Stratford-upon-Avon – Shakespeare's birthplace
Our travel guide helps you find the best things to do in Stratford-upon-Avon from its historic landmarks like Shakespeare's Birthplace and Anne Hathaway's cottage to its unique blend of traditional and modern culture.
“I have to admit to falling in love with this town... I love many English towns, but this comes out tops for me... there is just SO much character and antiquity here, everywhere you look.”
Jennifer, Sweden
Situated on the River Avon in the Heart of England, the most well known Stratford-upon-Avon attractions include the most famous as the birthplace of England’s greatest poet and playwright, William Shakespeare. Home to the Royal Shakespeare Company, 5 historic houses linked to the Bard and a wealth of other great tourist attractions, Stratford-upon-Avon also has some great accommodation on offer. The thriving market town is a perfect combination of old and new, and with its beautiful surroundings, is a fine place to visit for a relaxing holiday.
Stratford-upon-Avon’s magical blend of heritage and drama resulted in it being named one of Britain’s Heritage Cities. Explore Shakespeare's Birthplace for a fascinating insight into his life and times, and visit one of Holy Trinity to see his grave. See his great works performed at The Courtyard Theatre, which is the Royal Shakespeare Company’s main venue during the transformation of the Royal Shakespeare Theatre.
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Take a tour of the Royal Shakespeare Company's Courtyard Theatre . | See a Royal Shakespeare Company production. |
Cruise the River Avon on a rowing boat. | Take a spooky Ghost Tour of Stratford – if you dare! |
Explore Stratford on an open-top bus tour . | And if that doesn’t scare you, explore Stratford’s most haunted museum, Creaky Cauldron at night. |
Discover the romantic surroundings of Anne Hathaway's Cottage . | For a night of music, dancing or theatre, head to Cox's Yard . |
Take a trip to the historic Warwick Castle . | Watch the brilliant Orchestra of the Swan, the resident orchestra at the Civic Hall . |
As well as its literary connections, there is a lot to see and do in and around Stratford. Take a boat out on the River Avon, explore the area by hop-on, hop-off sightseeing buses , join one of the walking tours and discover some of Britain's finest historic houses and glorious gardens!
Whether you fancy afternoon tea, a pub lunch or a classic cuisine, Stratford-upon-Avon has a restaurant or eatery to suit every taste and budget. Enjoy local organic fruit and vegetables, speciality cheeses, farm produce, and mouth-watering dishes prepared by some of Britain’s finest chefs.
Shopping in Stratford is a pure delight. With a choice ranging from gift shops to cheesemongers, jewellers to antique shops, boutiques to bookshops, you won’t go home empty handed! There is a weekly market on Fridays, as well as a regular farmers’ market, a craft market in the summer and a Christmas market.
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