THINGS TO DO IN Stratford-Upon-Avon: 2-DAY ITINERARY

Stratford-Upon-Avon is set in beautiful countryside on the River Avon in Warwickshire, central England. It has an 800-year history and is best known for being the birthplace and hometown of the famous playwright, William Shakespeare.

Shakespeare was born in the 16th century, and you can visit his birthplace, as well as other sites connected to his life. Stratford-Upon-Avon is also the home of the renowned Royal Shakespeare Theatre which presents superb plays by the playwright, as well as contemporary productions.

Stratford-Upon-Avon isn’t a large town but there is still plenty to do and see so we have prepared a two-day itinerary to help you make the most of your time. The first day tours the town and the second visits notable sites close by.

Day 1

Morning: Shakespeare’s Birthplace

The ideal place for you to start your exploration of Stratford-Upon-Avon is the birthplace of the great playwright. It is on Henley Street and was where he was born in 1564 and where he lived for the first five years of his marriage to Anne Hathaway. It was the largest house on the street, and William was brought up in a middle-class family.

When you arrive at the site, you will first enter the Shakespeare Centre which is a modern building housing an exhibition relating to Shakespeare’s life. It leads to Shakespeare’s Birthplace which recreates life as it was when he was alive. It is decked with period furniture and you will see the parlour, central hall and bedrooms including the one where Shakespeare was born. You will be entertained by docents wandering around the house decked in period costumes who will tell you stories about Shakespeare and his life. You can also go into the walled garden which has been planted with flowers and herbs common in the 16th century.

Shakespeare’s birthplace is a popular attraction, so you need to book in advance. You can buy a ticket which gives you entry into all five of the sites relating to Shakespeare which will save you money. These are his Birthplace, Mary Arden’s Farm, Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, New Place, and Hall’s Croft.

The MAD Museum

A minute’s walk will take you to the MAD Museum which is in complete contrast to Shakespeare’s Birthplace. However, it is something different and fun for both children and the young-at-heart. Here you can interact with a total of 60 pieces of kinetic art and automata. Young children will enjoy lasers and rolling ball machines with the added fun of buttons to press. Older kids can learn about design, physics and maths through interactive exhibitions.

Tudor World

A five-minute walk takes you to Tudor Place, an interesting museum housed in a 16th-century grade 2-listed building. Interactive exhibits introduce you to the Tudor period which lasted from 1485 - 1603. Sit on a royal throne, lie on a four-poster bed, learn to write with a quill, or see what it was like to be a criminal and suffer humiliation in the stocks. Children will enjoy the museum as they are given a quiz to complete during their visit. The museum is reputed to be the most haunted in Stratford-Upon-Avon, and to celebrate this, ghost tours are offered in the evenings after the museum has closed. However, they are not recommended for children under 14 as they are scary. They are conducted by lantern and the guide tells stories of sightings within the house and throughout the town.

Bell Court

By this time, you are probably ready for lunch so head to Bell Court, a three-minute walk away from Tudor World. There are plenty of restaurants to choose from including Asian and Italian, as well as a steakhouse. While you are in Bell Court, indulge in a little retail therapy.

Day 1, morning - Stratford-Upon-Avon Tour Map

Afternoon: Shakespeare’s New Place

Shakespeare bought New Place in 1597 after achieving success as a playwright. It was built in the 1480s and was the largest house in the area with a courtyard and between 20 and 30 rooms. It’s not certain how many rooms there were as the house was pulled down in the 18th century, but it is still possible to visit the site where a footprint of the house is marked out. It has been turned into a beautiful Elizabethan Garden which includes an area filled with aromatic plants which would have been used in Shakespeare’s day. You will also be able to see bronze statues created by the American sculptor, Gregg Wyatt representing characters from some of Shakespeare’s plays.

Next door to New Place is Nash’s House which is a museum dedicated to both the history of Shakespeare’s home and to Tudor life. You will be able to see a sketch of what New Place would have looked like in Shakespeare’s day, and there is original Jacobean, Tudor, and Elizabethan furniture on show. On the first floor, there is a viewing platform overlooking New Place.

Shakespeare’s Schoolroom and Guildhall

A brief walk takes you to the school where Shakespeare studied as a child. It is a great place to visit especially with children as there are plenty of interactive exhibits to enjoy. You can take a lesson in the same room where Shakespeare was taught, dress up as a Tudor, and learn to write with a quill and ink. The guides are fantastic and will tell you all about 16th-century Tudor life.

Royal Shakespeare Theatre

Another short walk takes you to the Royal Shakespeare Theatre which produces some of the best theatre in the world. Their main focus is to present plays by Shakespeare, but they also present modern plays.

The theatre offers a range of tours to introduce you to the company. One of the best tours is the Audition Tour, which takes you to both the Royal Shakespeare Theatre and their other venue, The Other Place. As well as viewing the theatres, you will be taken to the rehearsal rooms, costume stores, and dressing rooms.

The Royal Shakespeare Theatre also houses a free exhibition, The Play’s the Thing, where you can learn about the company and view props and costumes. Climb the theatre tower which is 32 metres above street level, and enjoy beautiful views of Stratford-Upon-Avon.

Hall’s Croft

A ten-minute walk takes you to Hall’s Croft, the house owned by Shakespeare’s daughter, Susanna, and her husband, Doctor John Hall. It is a Grade-1 listed building where you will be able to see some stunning paintings from the 16th and 17th centuries and furniture from the same time. It also houses a medical exhibition showcasing the types of equipment John Hall would have used. You can visit the garden which contains plants that would have been used in medical procedures in the 16th century. By this time, you might be in need of refreshment and Hill’s Croft has a cafe so sit down and relax for a little while.

Day 1, afternoon - Stratford-Upon-Avon Tour Map

Day 2

For your second day in Stratford-Upon-Avon, we suggest visiting sites outside the town, including a couple of places associated with Shakespeare, and others offering alternative experiences.

Mary Arden’s Farm

Included in the Shakespeare joint ticket is Mary Arden’s farm, an 11-minute drive from the city centre. It was the childhood home of Shakespeare’s mother and offers an interactive experience where you can experience a Tudor meal. Children will love the farm as it houses rare breeds of animals that they can meet. They can also get involved in animal feeding, learn about archery, and enjoy the adventure playground. Mary Arden’s Farm also exhibits falconry displays showcasing owls, falcons, and hawks.

Anne Hathaway’s Cottage

Anne Hathaway was Shakespeare’s wife and a five-minute drive out of Stratford takes you to her childhood home. You can explore the house on a guided tour where you will learn more about her life with William. The grounds are spectacular, and you will discover a fruit orchard, a maze, and a willow house made of living branches inspired by Shakespeare’s play, Twelfth Night. You can also explore an exhibition about organic farming and herbs used in medicine back at the time when Anne was alive. Enjoy a traditional English cream tea at the cafe with sandwiches, cakes, and scones.

Charlecote Park

Just 8 km east of Stratford-Upon-Avon is Charlecote Park which makes for a lovely day out. It is run by the National Trust and is a 16th century country house with gardens. You can spend the day here and are welcome to have a picnic in the grounds. Tour five rooms in the house and then explore the outbuildings which include a laundry, brewhouse, scullery and kitchen, and carriage houses. In the carriage houses you will see some of the best carriages owned by the National Trust.

Spend some time wandering around the grounds where you may spot deer who will be accompanied by fawns in June and July.

Hidcote Garden

Hidcote Garden is just under 15 km south of Stratford-Upon-Avon in Chipping Campden. Another National Trust property, it covers 10.5 acres and has different gardens to explore. The Bathing Pool Garden, for example, is centred around a pool and is decorated with classical statues. Red Borders has a beautiful display of red, orange, and yellow flowers, while the Wilderness introduces you to natural beauty with no formal gardens. A highlight is the Pillar Garden where yew trees create a natural wall effect. Hidcote Garden has a cafe so you can take a break for a drink or a light meal.

Warwick Castle

If you are looking for a full day out, head to Warwick Castle, 14 km north of Stratford-Upon-Avon. You can even spend the night there as it offers mediaeval styled lodges on site. The castle was commissioned by Willian the Conqueror in 1068 but there have been renovations over the years.

If you are fit, climb the ramparts and towers as you will be rewarded with spectacular views. When you go inside the castle, you will see a magnificent display of armour and arms in the Great Hall and will be able to explore the staterooms. In the Red Drawing Room you will see waxworks of King Henry VIII and his six wives. Admire the tapestries in the Queen Anne bedroom and be prepared to be scared in the Medieval Dungeon where costumed actors will add to the atmosphere.

In the grounds, you can watch a display of falconry as well as archery tournaments. Children can get involved and learn how to shoot bows and arrows with an experienced archer. They can also enjoy a maze and a playground, the Realm of Zog, which has activities and shows for younger children. During the summer, you will be entertained with live jousting, a popular pastime in the Middle Ages, and there are historians who give talks about the castle.

Other Things To Do In Stratford-Upon-Avon

• Bancroft Gardens: For a little relaxation after visiting the attractions in the city, head to Bancroft Gardens next to the River Avon close to the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. Here you can have a relaxing stroll and see the Gower Memorial which has statues of four characters from Shakespeare’s plays, Hamlet, Lady Macbeth, Falstaff, and Prince Hall. The gardens also feature a human sundial and two fountains, the Swan and the Country Artists.

• Shakespeare’s Distillery: If you enjoy gin, take a tour of Shakespeare’s Distillery, the only working distillery in town. It produces gin in small batches fusing traditional ingredients dating back to Tudor times with modern techniques. The tour includes a tasting of three spirits ending with a refreshing gin and tonic.

• Stratford-Upon-Avon Butterfly Farm: This is the largest tropical butterfly farm in the UK. Enter the large greenhouse and be amazed by the beautiful butterflies flying amongst waterfalls, ponds, and tropical plants. Go into the Caterpillar Room to learn about the life cycle of a butterfly and visit Insect City to see creepy crawlies like beetles, ants and stick insects. If you have the courage, enter Arachnoland where you will see the largest spiders in existence as well as scorpions.

• The Greenway: Another lovely walk is The Greenway, an 8 km walk along an old single-track railway line, the Honeybourne, which used to connect Stratford-Upon-Avon to Long Marston. You can also hire a bike and cycle the route. Have a picnic along the route or make use of the cafe at Milcote car park.

• Holy Trinity Church: The Holy Trinity Church was Shakespeare’s parish church. It is on the banks of the River Avon and has been in use for 1,000 years. It is a beautiful church with stunning stained-glass windows and many references to Shakespeare. You will be able to see the font where he was baptised and the chained bible that was used when he was alive. It houses the Holy Trinity Bust of Shakespeare and most importantly, he and his immediate family are buried in front of the altar. Look out for the epitaph on his gravestone cursing anyone who tries to steal his bones.

• Stratford Ghost Walk: Stratford-Upon-Avon is reputedly haunted so why not take a ghost walk to discover more. They take place on Saturday evenings and last for 90 minutes. The costumed guides will tell you stories about murder, ghosts, and witches as they lead you through the dimly lit streets.

• The Jester: The Jester is a bronze statue of Touchstone, the jester in Shakespeare’s play, As You Like It. It stands on a stone plinth on Henley Street and was commissioned by Anthony Bird OBE.

• The American Fountain: The American Fountain is in the Market Square and was presented to the town by American journalist, George W. Childs in 1887 to honour both Shakespeare and the golden jubilee of Queen Victoria. It was unveiled by the famous actor, Sir Henry Irving. The style is Victorian Gothic, and it looks like a Gothic cathedral with bells and a clock. It has on it caricatures of fairies from Shakespeare’s comedy, A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

• Avon Bank Gardens: Avon Bank Gardens are beautiful gardens which lie on the banks of the river Avon, Enjoy a peaceful walk or a picnic with swans and ducks for company.

• The Dell Stage: The Dell Stage is in Avon Bank Gardens and is a free theatre venue during the summer months when it’s warm enough to be outside. Performances take place at weekends during July and August with both students and semi-professionals presenting their work. You can bring chairs or blankets with you and food for a picnic.

• Golf Courses: There are a few golf courses close to Stratford-Upon-Avon. The Stratford-Upon-Avon Golf Club was founded in 1894 and offers an 18-hole course. The Welcombe Golf Club is at the Welcombe Hotel and has an 18-hole course, a driving range, and a putting green. The Stratford Golf Club is in a peaceful setting surrounded by woodland and farmland. It has 18 holes.

Day Trips From Stratford-Upon-Avon

• Cotswolds: The Cotswolds cover a large area, stretching from Stratford-Upon-Avon in the north to Bath in the south. The area is filled with quaint villages built from honey-coloured stone and offering antique shops, tea rooms, and country pubs. If you get as far as Bath, you should take a tour of the ancient Roman baths. Other highlights include the Cotswolds Motoring Museum where you can see vintage cars, and Cotswolds Wildlife Park and Gardens.

• Kenilworth Castle: Kenilworth Castle was built in 1120 and although it is in ruins, it is still spectacular. You can climb the tower which is at a height of 18 metres and offers great views. Visit the Elizabethan Garden which has been recreated to look as it did when Elizabeth I was alive and there is an interesting exhibition about the romance between Queen Elizabeth and Robert Dudley, the Earl of Leicester. In the stable, there are interactive displays which children will love.

• Royal Leamington Spa: Royal Leamington Spa, 20 km from Stratford-Upon-Avon, is famous for its mineral springs. You shouldn’t miss going to the Pump Rooms, a spa in Victorian times, but now a museum and art gallery relating the history of spa treatments in the town and showcasing artwork from different time periods. If you want a relaxing afternoon, take a peaceful boat trip on the River Leam.

• Blenheim Palace: Blenheim Palace is 52 km south of Stratford-Upon-Avon. It was built in the 18th century and is the seat of the Dukes of Marlborough and the birthplace of the British prime minister, Winston Churchill. You can explore the palace under your own steam or take a guided tour. The highlight is The Great Hall which is filled with marble statues and busts. There are numerous paintings throughout the palace by famous artists such as Joshua Reynolds and Anthony Van Dyke. You can have a delicious lunch here and then explore the grounds. Children will love the boating lake, the maze, and the adventure playground.

• Ragley Hall: Ragley Hall is 15 km west of Stratford-Upon-Avon and is a family home which opens its doors to the public on certain days of the year. At these times, you can take a guided tour of the Baroque state rooms and admire the antique musical instruments as well as a 17th-century grandfather clock. There is plenty here to keep children occupied, including a 3D maze, climbing frames, a trampoline, an aerial runway, a playground, and a woodland walk.

Racecourses Near Stratford-Upon-Avon

• Stratford Racecourse: There are 17 horse racing fixtures between March and October. The racecourse has two restaurants and plenty of bars.

• Warwick Racecourse: This racecourse showcses jump racing and offers 19 fixtures from September to May. Enjoy a meal in the 1707 restaurant overlooking the winning post.

Things To Do In Stratford-Upon-Avon With Children

We have already mentioned some attractions that will appeal to kids such as the MAD Museum and Tudor World, but here are a few more suggestions.

• Boat trip On The River Avon: A simple boat trip along the River Avon will enthral children. Operated by Canal & River Tours Ltd., the boat travels from Stratford Canal Basin, through the lock, onto the River Avon, and then back again.

• Stratford-Upon-Avon Minigolf: Family tickets are on offer which make for a reasonably priced activity. The course covers 18 holes and is challenging so is more appropriate for older children.

• Magic Alley: Magic Alley combines a retail store with a magical attraction which will inspire your children to solve problems. The shop sells magic tricks, crystal balls, spells, books, and toys. Occasionally Magic Alley puts on magic shows.

• Cadbury World: 47 km north of Stratford-Upon-Avon is Cadbury World which is chocolate heaven for children. Cadbury is one of the biggest producers of chocolate in the UK and here your children can find out how the chocolate is made and the history behind it. When you arrive, you are given complimentary bars of chocolate and when you get to the Chocolate Making Zone, you can indulge in a chocolate tasting experience.

• British Motor Museum: The British Motor Museum is 16 miles east of Stratford-Upon-Avon and houses more than 400 vintage cars. You can learn more about the cars and where they were built, and enjoy interactive areas. There are also themed trails for children to enjoy as well as an outdoor play area.

• The Ferris Wheel: Stratford-Upon-Avon’s Ferris Wheel isn’t as tall as the London Eye but it still towers over the town at 40 metres high. You get a ride of 10 minutes during which time it makes three revolutions. You get great views of the town, the canal, and the Royal Shakespeare Company.

• Boat Hire: Avon Boating rents out rowing boats, punts, canoes, and motorboats, all of which children should enjoy. The company has trained staff who will give you basic training and information about the Avon.

  Where To Eat In Stratford-Upon-Avon

You will be spoiled for choice when it comes to eating out in Stratford-Upon-Avon. Experience a traditional Sunday roast or fish and chips in a pub or celebrate a special occasion in a fine dining restaurant. There are also plenty of international restaurants to choose from as England is a multicultural society.

Pubs

• The Coach House: Located on Rother Street, The Coach House has won many awards over the years. If you are looking for a traditional English pub, you won’t go far wrong choosing this one. Locally sourced ingredients are used, and they even have their bespoke sausage produced by a local butcher. The menu includes fully loaded sandwiches and sharing platters with a choice of vegetarian and vegan dishes. If you’ve always wanted to try a cooked English breakfast, they offer an all-day breakfast, and on Sundays you can get a traditional Sunday roast.

• The Dirty Duck: The Dirty Duck is in a beautiful setting overlooking the River Avon and on a sunny day, you can enjoy your meal on the terrace. It has been trading since 1738 and is a regular spot visited by actors from the Royal Shakespeare Company. Here you can enjoy traditional English fare including steak and ale pie, sirloin steak, and fish and chips. Vegan and vegetarian dishes are a little more unusual such as pulled mushroom chilli. Visit on Sunday for a traditional Sunday roast.

• The Garrick Pub Restaurant: The Garrick Pub Restaurant is on the High Street and could well be the oldest pub in Stratford-Upon-Avon having been around since the 1400s. It is in a beautiful timber-framed building and serves an excellent Sunday roast with a nut roast wellington for vegetarians.

• Old Thatch Tavern: The Old Thatch Tavern is another ancient pub, having become an ale house in 1470. It serves traditional pub food such as cottage pie, fish and chips, and ham, egg, and chips. Vegan and vegetarian options are more unusual, such as coconut of chickpea curry. On Sundays, it offers a roast dinner with a choice of beef, turkey, pork, or a vegetarian tart.

International Restaurants

• Bistro du Vin: This restaurant is in the Hotel du Vin on Rother Street and the bistro is relatively new. It serves mainly French food with delicious tasting menus on offer including dishes such as beef cheek bourguignon. However, you can also get an English roast dinner on Sundays and traditional afternoon tea every afternoon, including sandwiches, cakes, and scones.

• Sorrento Restaurant: Sorrento Restaurant on Ely Street is a traditional family-run Italian restaurant. It serves delicious food including a wide selection of pasta dishes, cotoletta alla Milanes which is a veal dish, and prosciutto di Parma con buffalo mozzarella. There is a reasonably priced set-menu on offer between 3.30 p.m. and 5.30 p.m. from Tuesdays to Saturdays.

• Thespians: Thespians is an Indian restaurant on Sheep Street. It offers traditional flavours with a modern twist. You can get any type of curry you like such as bhuna, chilli masala, dansk, dopiaza, korma, madras, vindaloo, and rogan josh.

Fine Dining

• Loxley’s Restaurant & Wine Bar: Located on Sheep Street, this restaurant offers two floors of dining plus a courtyard at the back. It serves food from midday until dinner with a set menu for lunch and early diners and a la carte the rest of the time. Try the baked feta and pistachio filo spring roll to start followed by the slow-cooked pork belly. There are vegan and vegetarian options, as well as gluten-free and dairy-free.

• Salt: Salt, along Church Street, is exclusive as it only seats 10 people and you have to book well in advance. It offers a tasting menu which changes but can include such dishes as Cornish cod, cocoa beans, creme fraiche, and lovage, or saddle of lamb with English asparagus and sauce charcuterie.

• The Trevelyan Restaurant in the Welcombe Hotel: The Welcombe Hotel is on Warwick Road and the restaurant offers modern British cuisine such as rump of lamb and fish and chips, with Asian dishes for vegans such as sweet potato, butternut squash, and chickpea curry. Afternoon tea is also on offer including sandwiches, cakes and scones served with clotted cream.

Where To Stay In Stratford-Upon-Avon

• The White Swan Hotel: The White Swan Hotel is a beautiful 4-star hotel set in a grade-2 listed building which combines a historic setting with modern facilities. Some of the bedrooms have exposed beams which adds to the authenticity of the hotel. The restaurant serves traditional British food using locally sourced ingredients and you can have a cooked full English breakfast in the bar.

• Hotel Indigo Stratford upon Avon  is a boutique hotel that combines modern comfort with historic charm, offering stylishly decorated rooms, a restaurant, bar, and fitness center, and personalized service. Located near key attractions like Shakespeare's Birthplace and the Royal Shakespeare Theatre.

• Hotel Du Vin Stratford is a stylish boutique hotel in Stratford-upon-Avon, known for its elegant decor and lively atmosphere. Both the centre of Stratford-upon-Avon and the Royal Shakespeare Theatre are only a short stroll away.

• Swan’s Nest Hotel: This is another 4-star hotel and it overlooks the Royal Shakespeare Company not far from the river. The Swan’s Nest Hotel is a lovely 17th-century Georgian townhouse which is only a five-minute walk into town so you can explore Stratford-Upon-Avon on foot. The on-site restaurant, Bistrot Pierre, offers French cuisine while the Bear Bar and Kitchen serves traditional English dishes. It offers vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free dishes and you can also get a traditional English afternoon tea.

• Salamander Guest House: Just minutes away from the city centre and overlooking the park, The Firs Garden, the Salamander Guest House is a friendly family-run 3-star guesthouse. It has been recently renovated so looks fresh and new and all rooms are now en-suite. It offers free parking and although it doesn’t offer breakfast, it gives you discount vouchers so you can have a reasonably priced breakfast at a local restaurant.

Best Time To Visit Stratford-Upon-Avon

England has four seasons and there can even be four seasons in one day. To get the best weather, summer is the ideal time to visit Stratford-Upon-Avon although it can still rain and not even be that warm. However, it is the busiest time of the year as the schools are closed for the summer holidays so for a quieter experience visit in June or September when the weather can still be good. If you don’t mind what the weather is like, the attractions are open throughout the year so you can even visit in the winter. If it rains or snows, you can always head to a pub for a pint sitting by a log-burning fire.

Festivals In Stratford-Upon-Avon

Stratford-Upon-Avon hosts many festivals and events throughout the year, and we have chosen a few of the best to tell you about

• Shakespeare’s Birthday Celebrations: Shakespeare was born on 23rd April 1564 and every year on the nearest weekend to his birthday, there are celebrations throughout the town. Enjoy a parade, theatrical performances, and workshops.

• Stratford Literary Festival: The Stratford Literary Festival presents talks by best-selling authors as well as workshops. It is on for six days in May and for a shorter period in the autumn.

• The Stratford-Upon-Avon Food and Drink Festival: This festival is held in May at Stratford Racecourse. You can indulge in a selection of artisan food, local produce, and different beverages. Enjoy the live music while children can have fun on bungee trampolines, inflatables, and rides.

• Christmas Lights Switch-On: The Christmas season begins with a grand switching-on of the festive lights at the end of November. The evening includes live music and a visit from Santa Claus for the children.

• Christmas Market: Throughout December, the streets of Stratford-Upon-Avon are decked with the Christmas spirit. The Christmas market is filled with stalls offering unusual gifts, festive decorations, and handmade craftwork. Don’t forget to try a glass of seasonal mulled wine.