Stratford-upon-Avon is a perfect weekend destination in UK. The town is conveniently located in the centre of England, and can be accessed from major cities. Explore the footprints left by the legend poet Shakespeare, and visit the houses he has lived.
Stratford-upon-Avon – A perfect weekend Getaway
Stratford-Upon-Avon is located in the center of England, making it accessible from many major cities like London, Manchester, York, Leeds, Birmingham, Liverpool etc. The public transport that connects to this town also good. Hence making the destination a perfect choice for weekend holiday.
Stratford-upon-Avon sits on the picturesque River Avon. Half timber framed houses decorate the whole town. This town is home to the eternal poet legend Shakespeare. Because of this, the town is also christened as Shakespeare’s Country. Put this all together like a jigsaw puzzle, and it never fails to make a perfect weekend holiday.
We have visited many English towns, but we must say that nothing felt as spectacular as Stratford-Upon-Avon. The romantic setting of the town, extremely friendly people, lively atmosphere does make anyone fall in love with this town. If you visit the place, you will certainly, immediately love it. Such is the beauty of Stratford-upon-Avon and it makes a year round destination.
Importantly, there are plenty of things to do in this tourist-filled town. We have carefully handpicked our top 8 recommendation for you. So, what are you waiting for? Pack the bags for a weekend holiday, and you will comeback with nice memories. Without much further delay, here’s our top 8 picks on places to see at Stratford-upon-Avon.
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How to reach Stratford-upon-Avon
Stratford-upon-Avon is conveniently located in the Midlands, making it a perfect location to access from major cities in UK. There are frequent trains from London Marylebone every hour and the journey time is approximately 2 hours with one change.
There are many coaches and bus services that connects from London, Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds and York. And bus journey from London to Stratford-upon-Avon takes a little over 2.5 hours. You can check the bus timings and price either with National Express or Mega Bus UK.
If you are driving, it takes 2 hours from London on M40. There are plenty of car parking spaces available around the town centre. There is also a park and ride option. Nearest airport is Birmingham airport which is only 18 miles away.
8 things to do in Stratford-upon-Avon
1. Visit Shakespeare Houses
Being in Stratford-Upon-Avon and not visiting Shakespeare house? Needless to say, this is one of the major tourist attraction in town, and has been attracting visitors for as long as 250 years.
The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust manages all the houses that includes Shakespeare’s Birthplace, Anne Hathway Cottage & Gardens, Nash’s House & New Place, Mary Arden’s Farm and Hall’s Croft. There are tours available at the visitor centre and one can buy combo tickets to see all or some of Shakespeare’s houses. Our recommendations on must-see are Birthplace and Anne Hathway Cottage.
2. Royal Shakespeare Company Theatre
There’s nothing as good as watching your favourite Shakespeare play in the town where he once lived and got inspired to write those plays, right? Be sure to book your tickets in advance to be able to enjoy the play at Royal Shakespeare Company Theatre.
3. Admire the statues
The town is laid out so beautifully and conveniently to walk that you see magnificent sculptures and statues everywhere around. Look out for them in every corner of the town.
4. Visit the vibrant Bancroft Gardens
You can’t experience such a slow paced life in every other tourist towns. Laze around or bring in your picnic basket near by Bancroft Gardens and relax. Despite crowded with tourists and locals, you can feel the laid back vibe in the town. Soak in them.
5. Enjoy the half timbered architecture
There is certainly a magical charm in the half timber houses. As you walk along the main streets, you will see many half timber houses and thatched roofs which you can’t stop admiring. As you stroll through, you will also see plethora of cafes and restaurants that occupy these old buildings along the high street.
6. Listen to free music
Sit by the riverside with a pint of beer and enjoy the free music blissfully for hours together, while soaked up in the sun. We went there during summer, so obviously it was nice and sunny. If you go during offpeak or winter, I am sure the place brings its charm with the Christmas markets.
7. Boating in River Avon
Hire a row boat / motor boat or canoe and sail back in time as you pass through the beautiful River Avon, enjoying the lush green countryside with occasional stone bridge that captures your attention.
8. Visit Stratford Butterfly Farm
We may have never recommended this if it had not been UK’s largest and one of its kind. The lush, exotic landscape and seeing a hundred of butterflies in one place is certainly awe-inspiring!
Where to stay in Stratford-upon-Avon
There are many hotel chains that are located within the walking distance from the centre of the town. DoubleTree by Hilton Stratford-upon Avon, Mercure Shakespeare Hotel or The Arden Hotel are great choice for luxury travellers. If you prefer a touch of history with luxury, we totally recommend staying in Hotel Du Vin Stratford and The Welcombe Hotel.
Where to eat vegan/vegetarian food
PLANTERIUM The Minories, Henley St: This is one of the best vegan cafe that serves home cooked food, cakes, coffee and tea. They have a wide choice of menu. Some of the must try are Aubergenius, Tofu Steak and Cranberry Toastie. Do not miss their cake section which are totally drool worthy. Must try: Biscoff Cake.
THE ENCORE STRATFORD, 1 Bridge St: Great atmosphere, and they have a new vegan menu with plenty of plant based food to choose from.
ALL BAR ONE, Unit 14 Bell Ct: They have good selection of vegan and vegetarian food option to choose from.
With so many things to do and see, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and book your weekend getaway in this lovely historic town.
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So, have you been to Stratford-Upon-Avon? Is there anything else you would add to this list?
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evanescentthoughts
so Shakespeare was born here? it must be so interesting to visit it and learn more about Shakespeare. Would love to watch his play someday. Nice photos Anu 🙂
Country Hopping Couple
Yes it is Ash. If you are a Shakespeare fan, this place is like heaven 🙂 Seriously, so much of interesting stuff goes on here!
maverickbird.com
Lovely post and great photos. Thanks for sharing
Country Hopping Couple
Thanks Maverick Bird.
R Niranjan Das
Lovely place. Good to read about this colourful and vibrant place.
Country Hopping Couple
Thanks Niranjan.
Destination Infinity
I don't think I'll have the patience to watch a Shakespeare play. Not yet, that is. Nice photos – good to see the beautiful birthplace of the great playwright.
Destination Infinity
Country Hopping Couple
DI..the plays will be amazing, really! Not like the ones we play during annual school events :p
Rama Ananth
Very nice place, but missed out during our visit a few years back. Beautiful pictures Anu. Sure not to be missed during our next visit.
Country Hopping Couple
Ah I see. You will certainly enjoy your visit there Rama. Be sure to visit when you are here next time!
Agness Walewinder
I was there 3 years ago and I was riding a boat across the city. I also visited the Shakespeare's house and the local markets. Amazing place!
Country Hopping Couple
Oh, that's nice to know you had a great time there? It was fun riding the motorboat by ourselves trying when we visited recently!
Sanjai Saxena
Have been to this beautiful city a couple of years back. Must say it was enjoyable, got a good feel of this beautiful part of England. A must visit place for all tourists.
aravind joshi
Nice post about stantford and its really awesome to read this kind of impressive blogs. thanks for sharing this post.
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Holly
Wow what a wonderful city!
Holly recently posted…Beeswax Benefits for Lips – DIY Beeswax Lip Balm
Regan Thacker
Visit the Christmas shop, and pick up some spells from Magic Alley 🙂
Raja
A journey to the birth place of Shakespeare, is not only enchanting going by the descriptive travellogue but looks very interesting too
Regan Thacker
I love visiting Stratford-Upon-Avon in the summer, it’s so relaxing to walk along the river and around the church where Shakespeare is buried. It’s fun to explore the shops too, particularly the unusual ones like Beatrix potter and the Christmas Shop
Kathryn Burrington
I can’t believe I’ve never been to Stratford upon Avon. It does look very picturesque as well as interesting. Am I right in thinking that the town centre fairly compact and walkable?
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Dylan Jones
Stratford upon Avon looks beautiful. I love the architecture and it seems to have a really great vibe. There are some great tips here for a first time visitor.
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[…] is the birthplace of the renowned English poet William Shakespeare. Naturally, for this reason, top things to do in Stratford-upon-Avon are associated with […]
Ryker Mcdermott.com/
I have fond memories of Stratford upon Avon. I went on a golfing holiday and enjoyed strolling around the Bancroft gardens after a round of golf at the Welcombe course. Your article brought back good memories, thank you!