Stratford-upon-Avon Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Stratford-upon-Avon which includes heritage architecture, a city and street scenes
Warwickshire
Stratford-upon-Avon which includes a park, a square or plaza and a monument
Stratford-upon-Avon
Stratford-upon-Avon which includes a bay or harbour and boating

Take a tour of the birthplace of England’s most famous playwright and see a production at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in this charming market town.

Stratford-upon-Avon is known for being the birthplace of the 16th-century playwright William Shakespeare. It is a charming market town near Birmingham in the county of Warwickshire. Literature and theatre enthusiasts come from all over the world to visit the writer’s birthplace and watch productions by the Royal Shakespeare Company.

Stratford-upon-Avon was formed during the Anglo-Saxon era and its market became increasingly important in the medieval age. The town today is still a market hub purchase fresh, local produce at the Farmer’s Market and charming homemade wares at the Arts and Crafts Market. The two markets are held on alternating Saturdays near Stratford-upon-Avon Railway Station.

Marvel at the Clock Tower in the town centre. The Gothic design is decorated with engravings of lions and eagles. Learn about life in the 16th century at the nearby Tudor World Museum off Sheep Street, an area full of restaurants. 

Take a tour of the Royal Shakespeare Theatre and Swan Theatre where the Royal Shakespeare Company acting group is based. Find out about the history of the writer nicknamed "The Bard," bard being the Gaelic word for poet. See a production of one of Shakespeare’s plays and then dine at one of the site’s restaurants. Enjoy panoramic views of the town and River Avon from the 118-foot (36-metre) tower.

Make your way to Shakespeare’s Birthplace along Henley Street. The house has been renovated to resemble the original Tudor farmhouse. Admire the traditional timber-and-white façade and thatched roof. Browse the boutiques and cafés that line the street. 

Visit the nearby town Shottery to find the cottage where Shakespeare’s wife Anne Hathaway lived as a child. Shottery is a small village 1-mile (1.6 kilometres) west of Stratford-upon-Avon. Anne Hathaway’s Cottage has a typical Tudor design with redbrick chimneys along the thatched roof and a quaint cottage garden.

Stratford-upon-Avon is 22 miles (35 kilometres) south of Birmingham and 100 miles (160 kilometres) northwest of London. The nearest city is Warwick, just 8 miles (13 kilometres) northeast of the town. Fly to Birmingham Airport and take the 90-minute train to Shakespeare’s hometown or take a 2.5-hour train ride from London Marylebone.

Where to stay in Stratford-upon-Avon

Birmingham showing a garden, a river or creek and tranquil scenes

Stratford-upon-Avon City Centre

4.5/5(274 area reviews)

Stratford-upon-Avon City Centre is popular for its lively bars, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Shakespeare's Birthplace or Royal Shakespeare Theatre.

Stratford-upon-Avon City Centre
The Swans Nest Hotel
The Swans Nest Hotel
4 out of 5
Bridgefoot, Stratford-upon-Avon, England
The price is Rp1.799.622 per night from 21 Jul to 22 Jul
Rp1.799.622
Rp2.159.546 total
21 Jul - 22 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Stratford-upon-Avon. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the bar and the helpful ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,001 reviews)
"Good stay with comfortable bed, nice room, great restaurant and friendly staff"

Reviewed on 4 Jul 2025

The Swans Nest Hotel
Crowne Plaza Stratford Upon Avon by IHG
Crowne Plaza Stratford Upon Avon by IHG
4 out of 5
Bridgefoot, Stratford-upon-Avon, England
The price is Rp1.721.378 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
Rp1.721.378
Rp2.065.653 total
3 Aug - 4 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Stratford-upon-Avon. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,002 reviews)
"Xxxxxxcxx"

Reviewed on 26 Jun 2025

Crowne Plaza Stratford Upon Avon by IHG
The Welcombe Hotel, BW Premier Collection
The Welcombe Hotel, BW Premier Collection
4 out of 5
Warwick Road, Stratford-upon-Avon, England
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is Rp2.137.638 per night from 13 Jul to 14 Jul
Rp2.137.638
Rp2.565.166 total
13 Jul - 14 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Stratford-upon-Avon. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
"Excellent property"

Reviewed on 28 Jun 2025

The Welcombe Hotel, BW Premier Collection
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Emerald Stays UK at The Adelphi
Emerald Stays UK at The Adelphi
2 out of 5
39 Grove Road, Stratford-upon-Avon, England
Stay at this property in Stratford-upon-Avon. Enjoy free parking and a computer station. Popular attractions Civic Hall and American Fountain are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (40 reviews)
"Clean, cozy and quiet."

Reviewed on 3 Jul 2025

Emerald Stays UK at The Adelphi
Staycity Aparthotels , Birmingham, City Centre
Staycity Aparthotels , Birmingham, City Centre
3.5 out of 5
88 Charlotte Street, Birmingham, England
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Birmingham. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,059 reviews)
"Great stay for concert in Utilita Arena. Would recommend."

Reviewed on 28 Jun 2025

Staycity Aparthotels , Birmingham, City Centre
Aparthotel Adagio Birmingham City Centre
Aparthotel Adagio Birmingham City Centre
4 out of 5
131 Digbeth, Birmingham, England
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Birmingham. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,217 reviews)
Great Place to stay
"Great place to stay while visiting Birmingham. Location is within walking distance to the train station. plenty of food choices nearby. Room was super quiet and comfortable. bed was perfect"

Reviewed on 30 Jun 2025

Aparthotel Adagio Birmingham City Centre
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Stratford-upon-Avon

4.6
Top destination
5 - Excellent
256
5 - Excellent 66%
4 - Good
120
4 - Good 31%
3 - Okay
10
3 - Okay 3%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Everything about the aveston manor was o k except the breakfast some staff require training on customer relations and learn how to smile

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Puntastic establishments x

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

I was there on business so didn't have time to go sight seeing. Not much to do there unless you like Shakespeare.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

There is much to do and see around Stratford-upon-Avon so allow adequate time. Also try to see a play at the RSC theatre

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

We had a great day in Stratford. A walking tour in the morning was fun and informative, nice lunch at Dirty Duck, boat trip bit too short for the money - lot of time on the lock! Great evening meat at The Boat House.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

One of my favourite places to visit.

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