The area around Stratford upon Avon in the UK is known as Shakespeare Country and it oozes history. You’ll find lovely historic buildings, beautiful scenery and of course the world renowned Royal Shakespeare Company on a city break here. These are our recommendations of what to see…
WHAT TO DO IN STRATFORD UPON AVON
The Royal Shakespeare Company Theatre (RSC) – This theatre complex, alongside the river, dominates the centre of Stratford upon Avon. It was totally remodelled a few years ago and is now a clever mix of old and new buildings. There’s a huge lookout tower with views over Stratford and a nice park area to enjoy in front of the theatre. It’s free to enter the building and ascend the tower. Inside you’ll find cafes, a restaurant, seating areas, a shop, and the original 1930s art deco foyer. The best way to experience this building is to see a play of course, but tickets sell fast so book well before your visit.
The Royal Shakespeare Company Theatre: Read More, Pictures & Map…
Shakespeare’s Birthplace – You’ll find this beautiful building right in centre of Stratford upon Avon. Shakespeare was born here in 1564 and was the son of a glove maker. Inside the building is laid out like it would have been in Shakespeare’s time. There are only a handful of simple rooms inside. Entry to the birthplace is by timed ticket through the more modern exhibition building next door. Make sure you spend a bit of time in the garden here. The birthplace is one of 5 buildings with Shakespeare connections in and around Stratford. We’d recommend seeing them all and you can get a combined ticket to do this. The others properties are listed below.
Shakespeare’s Birthplace: Read More, Ticket Prices & Map…
Shakespeare’s Birthplace: Discounted Tickets…
Anne Hathaway’s Cottage – This is our favourite Shakespeare property even though he never actually lived here. Think of the most beautiful “chocolate-box” thatched cottage that you can, and it still wouldn’t be a patch on this one! This was the family home of Shakespeare’s wife Anne Hathaway and he would have visited the cottage when he was ‘courting’ her. We love this building partly because of its beauty, but also because of its character with the retention of so many original features.
Anne Hathaway’s Cottage: Read More, Ticket Prices, Hours & Map…
Mary Arden’s Farm – This was the childhood home of Shakespeare’s mother, Mary Arden, and is your opportunity to experience a real Tudor farm. Amongst a collection of farm buildings, you’ll see Mary’s house along with the farmhouse of the Palmer family. There are also costumed residents on hand to help you get a feel for the place, along with pigs, goats, sheep and cattle. Although the farm is outside Stratford, it’s well worth visiting to add an extra dimension to Shakespeare’s family story.
Mary Arden’s Farm: Read More, Pictures, Tickets & Map…
Hall’s Croft – Shakespeare’s eldest daughter, Susanna, married the town doctor, John Hall and lived in this lovely house near the church in the centre of Stratford. The house is preserved with luxurious rooms, befitting of a man of his status. We thought this house was absolutely charming. It’s very attractive, interesting to wander round and the formal garden is beautiful. Inside the house, there are some medical artefacts and an edition of Dr John Hall’s medical notes from 1657. Whilst this is a great example of a house of its period, we felt it was the house which has the least connection with Shakespeare himself, but it’s still well worth visiting.
Hall’s Croft: Read More, Ticket Prices, Hours & Map…
Nash’s House and New Place – It’s shocking to think that anyone would be able to simply knock down a huge part of the Shakespeare life story in Stratford, but it happened. The house that Shakespeare bought, lived in with his family and then died in was first knocked down and rebuilt and then totally demolished. What you can see today is a garden and the fruits of an archaeological exploration which has unearthed original foundations. New Place is accessed through Nash’s House next door which was lived in by Shakespeare’s grand daughter during her marriage to Thomas Nash.
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Shakespeare’s Grave – Whilst there is some argument over which church Shakespeare got married in, there’s absolutely no doubt about where he is buried. You’ll find his tomb marked by a gravestone within Holy Trinity Church in the centre of Stratford alongside other members of his family. Apart from the grave, there’s an extra memorial to Shakespeare in the bust which is a featured on the wall. Away from the grave, spend a bit of time looking at the stained glass windows and the impressive organ pipes in the church which we thought were particularly striking.
Shakespeare’s Grave: Read More, Pictures & Map…
The River Avon – One of the unmissable features of the centre of Stratford is the river. You’ll find lots of boats trips depart from opposite Cox’s Yard and they last around half an hour. Alternatively, walk down the river path on the opposite side to the RSC. After a while you’ll come to an interesting lock and eventually, a weir. Another way to get on the water is to take the historic chain ferry from one side to the other. The ferry takes you from the rear of the RSC to the opposite river bank and the journey costs £1 (2025 prices).
River Avon at Stratford: Read More, Boat Trips & Map…
Explore Stratford – You’ll find all the shops and restaurants you’d expect along the main streets of Stratford upon Avon, but it’s worth spending some time just walking down the less busy streets too. You’ll find attractive Tudor buildings, pretty cottages, lovely pubs and a busy market selling quality produce. In particular look out for the Black Swan pub, known as the Dirty Duck by actors, which has a long tradition of thespian drinkers.
Explore Stratford: Read More, Pictures & Map…
WHAT ELSE TO DO AROUND SHAKESPEARE COUNTRY
Historic Warwick – Around 20 minutes from Stratford is the picture postcard town of Warwick. The main attraction here is the castle (see below) but the town itself is certainly worth spending some time in. The streets are lined with attractive historic buildings and the shopping centre has quaint tea rooms and cafes. You’ll also find the Warwickshire Museum in the Market Hall.
Historic Warwick: Read More, Pictures & Map..
Warwick Castle – This is one of England’s best preserved castles and it now has a big budget “theme park” feel to it. The building itself is the star here, from entering the historic rooms, to walking the walls, you feel like you’re either on a movie set or part of the history of the place. In addition though, a lot of money has been spent on entertainment. The price to enter does seem steep, but there’s loads to see and do once inside and it would be easy to spend a whole day here.
Warwick Castle: What To See, Discount Tickets & Map…
Warwick Castle: Discounted Tickets…
Charlecote Park – This attractive stately home between Stratford and Warwick was once visited by Elizabeth the 1st. The owners built a special gatehouse in her honour which still stands today! You’ll get to see inside many of the official rooms on a visit here including the ones used by Elizabeth the 1st. It’s also claimed that a young William Shakespeare was caught poaching here. We thought the house was peaceful, yet beautiful and the small gardens at the rear alongside the river are great to sit in and watch the world go by.
Charlecote Park: Read More, Ticket Prices, Pictures & Map…
Kenilworth Castle – This is the former home of Robert Dudley, earl of Leicester, who notoriously had a love affair with Queen Elizabeth 1st. Much of your visit here is focussed on this as the Queen visited the castle a number of times. Today much of the castle stands in ruins with the exception of the attractive gatehouse, which has been furnished in keeping with the time and the stables which are now the visitor’s centre.
Kenilworth Castle: Read More, Opening Times, Pictures & Map…
OUR TOP TIP IN STRATFORD UPON AVON
The RSC Theatre Tours – There are now a range of tours you can take at the RSC building. They’re a fascinating way to see how the old building has been melded with the new in the RSC theatre. You’ll see the original walls from the art deco building inside the new structure. The main tour also takes you “behind-the-scenes” to wardrobe, the lighting booths and the audio description room. Our guide was fascinating and was able to answer pretty much anything that was asked of him. All in all it was a great insight into the building and the performances that are created inside.
RSC Theatre Tours: Read More, Tour Prices & Pictures…
MORE THINGS TO DO IN STRATFORD UPON AVON
RECOMMENDED HOTEL
On our last visit to Shakespeare country, we stayed at the Ettington Park Hotel which is located in the beautiful Warwickshire countryside a short drive from Stratford. The original historic building has been extended to provide all the features you’d expect in a country hotel including a pool, wedding and conference facilities. We stayed in the older part of the building and the quality of the room was exceptional – certainly one of the plushest hotel rooms we’ve ever stayed in! We thought the service in the hotel from the staff we encountered was first class too, and the breakfast buffet offered plenty of nicely cooked food that was refreshed regularly.
GETTING AROUND STRATFORD UPON AVON
The nearest main airport to Shakespeare Country is Birmingham Airport. If you’re not hiring a car, the easiest way to get to Stratford is by rail, taking the train from the airport station (Birmingham International) to Birmingham New Street and then to Stratford upon Avon. You’ll find Stratford railway station is just a short walk from the town centre. If you have access to a car, you’ll find there is plenty of parking in Stratford, although it can be very busy at peak holiday times. A car is certainly the best way to get around the rest of Shakespeare Country, to see locations like Warwick, Kenilworth and Henley in Arden. However, if you’re only interested in the main sights, the City Sightseeing hop-on hop-off bus tour is a great way to get around. It calls in at all the Shakespeare properties and we found it very informative and entertaining.
MORE ON SHAKESPEARE’S STRATFORD UPON AVON
Visit Shakespeare’s England – Official website with accommodation, special offers and more information.
Hotels in Stratford-upon-Avon – Best prices from Hotels.com
Warwick Hotels – From Hotels.com
Shakespeare Birthplace Trust – Discount admission to the Shakespeare properties
Stratford Upon Avon Guide Books – We are an Amazon Associate