The best things to do in Stratford-upon-Avon (2024)

The best things to do in Stratford-upon-Avon (1)

A deep dive into the life of William Shakespeare tops the bill of the best things to do in Stratford-upon-Avon.

Photograph: Shutterstock

Written by Kayleigh Watson & Caroline Mills

Advertising

If you aren’t already aware, get ready to become well-acquainted with the life and times of William Shakespeare. The Bard was born in Stratford-upon-Avon, and this charming town in the West Midlands isn’t about to ignore its most famous citizen. Quite the opposite, in fact, and young Billy understandably takes top billing for most visitors. Shakespeare is one of history’s most famous and influential writers, so that makes sense.

However, Stratford-upon-Avon is no one trick pony. Its quaint streets shimmer with historic buildings housing friendly cafes and delicious restaurants, while the river of the town’s name holds up its end of the bargain with scenic walks and, well, more cafes. The best things to do in Stratford-upon-Avon are a well-rounded collection of experiences straddling the line between modern life and the history of England’s national poet. Oh, and if you like gin, you are in for a treat.

RECOMMENDED:
🏰 The best things to do in Birmingham🌾 The best things to do in the Cotswolds🚂 The best places to visit in the UK

This guide was recently updated by Caroline Mills, a writer from Stratford-upon-Avon. At Time Out, all of ourtravel guidesare written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see oureditorial guidelines.

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions.

🙌
Awesome, you're subscribed!

Thanks for subscribing! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon!

What to do in Stratford-upon-Avon

1.The Swan Theatre and the Royal Shakespeare Theatre

The best things to do in Stratford-upon-Avon (3)
The best things to do in Stratford-upon-Avon (4)

What is it?TheRoyal Shakespeare Companyhas three theatres in Stratford. With a striking riverside location, the flagship Royal Shakespeare Theatre is where you can catch many of the Bard’s famous works while, next door, the more intimate Swan Theatre stages plays by Shakespeare’s contemporaries and later writers. Performing arts centre The Other Place (see below) is 100 metres away, on Southern Lane.

Why go?All the world’s a stage, but there’s no better place to watch Shakespeare’s plays than his hometown. Come early for a pre-theatre meal in the third-floor rooftop restaurant with remarkable views over the River Avon. If you’re just not sure about sitting through a full-on production, you can book a backstage tour to see behind the scenes of the world-class theatre, climb to the top of The Lantern for above-rooftop views over the town, or visit The Play’s The Thing, a free, permanent, and interactive exhibition about creative theatre processes.

2.Shakespeare’s Birthplace

What is it?Owned by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, this carefully restored timber-framed house on Henley Street is where Shakespeare was born and spent his childhood.

Why go? Discover the place that was the prologue to Shakespeare’s life. Check out rare artefacts from the Trust and take a trip back in time with the captivating, costumed guides who will bring Shakespeare’s story to life. An exhibition before you enter the house guides you through his colourful life story and introduces some of the words and phrases attributed to him that have become part of our everyday usage. Bedazzled? Yep, he invented that.

Book Now

Advertising

3.Green Intentions

What is it? Stratford’s first zero-waste coffee shop, where waste is reused, repurposed, recycled, or composted.

Why go? This cheery little café – there are only six tables – has sustainability at heart. Alongside its homemade quiches, soups, and cake, it serves the best coffee in Stratford, using fresh-ground beans from Monsoon Estates (based in town), and a fantastic cuppa, served in fancy teapots. Green Intentionsislocated in the Antiques’ Centre (more granny’s house clearance than high-brow collectables) off Ely Street, a great place to rummage for a bargain.

4.Bancroft Gardens

The best things to do in Stratford-upon-Avon (7)
The best things to do in Stratford-upon-Avon (8)

What is it?With its central location overlooking the theatres and the Avon, this pretty riverside garden is one of the best places to bag a spot, spread out a blanket and indulge in a sunny afternoon picnic.

Why go?There are plenty of grass areas and park benches surrounding Stratford’s canal basin, with decorative barges from which to pick up a baguette and ice cream for lunch. Take a shortboat cruisealong the river to see famous sites from a duck’s-eye view. If you want to row your own way, hire cute rowing boats by the hour – they’re each named after a different Shakespeare character. For a selfie with the Bard, his statue appears among flower beds on the east side of the marina.

Advertising

5.MAD Museum

The best things to do in Stratford-upon-Avon (9)
The best things to do in Stratford-upon-Avon (10)

What is it?The Mechanical Art and Design Museumon Henley Street is the only permanent venue for this type of art in England. Sourced from artists and inventors all around the world, the interactive sculptures – or ‘kinetic art’ – include marble runs, 3D faces and flying mechanical birds.

Why go?It’s not often that science and technology marry so well with art and design, but this is where the left-hand and right-hand sides of the brain get to work together. Run by a local family, kids and big kids alike will enjoy the treasure trove of whirring gizmos on display.Each artwork is given a light-sensitive button; wave your hand over the top, and it bursts into life. There’s also a have-a-go studio to create your own masterpiece. Don’t miss MAD’s mini-museum, housed in a red telephone box, at the north end of Henley Street, too.

6.Shakespeare's Distillery

What is it?Established in 2015,Shakespeare’s Distilleryis an artisan gin and rum distillery certified as a carbon-neutral business.

Why go?Like manyspots in the town, the distillery takes inspiration from the Bard himself, including characters from his plays and ingredients available during Tudor times. The small team offers a range of experiences for visitors, from a tour, tasting session and gin school to cocktail masterclasses and a 60-minute cruise along the River Avon. The distillery is three miles out of town, but you can book a gin tasting and pick up a bottle to take home from its High Street shop, slap-bang in the centre.

Advertising

7.Anne Hathaway’s cottage

The best things to do in Stratford-upon-Avon (11)
The best things to do in Stratford-upon-Avon (12)

What is it?If you arrive atAnne Hathaway's Cottageexpecting the home of a Hollywood actor, we’re sorry to inform you there’s been an awkward mix-up. It’s notthatAnne Hathaway. Shakespeare buffs, however, won’t be disappointed with a visit to this picturesque 500-year-old cottage and the poignant love story behind it.

Why go?Forget Juliet; this is real-life ‘Shakespeare in Love’. The half-timbered and thatched farmhouse was the childhood home of Anne; amorous Wills courted her here before she became his bride. The pretty cottage has its original furniture and features, and the romantic gardens are the stuff sonnets are made of.

Book now

8.The Other Place

What is it? While not required as a theatre for RSC productions, The Other Place has been transformed into a public space with a café bar and warm building for tourists and the local community alike.

Why go?There’s a buzzy, creative vibe about the space that has a different feel to your average café; all the theatre gubbins and lighting gantries are on show above, and there are glitzy theatre costumes on display and cosy armchairs to wallow in alongside communal tables and quiet work booths. Come here for a coffee and a catch-up with mates, come here with your laptop to work quietly, come here to warm up and rest your feet after a wander around town. Board games, a bulging bookshelf and activities await. The 200-seat theatre regularly hosts delightfully creative performances.

Advertising

9.Stratford-upon-Avon Butterfly Farm

The best things to do in Stratford-upon-Avon (13)
The best things to do in Stratford-upon-Avon (14)

What is it? The UK’s largest tropical butterfly attraction is an ideal rainy-day activity. Wander through the Butterfly Farm to see exotic plants and gurgling waterfalls while hundreds of free-flying butterflies flutter around you.

Why go? Get up close to appreciate these dainty insects and learn about their lifecycle from caterpillar to chrysalis and beyond. For those into the less attractive members of the insect world, there’s a minibeast metropolis of centipedes, beetles, stick insects and a bird-eating tarantula. Shiver.

10.Countess of Evesham

The best things to do in Stratford-upon-Avon (15)
The best things to do in Stratford-upon-Avon (16)

What is it?Also known as Stratford’s ‘Orient Express’, this 70m restaurant cruiser drifts up and down the Avon along some of its prettiest stretches.

Why go?TheCountess of Eveshamallows you to dine on the River Avon in a unique setting, with fresh, traditional food on a seasonal menu that changes monthly. Opt for lunch service for a peaceful afternoon floating away past the theatres and Shakespeare’s Holy Trinity church and into the countryside, or a three-course meal on the leisurely evening cruise; the riverbanks are lit at dusk, making dinner a truly romantic occasion.

More great things to do in Stratford-upon-Avon

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions.

🙌
Awesome, you're subscribed!

Thanks for subscribing! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon!

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions.

🙌
Awesome, you're subscribed!

Thanks for subscribing! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon!

Recommended

    You may also like

    You may also like

    Advertising

    The best things to do in Stratford-upon-Avon (2024)

    FAQs

    Is Stratford on Avon worth visiting? ›

    Shakespeare's hometown is seventh heaven for English majors and actors, but Stratford-Upon-Avon's half-timbered charm, with colorful canal boats and punts plying the river, make Stratford a fun stop for anyone.

    What is the prettiest street in Stratford-upon-Avon? ›

    It's here, in Henley Street, that William Shakespeare was born in 1564 - the area is a mecca for tourists from across the globe, who visit the street to get a glimpse of Shakespeare's first home and a taste of Tudor living.

    What is famous about Stratford-upon-Avon? ›

    Stratford-upon-Avon is most famous for being the birthplace and beloved home town of William Shakespeare, but there may be more things to do in Stratford-upon-Avon than you realise.

    What day is market day in Stratford-upon-Avon? ›

    Traditional Retail Market

    Every Friday on Rother Street.

    Can you walk along the River Avon in Stratford-upon-Avon? ›

    The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a lead. This is a pleasant waterside trail along the River Avon.

    Is Anne Hathaway's cottage worth visiting? ›

    A must visit if you're in Strafford Upon Avon. We enjoyed this the most of the 3 (shakespeare's birthplace, shakespeare's new place and the cottage).

    What is the dress code for Stratford-upon-Avon? ›

    Dress Code

    There are no formal rules to follow in the Tattersalls and Centre Course but spectators should dress appropriately and with weather conditions in mind. In the Club Enclosure, smart casual attire is the policy and this means no ripped jeans are permitted.

    How long do you need to visit Stratford-upon-Avon? ›

    Plan a 48-hour visit to Stratford-upon-Avon that takes in all the best this Warwickshire town has to offer. Shakespeare's home town is one of those places that a lot of visitors put on their "must-see" lists without really considering why they want to go there and what they expect to see.

    What is the difference between Stratford-upon-Avon and Stratford-on-Avon? ›

    Anything to do with the town of Stratford is always referred to as Stratford-upon-Avon. However, as a district council, we cover a much larger area than the town itself, but do not want to lose the instantly recognised tag of Stratford, so anything to do with the district is referred to as Stratford-on-Avon.

    What is the main shopping street in Stratford-upon-Avon? ›

    Stratford-upon-Avon's main shopping centre is Bell Court, an impressive £30 million redevelopment that's transformed the town centre into a hub of popular retailers, stylish boutiques, classy restaurants and an Everyman cinema.

    Why do people visit Stratford-upon-Avon? ›

    Shakespeare's Birthplace

    Discover the childhood home of Britain's most famous playwright, William Shakespeare. Tour this fascinating home in the heart of town and discover the place that shaped the young bard – the third of eight children belonging to John Shakespeare and Mary Arden.

    How to get around in Stratford-upon-Avon? ›

    Stagecoach and Johnson Bus & Coach Tours run buses around Stratford and the surrounding area regularly. The Shakespeare Express train service operates between Stratford-upon-Avon and Birmingham Snow Hill. Stratford Bike Hire lets you make your own way around Stratford and get between attractions quickly.

    Is Shakespeare's birthplace worth visiting? ›

    It's a great place to start your 'Shakespeares history' visit & see the house where he grew up & the room he was born in. From here we went to New Place, where Shakespeare lived with his wife & daughters & then onto Halls Croft where Shakespeare's daughter lived with her husband Dr John Hall. Very enjoyable.

    How much does it cost to park in Stratford-upon-Avon? ›

    You can reserve a guaranteed, convenient parking space in Stratford-Upon-Avon from £0.60/hour, £3.20/day or monthly parking from just £47.

    How far is Stratford-upon-Avon train station from the town? ›

    Stratford upon Avon (central) train station is a 5 minute walk from the town centre. Other nearby stations are Stratford Parkway (10 mins by taxi), Warwick Parkway (20 mins by taxi), Leamington Spa (20 mins by taxi), Coventry (30 mins by taxi) and Birmingham International (45 mins by taxi).

    Top Articles
    Latest Posts
    Recommended Articles
    Article information

    Author: Moshe Kshlerin

    Last Updated:

    Views: 5815

    Rating: 4.7 / 5 (77 voted)

    Reviews: 84% of readers found this page helpful

    Author information

    Name: Moshe Kshlerin

    Birthday: 1994-01-25

    Address: Suite 609 315 Lupita Unions, Ronnieburgh, MI 62697

    Phone: +2424755286529

    Job: District Education Designer

    Hobby: Yoga, Gunsmithing, Singing, 3D printing, Nordic skating, Soapmaking, Juggling

    Introduction: My name is Moshe Kshlerin, I am a gleaming, attractive, outstanding, pleasant, delightful, outstanding, famous person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.