like Surfshark VPN.
- Be mindful of local rules and regulations, and keep checking the official websites of major attractions for time changes.
- Maintain a dignified and respectful etiquette without being overfriendly. You’ll find the community responding to you naturally after a while!
FAQs About Stratford-Upon-Avon
1. Can you walk around Stratford-upon-Avon easily, or do you need transport?
Stratford-upon-Avon is a walkable and compact town. You can easily walk around the city center and most other locations. Of course, for outlying attractions, consider taking Stagecoach buses and taxis.
2. What is the best time to visit Stratford-upon-Avon?
Consider visiting during the summer or spring for the best weather conditions. Of course, winter is a quieter season, and you’ll find the bustling Christmas market here too.
3. How many days should you spend in Stratford-upon-Avon?
It’s recommended that you spend at least two days for a fuller experience with plenty of time for day trips and local excursions. If you’re just breezing through the key highlights, then a day is enough.
4. What’s the best way to visit Stratford-upon-Avon from London or Birmingham?
You can take a train from the London Marylebone Station (2 hours) or drive down via the M40. From Birmingham, there are direct services and the journey takes about an hour. You can consider a guided tour from London, combining Warwick Castle or the Cotswolds. National Express buses run from London Victoria and are slower but more affordable than trains.
5. Are there any hidden gems in Stratford-upon-Avon beyond Shakespeare?
Yes, you can visit the eclectic MAD Museum and Butterfly Farm, along with several antique shops. There are exciting riverside walks to indulge in as well.
Final Thoughts
There are several things to do in Stratford-upon-Avon, as you’ll find out! Check out the list of unique Stratford-upon-Avon attractions before you visit. The town holds not just Shakespeare’s legacy, but also a historical charm that will captivate you. Plan your trip today and book your accommodation with reliable providers like TheSqua.re for a wonderful experience. Here’s to a fabulous Stratford-upon-Avon trip ahead!
