- Top Attractions
- See & Do
- Eat & Drink
- Hotels
- Apartments
- Vacation Rentals
- Bed & Breakfasts
- Villas
Why Visit Stratford-upon-Avon
Stratford-upon-Avon is renowned for its deep Tudor roots. Its half-timbered buildings, like Shakespeare's Birthplace and Hall's Croft, exemplify 16th-century design. Beyond the well-trodden paths, the Guild Chapel boasts rare medieval wall paintings, revealing more of what is Stratford-upon-Avon famous for.
The River Avon winds through Stratford-upon-Avon, with rowing and boat trips departing from Bancroft Gardens. Riverside trails lead past weeping willows and historic bridges. Near the marina, the Stratford Greenway offers a peaceful cycling route, key in any Stratford-upon-Avon travel guide.
Experience local life exploring artisan stores along Henley Street, then unwind in historic pubs like The Dirty Duck or The Garrick Inn, serving local ales and Warwickshire dishes. Each April, the town marks Shakespeare's Birthday with parades, one of many reasons why visit Stratford-upon-Avon.
- Stratford-upon-AvonUnited Kingdom
- Stratford-upon-AvonUnited Kingdom
- Stratford-upon-AvonUnited Kingdom
- Stratford-upon-AvonUnited Kingdom
Quick Travel Essentials
- Apr-Junmild, flowering scenery, moderate crowds
- Jul-Augwarm, peak tourist season
- Sep-Octcooling down, vibrant autumn colors, fewer visitors
- Wintercold, occasional frost, quiet attractions
- #ComfortableShoes
- #LightRaincoat
- #Sunscreen
- #Umbrella
- #PowerAdapterTypeG
- 2-3 days for highlights
- 4-5 days with side trips
- Pound Sterling (£)
- English
- English is an official language here
- #ShakespeareBirthplace
- #RoyalShakespeareTheatre
- #AnneHathaway'sCottage
- #HolyTrinityChurch
- #StratfordCanal
- #MaryArden'sFarm
- Watch a play at Royal Shakespeare Theatre
- Tour Shakespeare's Birthplace
- Stroll along the River Avon
- Explore Anne Hathaway's Cottage
- Visit Holy Trinity Church
- Enjoy a traditional English tea
Recommended Hotels in Stratford-upon-Avon by Experience
Things to do in Stratford-upon-Avon
Discover
Enjoy things to do in Stratford-upon-Avon, from iconic sites like Shakespeare's Birthplace, the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, and the picturesque River Avon. Discover Stratford-upon-Avon attractions that showcase its rich history.
Experience
Engage in cultural activities such as theatre performances or workshops at the Royal Shakespeare Company. Participate in Stratford-upon-Avon tours and events to appreciate local heritage and take scenic walks along the river.
Shakespeare's Birthplace
Historic house museum and birthplace of Shakespeare.
Royal Shakespeare Theatre
Iconic theatre presenting Shakespeare's plays.
Anne Hathaway's Cottage
Charming cottage of Shakespeare's wife, a serene garden.
River Avon
Scenic river perfect for walks and boat tours.
Stratford-upon-Avon Canal
Leisurely walks along the tranquil, historic canal.
Shakespeare's Globe Exhibition
Interactive exhibition on Shakespeare's life and times.
Before You Arrive
Getting There
To get to Stratford-upon-Avon, take a direct train from London Marylebone (around 2h 15m). From Birmingham Airport (BHX), use the free Air-Rail Link to Birmingham International, then train to Moor Street or New Street for the connection.
Getting Around
Central Stratford-upon-Avon is walkable. For longer distances, local bus routes provide public transport in Stratford-upon-Avon, connecting major sites. Taxis are available. Consider river cruises for unique views.
Local Essentials
For Stratford-upon-Avon travel tips for first-timers, book Shakespeare theatre tickets ahead, especially peak season. Parking is scarce downtown; use multi-storey car parks. Most establishments accept card. Locals recommend exploring the canal basin.
Where to Stay in Stratford-upon-Avon
Where to Eat and Drink
Celebrate
Explore traditional food in Stratford-upon-Avon like fish and chips, bangers and mash, and sticky toffee pudding. The café culture thrives, with local spots offering late brunches and cozy atmospheres perfect for dining.
Enjoy
Taste various cuisines at the best restaurants in Stratford-upon-Avon, such as Lambs for elegant dining and The Garrick Inn for a classic pub experience. Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends.
Loxley's Restaurant & Wine Bar
European dishes with a lovely wine selection.
Lambs Restaurant
International dishes in a charming atmosphere, expect queues.
The Vintner
British cuisine in a relaxed setting, perfect for group dining.
Giggling Squid Stratford Upon Avon
Vibrant Thai eatery known for its flavors, ideal for casual dining.
Events & Festivals
Celebrate
Celebrate Stratford-upon-Avon's history through events like the Shakespeare Birthday Celebrations in April. These traditions connect directly to the town's literary past. Exploring Stratford-upon-Avon means experiencing these moments firsthand.
Enjoy
Enjoy modern performances at the Stratford Literary Festival, often featuring contemporary authors and talks. Concerts and theatre shows are frequent Stratford-upon-Avon attractions. These events offer diverse things to do.
Shakespeare's Birthday Celebrations
April. Commemorates playwright's birth with parades & events.
Stratford Literary Festival
Spring. Features author talks, book signings & literary events.
Coventry & Warwickshire Food & Drink Festival
August. Celebrates regional culinary delights.
Stratford-upon-Avon Christmas Lights
November. Festive lights switch-on and seasonal markets.
A proper little gem of a town
Really loved it here. The Royal Shakespeare Theatre is right on the river and the whole area around it is just lovely to walk along. Great pubs, friendly locals, and the town itself is easy to get around on foot.
Shakespeare fans, this is your place
Shakespeare's Birthplace on Henley Street is a must - it's well presented and not as crowded as you'd think. The whole town has a real character to it, loads of old timber-framed buildings and nice little independent shops. Enjoyed every bit of it.
Beautiful town, perfect weekend break
We came for a short break and the town completely won us over. The River Avon walk is gorgeous, the food scene is solid, and everything is within easy walking distance. Felt relaxed the whole time we were there. Brilliant little place.
Old town feel with loads to do
Stratford is one of those places that just feels good to be in. The historic streets are well preserved without feeling like a theme park. We caught a show at the RSC and it was world class. Pubs on the riverside were great too. Solid trip overall.
Loved every bit of this town
The Christmas market around the town centre added such a nice touch to the visit. Mulled wine, local crafts, lovely old buildings all around you - it was really cosy. Holy Trinity Church is stunning and definitely worth a look inside.
Charming and very walkable
Perfect for a few days away. The town centre is compact, the people are welcoming, and there is always something to look at. The Bancroft Gardens along the river are really pretty even in December. Good mix of history and decent food options.