Stratford-upon-Avon, United Kingdom: travel guide
Shakespeare's birthplace, a Tudor town on the River Avon
The birthplace of William Shakespeare draws visitors to his half-timbered Tudor home, Anne Hathaway's Cottage, the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, and tranquil walks along the River Avon.
About Stratford-upon-Avon
Stratford-upon-Avon is a market town in Warwickshire best known as the birthplace of William Shakespeare. His half-timbered family home on Henley Street is open to visitors, and Anne Hathaway's Cottage, the thatched farmhouse of his wife's family, lies a short walk or drive from the town.
The Royal Shakespeare Theatre stages the plays on the riverside, and Holy Trinity Church, where Shakespeare is buried, stands on the bank of the Avon. You can take a boat on the river, walk through the gardens, or drive to Warwick Castle for the day. The town has a good selection of tea rooms and traditional pubs.
It suits theatre lovers, literary travellers and Cotswolds visitors. Late spring to early autumn is the most pleasant season.
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Currency
- GBP
- Time zone
- Europe/London
- Nearest airport
- BHX
Last updated
Plan a Stratford-upon-Avon trip
Top places to visit in Stratford-upon-Avon
Shakespeare's Birthplace
Heritage · 4.6 rating · about 1.5 h · entry £20 (≈ ₹2,460)
The half-timbered Tudor house on Henley Street where William Shakespeare was born in 1564 and grew up. Interpreters bring his childhood to life; the immersive exhibition charts his rise from provincial boy to global playwright.
Anne Hathaway's Cottage
Heritage · 4.6 rating · about 1.5 h · entry £15 (≈ ₹1,830)
The idyllic thatched farmhouse where Shakespeare's wife grew up in Shottery. The original furniture and cottage garden, unchanged for centuries, make it one of England's most romantic literary settings.
Royal Shakespeare Theatre
Cultural · 4.8 rating · about 2 h · entry £9 (≈ ₹1,140)
The RSC's state-of-the-art riverside theatre (2011) with a distinctive 1000-seat thrust stage. Tours reveal stage machinery and costume secrets; performances run year-round by the world's greatest Shakespeare company.
Stratford Warwick Castle Day
medieval-castle · 4.8 rating · about 8 h · check the fee at the gate
A day trip from Stratford to Warwick Castle — England's spectacular 1068 Norman castle, with the iconic medieval jousting tournaments, the famous birds of prey, and the rich royal heritage.
Stratford Holy Trinity Grave
shakespeare-church · 4.7 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
Holy Trinity Church — Stratford's spectacular 13th-century church where William Shakespeare was baptized (1564), married Anne Hathaway (1582), and is buried (1616).
Stratford Avon River Cruise
river-cruise · 4.6 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
The Stratford Avon River Cruise — the spectacular boat tour along the River Avon through the historic Shakespeare town, with the iconic Royal Shakespeare Theatre views.
Stratford New Place Garden
shakespeare-home · 4.6 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Shakespeare's New Place — the spectacular site of Shakespeare's family home (1597-1759), where he died in 1616, with the iconic recreated Tudor garden, and the famous Mulberry Tree.
Stratford Hall Croft
jacobean-house · 4.6 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
Hall's Croft — the spectacular 1613 Jacobean townhouse of Shakespeare's daughter Susanna and her physician husband Dr John Hall, with the iconic walled garden, and the rich heritage.
Stratford Mary Arden Farm
tudor-farm · 4.7 rating · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
Mary Arden's Farm — Shakespeare's mother's spectacular Tudor working farm (Wilmcote), with the iconic costumed interpreters, the famous traditional farming, and the rich Tudor heritage.
Stratford MAD Museum Magic
kinetic-art · 4.7 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
The MAD Museum (Mechanical Art and Design) — Stratford's spectacular kinetic art museum, with the iconic moving sculptures, the famous interactive automata, and the unique attraction.
Things to do
- RSC Shakespeare Performance Activity · 3 h · from GBP 28 per person
Where to stay in Stratford-upon-Avon
- City Centre & Headingley about GBP 95 per night
Leeds city centre for business and nightlife; Headingley for a more relaxed, student-friendly vibe near the cricket ground.
Hotels
- White Swan Hotel Stratford-upon-Avon 4-star · GBP 120 to GBP 320 per night
Where to eat
- The Dining Room at Church Street Townhouse Modern British, Seasonal · about GBP 50 per person
Getting to Stratford-upon-Avon
Nearest airport: Birmingham (BHX), about 29 km away in a straight line. The road or rail journey is longer.
Getting around
- Bus
- Walking
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Frequently asked questions about Stratford-upon-Avon
- What are the top-rated places to visit in Stratford-upon-Avon?
- The highest-rated places in our Stratford-upon-Avon guide are Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford Warwick Castle Day, Stratford Holy Trinity Grave, Stratford Mary Arden Farm, Stratford MAD Museum Magic.
- Where should I stay in Stratford-upon-Avon?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in Stratford-upon-Avon: City Centre & Headingley.
- How do I get around Stratford-upon-Avon?
- Ways to get around Stratford-upon-Avon covered in our guide: City bus, Walking.
- Which airport is nearest to Stratford-upon-Avon?
- The nearest airport to Stratford-upon-Avon has the code BHX.