Things to Do in Stratford-upon-Avon, United Kingdom

Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of William Shakespeare, is a charming market town in Warwickshire that seamlessly blends literary heritage with Tudor architecture and English countryside charm. This UNESCO World Heritage candidate town draws millions of visitors annually who come to walk in the footsteps of the world's most famous playwright, explore beautifully preserved 16th-century buildings, and experience world-class theatrical performances at the Royal Shakespeare Company. Beyond its Shakespearean connections, Stratford-upon-Avon offers picturesque walks along the River Avon, traditional English pub culture, and easy access to the Cotswolds. The town center remains remarkably well-preserved, with timber-framed buildings housing independent shops, cozy tea rooms, and historic inns, creating an authentic English experience that feels both timeless and vibrant.

Top Things to Do in Stratford-upon-Avon

Shakespeare's Birthplace and Houses Tour

Visit the five houses associated with William Shakespeare's life, including his birthplace on Henley Street, Anne Hathaway's Cottage, and New Place where he died. Each property offers unique insights into Tudor life and Shakespeare's personal story through interactive exhibitions and period furnishings. The full experience provides a comprehensive journey through the playwright's life from birth to death.

Booking Tip: Purchase a Full Story ticket (£25-30 for adults) online for access to all five houses with savings versus individual tickets. Visit during weekday mornings for smaller crowds, and allow a full day to see all properties. Book timed entry slots in advance during peak season.

Royal Shakespeare Company Performance

Experience world-renowned theatrical performances at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre or Swan Theatre, home to the prestigious Royal Shakespeare Company. The theaters present both classic Shakespeare plays and contemporary works in intimate, acoustically perfect venues overlooking the River Avon. Backstage tours are also available when performances aren't running.

Booking Tip: Book tickets 2-3 months in advance for popular shows (£15-80 depending on seating). Tuesday-Thursday evening performances often have better availability. Consider day-of-performance tickets for discounts, and look for preview performances which are typically cheaper.

River Avon Boat Trip

Take a leisurely cruise along the historic River Avon to see Stratford from a unique perspective, passing the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Holy Trinity Church, and beautiful countryside. Traditional narrowboat trips offer commentary about local history and wildlife, while some operators provide afternoon tea cruises. The gentle journey provides excellent photo opportunities and a relaxing break from walking.

Booking Tip: Standard 45-minute cruises cost £8-12 for adults, with afternoon tea cruises around £25-35. Book morning trips for calmer waters and better wildlife spotting. Check weather conditions as services may be reduced in winter months.

Holy Trinity Church Visit

Visit the beautiful parish church where Shakespeare was baptized and buried, featuring his famous grave with the curse inscription. This 13th-century church sits peacefully beside the River Avon and contains stunning medieval architecture, stained glass windows, and the Shakespeare family graves. The church also offers excellent views of the surrounding countryside from its peaceful churchyard.

Booking Tip: Entry costs £3-4 for adults to see Shakespeare's grave area. Visit early morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds and beautiful light through the stained glass. Combine with a riverside walk for a peaceful experience away from the town center bustle.

Cotswolds Day Trip

Explore the nearby Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, visiting quintessential English villages like Chipping Campden, Bourton-on-the-Water, and Stow-on-the-Wold. These honey-colored stone villages offer traditional thatched cottages, artisan shops, country pubs, and scenic walking trails. The rolling hills and pastoral landscapes provide a perfect contrast to Stratford's urban attractions.

Booking Tip: Guided day tours cost £40-60 per person and handle transportation between villages. Self-drive options offer more flexibility but parking can be challenging in popular villages. Visit Tuesday-Thursday to avoid weekend crowds, and book tours that include 3-4 villages for best value.

Getting There

Stratford-upon-Avon is easily accessible from major UK cities by train, with direct services from London Marylebone (2 hours), Birmingham (1 hour), and other regional centers. The town has two railway stations: Stratford-upon-Avon station (main line) and Stratford-upon-Avon Parkway (faster London services). By car, Stratford is just off the M40 motorway, about 2 hours from London and 30 minutes from Birmingham. National Express coaches also provide regular services from London Victoria and other major cities, though journey times are longer than by train.

Getting Around

Stratford-upon-Avon's compact town center is easily walkable, with most Shakespeare-related attractions within a 10-minute walk of each other. The town operates a hop-on-hop-off City Sightseeing bus that connects all major attractions including the outlying Shakespeare houses. Local buses serve surrounding villages, while bike rentals are available for exploring the countryside and reaching Anne Hathaway's Cottage. Taxis are readily available, and several car parks serve the town center, though spaces fill quickly during peak tourist season.

Where to Stay

Old Town near Shakespeare's Birthplace

Waterside near Royal Shakespeare Theatre

Town Center around Bridge Street

Shottery village near Anne Hathaway's Cottage

Welcombe Hills for luxury hotels

Bishopton area for budget accommodations

Food & Dining

Stratford-upon-Avon offers diverse dining from traditional English fare to international cuisine, with many restaurants housed in historic Tudor buildings. The town excels in classic pub food, with establishments like The Garrick Inn and The Old Thatch Tavern serving hearty British dishes in atmospheric 16th-century settings. For fine dining, restaurants along the Waterside offer modern British cuisine with river views, while the town center features numerous tea rooms perfect for traditional afternoon tea. Independent cafes, gastropubs, and ethnic restaurants provide options for all budgets, with many establishments emphasizing local Warwickshire produce and traditional recipes.

When to Visit

The best time to visit Stratford-upon-Avon is late spring through early autumn (April-October) when weather is mild and all outdoor attractions are fully operational. Summer months (June-August) offer the warmest weather and longest days but also the largest crowds and highest prices. Spring (April-May) and early autumn (September-October) provide ideal conditions with fewer tourists, beautiful countryside colors, and comfortable temperatures for walking. Winter visits can be magical with Christmas markets and cozy pub atmospheres, though some outdoor activities may be limited and daylight hours are shorter.

Insider Tips

Purchase a Stratford Explorer Pass for combined entry to multiple attractions and skip-the-line access during busy periods

Visit Anne Hathaway's Cottage early morning or late afternoon for the best light and fewer tour groups in the famous garden

Book dinner reservations well in advance, especially for restaurants near the theatre district on performance nights

Things to Do in Stratford-upon-Avon