If you’re seeking out the quaint, historic England of postcards, Stratford Upon Avon is the to place be. This beautiful old town in the midlands makes for the perfect weekend break with all of its history and picturesque Tudor buildings.
Stratford is particularly well known for being the birthplace of William Shakespeare, the most famous playwright of all time. You’ll find all sorts of attractions and activities that celebrate the bard, including 5 houses linked to either him or his family.
This Stratford Upon Avon itinerary and guide includes everything you need to know about Stratford Upon Avon, including:
- Where it is
- How to get there
- Where to park
- How long to stay
- When to visit
- Shakespeare Attractions and Activities
- Other Attractions and Activities
- Where to eat
- Where to stay
- Suggested 3 Day Stratford Upon Avon Itinerary
- Day trips from Stratford
I’ve lived in Stratford Upon Avon for most of my life. In fact, every summer that I was home from university, I worked at Shakespeare’s Birthplace! So I like to think I know a thing or two about this beautiful historic town. I’m super excited to share all of the classic tourist spots as well as some hidden gems that only the locals really know about in this Stratford Upon Avon itinerary.
Stratford Upon Avon Itinerary: Things to Do
Shakespeare’s Birthplace
You can’t visit Stratford without visiting the birthplace! This was also my place of work for a number of years during the university summer holidays, so stay tuned for a few top tips!
This is where the magic all started. In this house on Henley Street, William Shakespeare was born to John and Mary. He spent his childhood and the early years of his marriage here, before moving to London and becoming the playwright he’s now known as.
There’s definitely something magical about walking through the same rooms that Shakespeare himself would have wandered as a child (making it a must for your Stratford Upon Avon itinerary!).
You’ll also get access to the world’s largest public Shakespeare Museum, which includes a 400-year-old Folio of his complete worlds, and the beautiful garden, where actors perform some of his most well-loved scenes.
Top Tips for Visiting the Birthplace:
- Find the entrance – a lot of people struggle to find the entrance to Shakespeare’s Birthplace. If you walk straight past the birthplace on your right (the building photographed above) you’ll come to the Shakespeare Centre (also on your right). There’ll be a sign reading ‘tickets’ above the door. This is where you enter!
- Get there early-ish – during the summer months, queues can really build up, particularly with European school groups. Getting there early means you’ll beat the crowds.
- Book your tickets in advance – whilst it doesn’t tend to get booked out, this will likely save you a bit of time on the day!
- Buy a multi-house ticket – You have the option to buy a single house ticket or a multi-house one. Shakespeare’s Birthplace Trust own 5 properties, so if you want to visit more than one, it’s much better to purchase the multi-house ticket!
- Save some money for the gift shop – it’s amazing what weird and wonderful Shakespeare paraphernalia you’ll find there!
- Ask questions – the guides are very knowledgeable and friendly!
- Come back soon! – your ticket is good for one year, meaning you can come back and visit the houses again if you missed anything on your first visit!
New Place
Now, if I’m being completely and totally honest, this is the property that I’d recommend the least. Whilst it is interesting, it’s perhaps a little less exciting than the others. It is well placed in town though, so if you’re only in town for a day, it’s a good one to add to your Stratford Upon Avon itinerary.
This was Shakespeare’s family home from 1597 until he died in 1616. The house was actually demolished in 1759, and now all that stands is a beautiful garden to commemorate the site’s importance.
Hall’s Croft
Hall’s Croft is one of the less popular houses, simply because many people don’t know that it exists! This is where Shakespeare’s daughter lived with her husband, who was a physician. There’s plenty to explore here and it’s often much quieter than the other houses. It’s one of the prettiest buildings in town and also has a lovely cafe, if you’re in need of a quick tea break!
Mary Arden’s Farm
If I had to recommend one house other than the Birthplace to visit, I’d probably choose Mary Arden’s Farm. This was the home of Shakespeare’s Mother, who’s father was a wealthy farmer. He held about 70 acres of land where he raised cattle, sheep and pigs and grew crops such as wheat, barley and oats.
This is a particularly fun spot if you’ve got kids, as there are plenty of animals to see, from pigs to goats to horses.
Wilmcote lies just outside of Stratford. It’s a short car ride away or, if you’re feeling adventurous, you could walk there. All you need to do is follow the canal towpath. This will take you all the way to Wilmcote and Mary Arden’s Farm. It’s about 3.5 miles each way though, so make sure you’ve packed comfortable shoes!
Anne Hathaway’s Cottage
Tourists are often surprised to see this famous actors name in the little town of Stratford Upon Avon! However, this was also the name of Shakespeare’s wife!
This was where she spent her childhood before marrying the bard and moving to Stratford. The beautiful cottage is located in Shottery, about a mile and a half outside of Stratford.
It’s one of the oldest buildings held by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, with some of its timber dating back to 1463. If you’re looking for a really pretty place to visit that will transport you back in time, this is the place to go! The area of Shottery is very sweet, and you can even enjoy a cup of tea on the lawn. I’d highly recommend adding this to your Stratford Upon Avon itinerary, if you have time.
This beautiful church is where you’ll find Shakespeare’s grave. It’s free to enter but if you want to see the grave itself, you’ll have to pay a small fee.
Holy Trinity Church
Remember that this is a fully-working church, meaning that there are often services, weddings and funerals taking place, so please be respectful during your visit. Whilst it might be a fun day out for you, it could be a very difficult day for others visiting the church.
Shakespeare’s Schoolroom and Guildhall
King Edward VI School (or KES as it’s known locally) is still used as a secondary school for the town today. Shakespeare’s Schoolroom is used as a tourist attraction, however. Here you can explore the classroom where he studied and find out more about what his schooling might have looked like. This is another great one for kids, as you can take part in a live Tudor lesson and even try some Tudor homework (this also makes for a good laugh for adults too!).
The RSC
If you’re going to see a Shakespeare play in your lifetime, it has to be at the Royal Shakespeare Company. These people specialise in Shakespeare’s plays and they have the production down to a fine art.
I’ve seen a number of his plays performed here over the years, from comedies to tragedies, and they’ve always been brilliant. I’d highly recommend checking out what’s on during your visit and booking yourself a ticket!
The theatre building is in a beautiful location by the river and is one of my favourite places to get a hot drink and a slice of cake! There’s also a fantastic rooftop restaurant – the perfect place to enjoy a pre-theatre dinner.
If you’re aged 16-25, sign up for an RSC Key Card before your trip. This entitles you to £5 tickets – a massive saving! Be aware that during busy periods, it could take up to 4-8 weeks for your card to be dispatched however!
The Other Place
The Other Place is an incredible spot to check out if you’re interested in theatre production! Here you can take part in Page to Stage Tours, which take you being the scenes and dives deeper into the production process of a play. This is a Stratford Upon Avon itinerary must for theatre lovers!
You can also find the Costume Hire store here, where anyone is welcome to hire costumes that have been used on the RSC stage. This is a service often used by TV and film production companies, as well as magazines and photographers, but is also available for the regular fancy dress party!
Last but not least, you have to check out Susie’s Cafe Bar whilst you’re here. It’s a great spot to pick up a coffee (and an amazing vegan muffin!). This was one of my favourite locations in town to get a bit of essay writing done during my degree!
On every 3rd Thursday of the month at 7:30pm, The Other Place hosts a free Jazz night! The also host a free spoken word event on the second Thursday of every month, at 7:30pm.
The Dirty Duck
Whilst not strictly a Shakespearean haunt, it is a spot frequented by many of the RSC actors as it’s so close by. On the walls you’ll find plenty of signed photographs of actors who have performed Shakespeare’s plays and had a drink in this popular pub afterwards!
For more pub recommendations, check out this blog post on the best pubs in Stratford Upon Avon.
Gower Memorial
The Gower Memorial is a collection of statues. At the top you’ll find Shakespeare, joined by some of his most famous characters, including Hamlet and Lady Macbeth. There’s also a number of inscriptions on the memorial from his various plays. The monument was built to showcase the different types of plays Shakespeare wrote: tragedies, comedies, and histories.
It was actually constructed in Paris over 12 years and was eventually unveiled in 1888.
Young Will Statue
In Bancroft Gardens, near the theatre, you’ll find the Young Will Statue, which was gifted by the sculptor Lawrence Holofcener. It depicts the bard holding a scroll with one leg up on the bench. It’s a great spot for a photograph with the man himself!
The Lamp Post
Whilst not particularly groundbreaking, I really wanted to include this little statue as it so often gets missed. These three characters sit on top of a lamppost gifted to the town by the State of Israel. It depicts an owl, Bottom the Donkey (from a Midsummer Night’s Dream), and a fiddler (the traditional Jewish fiddler of legend and folklore).
It’s a really sweet piece that you might never know existed, if you didn’t look up!
Stratford Upon Avon Itinerary: What Else to Do:
Stratford might be the town of Shakespeare but there’s much more to it than that! If you’re not too keen on the bard, then why not add some of these fun activities to your Stratford Upon Avon itinerary?
Magic Alley
Magic Alley is the perfect place to go for, well, a bit of magic! Based on a mixture of magical worlds, including that of Harry Potter, this a great spot for adults and kids alike. Here you can do a fun quiz by using different clues to search for eggs. Make sure to also visit the Cafe, where you can try Original Tudor Butter Beer.
The gift shop is not to be missed!
The Butterfly Farm
I can’t count how many birthday parties I went to at the Butterfly Farm as a kid. It just never seemed to get old! There are over 250 different types of butterflies here, some of which you might find landing on you. It doesn’t stop at butterflies though. There are also a range of different spiders, ants and even a snake (which I distinctly remember holding at said birthday parties!).
Go Rowing on the River Avon
There’s nothing nicer on a sunny day than hiring a boat and rowing it along the river. This always ends in a lot of fun, especially in a group of friends!
Hiring a boat is easy. Just head to the boat club on the other side of the river to town. Here you can pay for the boat for an hour and spend your afternoon drifting past the beautiful RSC theatre. Once you’re finished, reward yourself with a drink at the Boathouse! The food is delicious and there’s some great outdoor seating right on the river banks.
Tudor World
This fun and interactive museum is an excellent way to learn more about what it was like to live in Tudor times. The company also offer guided tours of Stratford, with a knowledgeable guide dressed up as Shakespeare. In the evenings they offer ghost tours for those that like to be spooked!
MAD Museum
Hidden away in the centre of Stratford is the MAD Museum. MAD stands for mechanical art and design. This quirky, unique attraction displays interactive art and gizmos. It’s the kind of place that’s hard to understand until you’ve seen it first hand. But that’s part of the fun!
Escape Rooms
Escape Live is the perfect thing to do in Stratford on a rainy day. It’s heaps of fun and a great way to spend time with friends. Use clues and your powers of deduction to make your way out of the room before it’s too late!
There are two different rooms from which you can escape. The first is Harry Potter themed. The second is, of course, Shakespeare! His newest play is set to open at the Globe but an hour before the curtain goes up, the script is missing! Your job is to help him find it.
Make sure to book online in advance to avoid disappointment!
The Big Wheel
The Big Wheel is a fairly new addition to Stratford. It’s really just the same as any other wheel but if you’re looking for a bird’s eye view of the town, this is the place to be!
The Christmas Shop
Another tourist (and resident!) favourite is the Christmas Shop. This little festive haven is open all year around and is filled with every Christmas decoration you could think of. It’s a great spot to go for souvenirs for friends and family! You’ll also find some fab Shakespeare themed decorations in the birthplace gift shop!
Bobby’s
Bobby’s is a totally unique place to eat in Stratford Upon Avon. This cafe makes its home in an old converted railway carriage. It’s super quirky and offers some great brunch options! It’s based along the Greenway (an old railway track that’s now a popular place for walkers and cyclists!).
Suggested 3 Day Stratford Upon Avon Itinerary
Day 1
- Holy Trinity Church
- Shakespeare’s Birthplace
- Lunch at Boston Tea Party
- Rowing on the River
- Dinner and a Show at the RSC
Day 2
- Guildhall and Shakespeare’s Schoolroom
- Page to Stage Tour at The Other Place
- Lunch at the Fourteas
- Anne Hathaway’s Cottage
- Dinner at The Boathouse
Day 3
- Mary Arden’s Farm
- Ice Cream at Hoorays
- The Butterfly Farm
Where to Eat in Stratford Upon Avon
Hoorays: this is the best spot in town to get some gelato. They have a huge range of flavours, from the classics to the obscure, including some great vegan options! They also offer waffles, crepes, etc. This is one of my favourite small businesses in the town!
The Fourteas: a super unique cafe and the perfect spot to treat yourself to afternoon tea, or at lease a slice of cake! Eating in this classic war time tea room feels as though you’ve stepped back in time and is a complete experience in itself. The cakes are delicious!
The Boathouse: this is one of my personal favourite restaurants in Stratford. They have amazing food and a great seating area outside right by the river. This is the perfect place to enjoy a drink and some food on a sunny evening.
Planetarium Cafe: Stratford’s only vegan cafe! Perfect for those with dietary restrictions
Box Brownie: another of my favourite independent coffee shops in the town. The staff are really friendly and they do great drinks! Definitely a better option than the chains you’ll find around, and helpfully located close to the birthplace.
Boston Tea Party: the perfect place to get brunch or lunch. They have plenty of options and a great, relaxed vibe. If you’re vegan or vegetarian, this is a great spot! The ‘Vegan Boss’ is my personal go to (and I’m not even vegan!).
Garrick Inn: this is known for being the oldest pub in the town. Whilst it’s not my personal favourite, it is a beautiful old building and deserves a quick visit!
Loxleys: another nice spot for dinner, if you’re looking to support local businesses instead of chains! The food is delicious.
Breakfast in Stratford Upon Avon
I’ve dedicated a whole blog post to the Stratford Upon Avon breakfast spots. There are lots of lovely spots to choose from, whether you’re looking for a full-English or a light pastry.
Pubs in Stratford Upon Avon
We’re lucky to have lots of fantastic pubs in Stratford Upon Avon. Again, I’ve written a whole blog post ranking my favourites!
Where to Stay in Stratford Upon Avon
Stratford has a great range of accommodation to suit different budgets. Here are a few personal recommendations:
- Luxe: Hotel Indigo is helpfully located in the centre of town and has a range of stylish room options
- Mid: The Mercure is a beautiful 17th century building with a central location
- Budget: there’s a YHA Hostel located just outside of Stratford. The rooms are super affordable but it will take longer to get into town from here.
Day Trips from Stratford Upon Avon
Stratford is perfectly placed for day trips.
- The Cotswolds: the north Cotwsolds are very close by (think Broadway, Chipping Campden, Moreton in Marsh, and Snowshill!) If you want some ideas for building an itinerary check out this Cotswolds blogpost!
- Warwick: is just a short train ride away. Here you can visit Warwick Castle, one of the biggest attractions in the Midlands. You can read more about it in this post.
- Oxford: Oxford is about an hours drive away. There’s plenty to see and do here and it makes a great day trip! You can explore the beautiful colleges and stop for a delicious lunch at one of the historic Oxford pubs.
- Birmingham: Birmingham is one of the largest cities in the UK. It has great shopping and amazing nightlife.
Where is Stratford Upon Avon?
Stratford Upon Avon is a small town in rural Warwickshire in the West Midlands. Just above the beautiful Cotswolds and just below the cool city of Birmingham, it’s a great location to base yourself when exploring the Midlands.
How to Get to Stratford Upon Avon
Stratford Upon Avon is extremely accessible. The town has two railway stations: Stratford and Stratford Parkway. I’d recommend arriving at the Stratford Station, if possible, as this is much closer to the main town. From London Marylebone, the journey takes about 2 hours, with one change at Leamington Spa.
If you prefer, you can drive to Stratford. Parking can be difficult in the peak season but there are numerous spots around the town.
Where to Park in Stratford Upon Avon
There are a few options for parking in Stratford. On sunny days the town (and its car parks) can be incredibly busy. Here are some spots I’d recommend checking for parking spaces, all of which are close to the centre of town:
- Stratford Leisure Centre
- Bridgeway
- The Recreation Ground
- Windsor Street
Bear in mind that street parking only allows you to pay for an hours worth of parking in Stratford, so you’re better off finding an actual car park.
How Long to Stay in Stratford Upon Avon
Stratford makes for a great day trip! But if you really want your fill, you could easily spend a whole weekend here taking in the various sites. There are also a number of great spots nearby that you could extend your trip to see, including the Cotswolds, Birmingham, and Oxford.
When to Visit Stratford Upon Avon
Stratford is prettiest in the sunshine, so you’re probably best off visiting during the summer months. However, this is also peak season. You’ll be forced to share the streets with throngs of tour groups and may have to wait in queues to enter attractions. This shouldn’t be too much of a problem, so long as you arrive early. Queues do tend to move fairly quickly.
If you’d prefer to avoid the crowds, try visiting in the shoulder season in either May or September.
Can You Visit Stratford Without a Car?
Absolutely! It’s easy to reach Stratford by train and it’s a very small, walkable place. You won’t need a car once you’re here as almost everything is a short walk away. Mary Arden’s farm is a little further out and will take you much longer on foot. If you fancy visiting though, you can take a direct 7 minute train from Stratford train station.
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