Stratford Upon Avon is a charming English town with a rich history and heritage as the birthplace of the legendary William Shakespeare. This picturesque market town on the River Avon has plenty to offer visitors beyond its Shakespearean links, with abundant cultural sights, enchanting nature, delectable cuisine, and engaging outdoor activities. Read on to discover the top things that make Stratford Upon Avon a must-visit destination.
An Immersive Shakespearean Experience
As Shakespeare’s birthplace, Stratford Upon Avon provides the perfect backdrop for devotees of the Bard to trace his journey from a young boy treading the streets of this Tudor town to a prolific playwright of worldwide renown. From Shakespeare’s childhood dwellings to grand theatres staging his plays, there are plenty of places for a truly Shakespearean experience.
Visit Timeless Shakespeare Sights
No trip to Stratford Upon Avon is complete without visiting Shakespeare’s Birthplace – the house where Shakespeare was born in 1564 and spent his childhood years. Step back in time as you wander through the rooms containing period furniture and artifacts from his era. Nearby is Nash’s House and New Place – the site associated with Shakespeare’s final years until he died in 1616. Marvel at the renowned playwright’s family home with its expansive grounds and charming knot garden.
Of course, you can’t miss the iconic Royal Shakespeare Theatre where you can watch Shakespearean and other classic plays in a unique waterside setting. Backstage tours are also available for theatre buffs eager to tread the boards. To complement your theatre experience, walk over the Swan Theatre on the banks of the River Avon modeled on London’s Elizabethan playhouses.
Explore Further Shakespeare Locations
Beyond the oft-visited Shakespeare sights, Stratford has other important landmarks connected to the Bard waiting to be discovered. Hall’s Croft offers an intimate glimpse into the lives of Shakespeare’s daughter Susanna and her husband Dr. John Hall whom she married in 1607. Other highlights include Anne Hathaway’s Cottage and picturesque gardens in Shottery – a hamlet just outside Stratford. This quaint thatched farmhouse was home to Anne Hathaway, Shakespeare’s wife whom he married in 1582.
Literature lovers can also make a sentimental stop at the Holy Trinity Church by the River Avon where Shakespeare was baptized and subsequently buried in 1616. His burial tomb can be found in the chancel bearing this inscription from one of his sonnets:
Good friend, for Jesus’ sake forbear
To dig the dust enclosed here. Blessed be the man that spares these stones, But cursed be he that moves my bones.
Through these varied attractions, visitors can rediscover England’s beloved playwright by tracing his origins in the charming town of Stratford Upon Avon.
Immerse in Culture
Beyond its Shakespeare legacy, modern-day Stratford Upon Avon also offers a thriving arts and culture scene from museums and galleries to performances by renowned theatre groups and festivals.
Fascinating Stratford Museums
The interactive Tudor World Museum brings history to life through immersive walkthrough Tudor-style buildings showcasing how Shakespeare and his contemporaries lived and worked. At the eccentric MAD Museum, marvel at eye-catching mechanical art and design from around the world including kinetic sculptures, automata models and other innovative installations.
Stratford also has its fair share of eclectic galleries and exhibitions like the Shrievalty exhibition of paintings by noted artists and local talent. Visitors can discover these while wandering the town’s artistic quarter dotted with independent shops and creative spaces.
Performing Arts Scene
As the birthplace of England’s national poet, it’s little wonder Stratford supports an illustrious theatre tradition carried on by the renowned Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) based in town. Having staged Shakespeare plays since the late 19th century, the RSC continues to deliver critically-acclaimed productions at The Royal Shakespeare Theatre along with experimental performances at The Other Place and The Swan venues.
Visiting theatre lovers can experience the best of the Bard besides other leading playwrights by catching a performance or backstage tour with this prestigious company. The town also hosts special events like the Stratford-upon-Avon Poetry Festival to further bolster its vibrant performing arts calendar.
Nature and Scenery
Nestled within the gentle Warwickshire countryside, Stratford Upon Avon offers plenty of natural charm through verdant outdoor spaces, spectacular gardens and bucolic vistas of the surrounding region.
Beautiful Gardens and Nature Reserves
For leisurely walks surrounded by nature’s beauty, head to the Bancroft Gardens – colorful riverside gardens with floral displays and manicured lawns. Stroll through the Swan Garden behind the Royal Shakespeare Theatre bursting with fragrant roses and herbaceous borders alongside bronze statues and water features. Just outside town lies the Butterfly Farm home to exotic butterflies and insects alongside fish, reptiles and arachnids within its tropical greenhouse.
Avid walkers can also explore the Arden pastures and villages surrounding Stratford associated with the Forest of Arden found in Shakespeare’s As You Like It. Neighboring Shottery has marked walking trails through picturesque countryside once frequented by Shakespeare and wife Anne Hathaway during their courtship.
Captivating River Avon Scenes
The shimmering River Avon weaving through town makes for scenic riverside ambles atop its tree-lined banks. For unparalleled vistas of historic landmarks from Trinity Church to the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, opt for leisurely Avon river cruises departing from the Swan Boat Dock or the Stratford-upon-Avon Boat Trips pontoon.
Quintessential Cotswolds Charm
Just a short drive away, Stratford provides easy access to the charming Cotswolds region, famed for its romantic honey-hued villages and rolling green vistas. Meander through postcard-pretty Cotswold markets or take in the awe-inspiring panoramas from Broadway Tower before returning to Stratford’s comforting embrace for the night.
Culinary Delights
Beyond its cultural legacy, Stratford has spawned a buzzing gastronomy scene bolstered by charming eateries offering everything from traditional English fare to exotic world flavors.
Quaint tearooms and taverns
For authentic old-world ambience, frequent one of the many traditional English pubs and taverns sprinkled around town. The Dirty Duck (or the Black Swan in formal parlance) right next to the Royal Shakespeare Theatre is a firm local favorite with classic pub grub and fine ale. Dating back to the 17th century, the Garrick Inn is reputedly the oldest pub in town with low-beamed ceilings, courtyard seating and wholesome fayre like cottage pies and sausage casseroles.
Of course, Stratford Upon Avon has its fair share of delightful tearooms serving comforting cream teas, scones and cakes for a sweet pitstop. Among the best are Quill’s Tea & Coffee House noted for its friendly service and Fourteas with riverside views.
Farmers Markets and Specialty Shops
Foodies and gastronomes will love perusing Stratford’s weekly markets and specialty stores to discover Warwickshire’s finest. The bustling town center Market sells fresh local produce, artisanal cheese, breads, meats besides plants and flowers. Meanwhile, the Stratford Upon Avon Farmers and Craft Market brings together food entrepreneurs and designers selling everything from cupcakes and pies to vegan cheese and patisserie.
Gourmands can pick up farm-fresh ingredients, pre-made meals or edible souvenirs to savor Stratford’s vibrant culinary scene back home. Sweet-toothed visitors should try the handmade chocolate from the Chocolate Box or some tangy condiments from the Stratford Upon Avon Chutney Company.
Outdoor Activities
Beyond its historical pastimes, modern-day Stratford Upon Avon also encourages active outdoor pursuits from riverside strolls to cycling adventures across verdant country trails.
River Cruises and Avon Boating
Drift gently along the River Avon by boarding sightseeing cruises for picture-perfect views of Stratford’s waterside landmarks and natural vistas. Boating enthusiasts can also hire rowboats, motorboats or mini cruisers to freely explore the river by themselves. Want to break a sweat? Opt for the pleasure of paddling along in kayaks available for rent near the Royal Shakespeare Theatre.
Biking Trails and Pathways
With charming countryside surrounds, bicycling makes for an enjoyable way to experience Stratford Upon Avon at a leisurely pace. Pedal along the Stratford Greenway, part of the National Cycle Network circuit weaving through the heart of town or nearby country lanes for a breath of fresh air. Mountain bikers can hit the trails at local MTB centers at Wooton Wawen or Forest of Dean within driving distance.
Stratford also has an inexpensive bike hire network open to visitors seeking guided or self-explore cycling options catering to all ages and skill levels. Seasonal bike tours further add to Stratford Upon Avon’s appeal as an active holiday spot for cycling enthusiasts.
Outdoor Festivals and Events
Throughout the year, Stratford hosts fun outdoor events like river carnivals, seasonal food fairs and open-air festivals within its picture-postcard setting. Visitors planning travels around these lively events can experience Stratford Upon Avon at its vibrant best.
Drop by the annual River and Arts Festival held each July/August with artisan markets, music concerts, food stalls and fireworks by the Avon. Attend the Stratford town center for markets, street performances and music programmed during the Spring and Autumn Bank Holiday weekends. During Christmas holidays, enjoy the festive Victorian-era Stratford Upon Avon Christmas Markets dotted along Henley Street and Waterside packed with gift ideas, street food and amusement rides besides stage entertainment.
History and Architecture
As a historic market town tracing its origins from medieval times, Stratford Upon Avon offers an authentic glimpse into England’s past through its well-preserved architecture spanning Roman ruins and timber-framed Tudor buildings to elegant Georgian townhouses.
Ancient Landmarks
Modern-day Stratford is centered around the oldest landmark dating back over 1000 years – the Saxon-era Holy Trinity Church by the banks of River Avon featuring striking medieval art and architecture. Nearby is the ruins of a Roman Rotary and the town’s unique circular Corn Market fountain with its granite dome dating back to the 1840s.
Among other heritage sites is the 14th-century Guild Chapel associated with the town’s former Guild of the Holy Cross. As a hallmark of Stratford’s Tudor lineage, it is one of the few chapels where Catholic mass continued through the English Reformation.
Tudor-Style Architecture
As Shakespeare’s hometown, Stratford Upon Avon retains its strong Tudor character manifested in timber-framed buildings lining Sheep Street and Henley Street where the Bard was born. Witness Tudor-style architecture with its recognizable black wooden beams and whitewashed plaster walls on extant 16th-century houses like the Harvard House and Thomas Nash’s House.
Late Tudor homes under Elizabethan reign like Hall’s Croft and New Place occupied by Shakespeare and his family members also showcase prevalent building style of the day.
Georgian Townhouses
Besides its Tudor charm, Stratford also features later 18th-century architecture commissioned by wealthy merchants. Stroll down redbrick Chapel Street, High Street and Union Street to admire the Georgian townhouses sporting large sash windows, ornate doorways with decorative iron railings and charming rear gardens. Homegrown architect Joseph Smith built several of these elegant residences still coveted as historic homes today.
Practical Tips for Visiting Stratford-upon-Avon
With its myriad attractions, visiting Stratford can be an exciting yet overwhelming proposition for first-time visitors. Use these handy tips for a smooth trip when planning your Stratford itinerary:
Best Time to Visit
Spring and summer are optimum times to soak in Stratford’s charm sans the winter chill. The weather also enhances fun outdoor activities. But the crowds are thinner during autumn and winter outside main events, allowing peaceful explorations.
Avoid visiting in January due to off-peak opening hours for attractions besides shorter days hampering sightseeing. Instead target Stratford’s festive summer months between late April to early October buzzing with special events and colorful sights minus the peak visitor rush.
Convenient Connectivity
Stratford is easily explored on foot or bicycle given its compact town center. Local buses connect visitors to key landmarks while open-top City Sightseeing buses provide a guided circuit around main attractions.
Drivers can avail conveniently located central parking though walking or cycling is preferable to avoid road congestions in busy months. Visitors traveling from London can catch direct trains from Marylebone station reaching Stratford Within 2 hours. Consider purchasing a Discover Shakespeare’s England Pass for unlimited entry to regional attractions.
Accommodation Options
Stratford offers varied stays from luxury hotels at The Stratford and The Arden to intimate guesthouses andserviced Shakespeare cottages for an authentic Tudor-era experience. Opt for centrally-located lodgings near the river for easy access to town attractions.
Visitors on a budget can consider B&Bs further from the town center or check out neighboring villages Leyton and Shipston-on-Stour offering cheaper alternative accommodation choices within a quick drive from Stratford’s historic district.
Handy Resources
Check out the official tourism site Visit Stratford Upon Avon and the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust site for detailed attraction listings, events calendar and travel tips to make the most from your trip. You can also refer the Stratforward BID website and Visit England portal for further regional insight.
Discover Stratford Upon Avon’s World-Famous Legacy
Stratford Upon Avon offers the best of history, culture, gastronomy and nature for inquisitive travelers through a diverse medley of museums, theaters, markets, landscapes and outdoor pursuits. Visitors can literally walk in famous footsteps while soaking in small-town charm reminiscent of Shakespeare’s heydays as Stratford’s favorite son.
Beyond quintessential sightseeing, modern Stratford also beckons with real experiences whether visiting the RSC Costume Workshop or grabbing a Pink Gin at a historic pub once frequented by Shakespeare and his contemporaries. It’s easy to uncover Stratford’s rich tapestry spanning over a thousand years from Roman ruins to the Olympic torch relay in just a few wanderlust-fueled days here.
So head over to this captivating English gem for a journey enriched by history and living culture made memorable through Straford Upon Avon’s enduring spirit of creativity, joy and welcome. Its host of treasures await your discovery.
