VISIT STRATFORD UPON AVON
Explore the life and legacy of William Shakespeare.
Visit Stratford-upon-Avon: Shakespeare, History and the Heart of England
Stratford-upon-Avon is one of England’s most famous historic towns and one of the best places in the country to explore the life and legacy of William Shakespeare.
Set on the banks of the River Avon in Warwickshire, Stratford combines Tudor buildings, historic churches, theatres, riverside walks, museums, gardens and traditional English streets. But it is Shakespeare who gives the town its unique character.
This is where Shakespeare was born in 1564, where he grew up, where he married Anne Hathaway, where he eventually returned to live, and where he was buried in 1616. Today, millions of visitors come to Stratford each year to explore the places associated with his life and experience his plays performed by the Royal Shakespeare Company.
If you are planning to spend two or three days in Stratford-upon-Avon, there is plenty to see. The key is knowing which places are genuinely worth prioritising.
Why visit Stratford-upon-Avon?
There are plenty of historic towns in England, but Stratford-upon-Avon is unusual because so much of one extraordinary person’s life can still be explored here.
William Shakespeare was born into a relatively prosperous Stratford family. His father, John Shakespeare, was a successful glovemaker and wool dealer who became an important figure in the town, eventually serving as Stratford’s High Bailiff.
William was born in 1564 and was the third of eight children. His childhood home on Henley Street is now one of the most important literary attractions in England.
Shakespeare married Anne Hathaway in 1582 when he was 18 and she was around 26. They had three children: Susanna, and twins Hamnet and Judith.
At some point in the 1580s Shakespeare left Stratford for London. By the early 1590s he had established himself as an actor and playwright, and he went on to become one of the most successful writers of the Elizabethan and Jacobean eras.
His plays include some of the most famous works in the English language
- Romeo and Juliet
- Hamlet
- Macbeth
- King Lear
- Othello
- The Tempest
- A Midsummer Night’s Dream
- Twelfth Night
- The Merchant of Venice
- Much Ado About Nothing
- Henry V
- Richard III
- Julius Caesar
- The Taming of the Shrew
Shakespeare eventually became wealthy enough to buy New Place, one of the largest houses in Stratford, in 1597. He spent the later part of his life between London and Stratford and died in April 1616.
His story is therefore woven into the streets of Stratford.
William Shakespeare’s Birthplace
For most visitors, Shakespeare’s Birthplace is the obvious place to begin.
The half-timbered Tudor house on Henley Street is where William Shakespeare was born and spent his early years. His father, John Shakespeare, lived and worked here as a glovemaker, and the house provides an insight into the family and the world into which Shakespeare was born.
Inside, you can explore the rooms associated with Shakespeare’s childhood and learn about his family, education and early life.
The Birthplace is particularly interesting because it helps put Shakespeare’s later achievements into perspective. He did not emerge from an aristocratic literary family. He was a boy from a provincial market town who went on to become perhaps the world’s most famous playwright.
The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust currently recommends booking ahead, particularly at busy times. Its present visitor information lists the Birthplace as open daily from 10am to 5pm, with last admission at 4.30pm.
Allow: around 1 to 1½ hours.
Shakespeare’s New Place
New Place tells a very different part of Shakespeare’s story.
Shakespeare bought the substantial property in Chapel Street in 1597 when he was 33. It became his family home in Stratford for the final 19 years of his life.
Interestingly, there is no house to walk through today.
The original New Place was demolished in the eighteenth century, but archaeological investigations have revealed much about the property. Today the site includes gardens, interpretation and artworks inspired by Shakespeare’s plays.
This is worth visiting because it represents Shakespeare not as the young playwright trying to establish himself, but as a successful and wealthy man who had returned to his home town.
It also provides an opportunity to walk through the area where Shakespeare lived during the later years of his life.
Allow: around 45 to 60 minutes.
Anne Hathaway’s Cottage
Around a mile and a half from Stratford’s centre, in the village of Shottery, is one of the most picturesque Shakespeare-related attractions.
Anne Hathaway’s Cottage was the childhood home of Shakespeare’s future wife. Anne was born here around 1556 and is believed to have lived here until her marriage to Shakespeare in 1582.
The building dates back more than 500 years and retains much of its historic character. Visitors can explore the cottage, original furniture and gardens, including the orchard and sculpture trail.
It is a particularly enjoyable place to visit because it combines Shakespearean history with the atmosphere of an old English country cottage.
The cottage is currently open daily from 10am to 5pm, with last admission at 4.30pm, although opening arrangements can change, so check before travelling.
Allow: 1 to 1½ hours.
Getting there: It is walkable from the town centre, although many visitors prefer to drive, cycle or use local transport.
Holy Trinity Church
One of the most important stops on a Shakespeare visit is Holy Trinity Church beside the River Avon.
This beautiful historic church is where Shakespeare was baptised and where he was buried. Anne Hathaway, Shakespeare’s daughter Susanna and other members of the Shakespeare family are also associated with the church.
The church is much more than simply a place to see Shakespeare’s grave. It is a beautiful medieval building with a long history and an atmospheric riverside setting.
For anyone interested in Shakespeare, standing beside his grave is one of the most memorable moments of a visit to Stratford.
Allow: 30 to 45 minutes.
The Royal Shakespeare Company
If Shakespeare’s houses tell you about his life, the Royal Shakespeare Company allows you to experience his work.
The RSC is based on the banks of the River Avon and is one of the world’s leading theatre companies dedicated to Shakespeare and other major playwrights.
Seeing a Shakespeare play in Stratford-upon-Avon is something I would strongly recommend if you are staying for more than one day.
Even if you do not have time for a performance, the RSC building itself is worth visiting. The building is open to visitors, with a Riverside Café, shop, public facilities and the opportunity to climb the tower for views across Stratford.
The theatre is at Waterside, close to the river and Bancroft Gardens, making it easy to combine with a walk around the centre.
Tip: Check the RSC programme before booking your accommodation. If there is a particular Shakespeare play you want to see, book your theatre tickets early.
Shakespeare’s Schoolroom and Guildhall
For a deeper understanding of Shakespeare’s childhood, visit Shakespeare’s Schoolroom and Guildhall on Church Street.
It is believed that Shakespeare attended the local grammar school here, giving visitors the chance to step into the Tudor educational world that helped shape the young writer.
The building itself is fascinating and provides another piece of the puzzle when trying to understand how a boy from Stratford became a playwright of international importance.
Walk through Stratford’s historic centre
One of the best things about Stratford-upon-Avon is that you do not have to spend all your time inside attractions.
Take time simply to walk.
Start around Henley Street and make your way through the old centre towards High Street, Bridge Street, Chapel Street and Church Street.
Look upwards as you walk. Stratford has a remarkable collection of timber-framed buildings, many of which help create the Tudor character visitors come to experience.
Make your way towards the river and Bancroft Gardens.
Bancroft Gardens
The riverside is one of the most pleasant parts of Stratford, particularly on a fine day. You can watch boats travelling along the Avon, sit in the gardens or continue walking beside the river towards Holy Trinity Church.
This is also a good area to stop for lunch, afternoon tea or an evening meal.
Take to the River Avon
The River Avon is an important part of Stratford’s identity.
Walking along the river is free and gives you some of the best views of the town, but you can also experience Stratford from the water with one of the local boat trips.
A river cruise is particularly appealing if you have already spent several hours exploring historic buildings and want to slow the pace down.
For photographers, the river also provides some of the best opportunities to capture Stratford’s historic architecture from a different perspective.
Stratford Butterfly Farm
If you are travelling with children, or simply want something completely different from Shakespeare, Stratford Butterfly Farm is worth considering.
Located close to the river, it provides a change of pace from Tudor houses, churches and theatres and can easily be combined with a walk along the Avon.
It is particularly useful for families spending two or three days in the area rather than concentrating entirely on Shakespeare.
What to see near Stratford-upon-Avon
One of the advantages of staying in Stratford for several days is that some excellent historic attractions are within easy reach.
Charlecote Park
Just outside Stratford is Charlecote Park, a magnificent historic estate beside the River Avon.
The Lucy family lived at Charlecote for more than 900 years and the present house was transformed during the nineteenth century into an impressive example of Elizabethan Revival architecture. The estate includes historic buildings, gardens and extensive parkland where fallow deer and Jacob sheep can be seen.
Charlecote also has a Shakespeare connection.
A longstanding story claims that the young Shakespeare was caught poaching deer on the Charlecote estate and was brought before Sir Thomas Lucy. Whether the story is true remains uncertain, but it became an important part of the Shakespeare legend.
If you enjoy historic houses, gardens and countryside, put Charlecote on your list.
Warwick Castle
Around 30 minutes from Stratford, depending on traffic, is Warwick Castle.
The castle has more than 1,000 years of history and provides a very different experience from Stratford’s literary attractions. Visitors can explore the castle, Great Hall, State Rooms, towers, ramparts and extensive grounds.
It makes an excellent full or half-day excursion, particularly for families.
If you have children with you, Warwick Castle’s live shows and immersive attractions make it particularly appealing.
Kenilworth Castle
For visitors fascinated by Tudor history, Kenilworth Castle is another excellent excursion.
The castle’s history stretches back more than nine centuries, but its most famous period came when Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester, transformed it into a magnificent residence for Queen Elizabeth I.
Elizabeth visited Kenilworth in 1575 and spent 19 days there amid elaborate entertainment and celebrations. Today you can explore the medieval ruins, Norman keep, Great Hall, towers and reconstructed Elizabethan Garden.
Kenilworth is particularly good if you want to combine Shakespeare’s Elizabethan world with a broader understanding of Tudor England.
A perfect three-day Stratford-upon-Avon itinerary
Day 1 – Shakespeare’s Stratford
Begin at Shakespeare’s Birthplace and explore Henley Street.
Walk through the historic centre towards Shakespeare’s Schoolroom and Guildhall before continuing to New Place.
After lunch, head towards the River Avon and Bancroft Gardens.
Finish the afternoon with a riverside walk and, if you have booked tickets, spend the evening at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre.
Day 2 – Shakespeare’s family
Start with Anne Hathaway’s Cottage in Shottery.
Return to Stratford and explore the old town before visiting Holy Trinity Church, where Shakespeare is buried.
Spend the evening enjoying Stratford’s restaurants, pubs and riverside atmosphere.
Day 3 – Beyond Shakespeare
Choose an excursion depending on your interests.
For historic houses and countryside: Charlecote Park.
For medieval history and family entertainment: Warwick Castle.
For Tudor history: Kenilworth Castle.
Or simply stay in Stratford and enjoy a slower day of walking, river activities, museums, cafés and the attractions you did not have time to see earlier.
Why Stratford-upon-Avon belongs on a literary travel itinerary
There are few destinations where literature feels so connected to the physical landscape.
In Stratford-upon-Avon you can stand outside the house where Shakespeare was born, walk along the streets he would have known, visit the church where he is buried, discover the home of his wife and then sit in a theatre watching his words performed hundreds of years after he wrote them.
That is what makes Stratford different from simply visiting a museum dedicated to a famous writer.
You are visiting the place that helped create the writer.
And once you have explored Shakespeare’s Stratford, Warwickshire offers another layer of history, from medieval castles and Tudor palaces to grand country houses and beautiful countryside.
For anyone interested in Shakespeare, English literature, history or simply discovering some of England’s most atmospheric historic towns, Stratford-upon-Avon deserves several days rather than a hurried afternoon.
5 Famous Shakespeare’s Quotes
Shakespeare’s extraordinary ability to capture human experience in a few words is one reason his plays remain so widely read and performed today. As you explore Stratford-upon-Avon, you will encounter the words of a writer whose language has become part of everyday English.
“To be, or not to be: that is the question.”
— Hamlet
“All the world’s a stage.”
— As You Like It
“Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them.”
— Twelfth Night
“If music be the food of love, play on.”
— Twelfth Night
“We are such stuff as dreams are made on.”
— The Tempest
Frequently Asked Questions About Stratford-upon-Avon
Is Stratford-upon-Avon worth visiting if I’m not a Shakespeare fan?
Absolutely. Shakespeare is the town’s biggest attraction, but Stratford-upon-Avon offers much more. Visitors can explore the River Avon, enjoy boat trips, discover historic streets and Tudor buildings, visit independent shops and cafés, and use the town as a base for exploring the Warwickshire countryside and nearby attractions.
How do you get to Stratford-upon-Avon by train?
Stratford-upon-Avon railway station is located a short distance from the town centre. Services connect the town with Birmingham and other destinations in the Midlands. From the station, you can walk into the centre or use local buses and taxis.
Are there family-friendly places to stay in Stratford-upon-Avon?
Yes. Many hotels, B&Bs and holiday cottages cater for families, with options including family rooms, apartments and self-catering properties. A cottage or apartment can be particularly useful for families staying for several nights because it provides additional space and cooking facilities.
Can you stay in a historic building in Stratford-upon-Avon?
Yes. One of the pleasures of visiting Stratford-upon-Avon is the opportunity to stay in historic inns, timber-framed buildings and traditional properties. For a literary-themed trip, choosing accommodation with historic character can add to the experience and help you feel immersed in Shakespeare’s Stratford.
Is there a sightseeing bus in Stratford-upon-Avon?
A hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus operates in Stratford-upon-Avon at certain times of year, providing an easy way to see the town and some of its surrounding attractions. It can be particularly useful for visitors who prefer not to walk long distances or want an overview of Stratford before exploring individual attractions.
What is the best time of year to visit Stratford-upon-Avon?
Spring and early autumn are particularly good times to visit, offering pleasant conditions for walking and generally avoiding the busiest summer periods. Summer is popular because of longer daylight hours and outdoor activities, while December brings a festive atmosphere to the historic town. If seeing a particular Shakespeare production is important, check the Royal Shakespeare Company’s programme before booking your trip.
Is there a Stratford Upon Avon walking tour?
Yes. One of the main options is the Stratford Town Walk – 365 days a year!, an award-winning guided walk that takes around two hours. It explores Stratford’s history and Shakespeare connections, including the area around Shakespeare’s Birthplace, New Place, Hall’s Croft, Harvard House, the Royal Shakespeare Theatres, River Avon and Guild Chapel.
There are also shorter one-hour guided walks, as well as specialist tours such as the Sinister Stratford, which focuses on the darker side of the town’s history, including tales of ghosts, plague, murder and witches.
Is there a literary festival in Stratford Upon Avon?
Yes. Stratford-upon-Avon’s literary heritage doesn’t end with Shakespeare. Each year, the town also welcomes writers, readers and literary enthusiasts for the Stratford Literary Festival.
The festival brings together authors, thinkers and experts for a programme of talks, discussions, workshops, storytelling and events for children. It provides another reason to visit Stratford beyond its Shakespeare attractions and offers the chance to hear contemporary writers discussing their work and ideas.
If you’re planning a literary weekend in Stratford-upon-Avon, check the festival programme before booking your trip. You may be able to combine exploring Shakespeare’s birthplace and the Royal Shakespeare Theatre with author events and literary discussions.
Tip: Festival dates and programmes change from year to year, so check the latest programme before travelling.
Stratford Literary Festival