Stratford-Upon-Avon, a.k.a Shakespeare’s birthplace and burial location is just under 2 hours northwest of London by car and perfectly perched along the River Avon. The historic town is visited by plenty of day-trippers, but also makes for an ideal base while exploring the countryside, which includes the medieval Warwick Castle and the idyllic Cotswolds villages.
For lovers of Shakespeare (like me!), visiting Stratford-Upon-Avon is a must. “I like this place and willingly could waste my time in it.”
But, even if you’re not Shakespeare’s biggest fan (read: can’t understand a word of his writing), fear not!
Stratford-Upon-Avon will make you absolutely love Shakespeare!
The town oozes with English charm. You’ll fall for the Tudor-style houses standing frozen in time along the main streets, High and Church. The compact town center is highly walkable, with shops, pubs, and restaurants lining the streets and Waterside.
There are even car-free zones like that of Henley Street, where pedestrians stroll, shop, and stop into cafes for tea, scones, and clotted cream.
There are historic houses and sights in and around the town, many of which are part of the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust. Shakespeare’s Birthplace House situated at the heart of Henley Street, is where he was born and grew up! The Tudor-style house has been restored in the 16th-century style. There’s also an adjacent Shakespeare Museum, with exhibitions and treasures including what is thought to be William Shakespeare’s initialed W.S. gold signet ring, which was found on the grounds of Holy Trinity Church in the 1800s.
Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, the historic childhood home of Shakespeare’s wife (not the movie star!) and the place where they spent time getting acquainted with one another before marrying, is just about a mile from the town center in nearby Shottery.
The thatched-roof cottage has been restored with 16th-century family heirlooms and the gardens shaped the way they would’ve looked in Shakespeare’s time. Maybe I was just swept up in the romance of the cottage and how I could be standing on the same floorboards whereupon stood Shakespeare’s feet. My mind drifted to a young Will and his intended strolling through the gardens.
“Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day? Thou art more lovely and more temperate.” Ohhh, Will..er…I mean, what lovely writing, Mr. Shakespeare.
You can opt to take a Stratford Town Walk. Or meander through the equally romantic setting of Waterside. Take a boat cruise or hire a row boat. Picnic in Bancroft Gardens. Enjoy a bite to eat at an outdoor cafe.
Feed the swans.
Or simply take the opportunity to relax with a Pimm’s Cup…or two.
Casually make your way along Waterside, the River Avon gently flowing on your left, to Holy Trinity Church. Maybe it’s the way the church is partially hidden among the trees. Perhaps it’s the old, mossy graveyard, with crumbling tombstones, shaded from the sun. Or it might be because this is the church of Shakespeare’s baptism and burial. I think it’s all of this, plus this history of the site, that makes this church a standout and a must-see.
The church dates back to the early 1200s and is built on the site of a former Saxon monastery. You won’t be able to help wonder whose hands have held the 14th-century brass knocker as you enter into the church.
The sanctuary houses the tomb of Shakespeare, his wife Anne, and his oldest daughter. The church is free to enter but does charge a nominal fee to view the famous playwright’s tomb.
When the day is done, plan to take in a show at the Royal Shakespeare Company or the more intimate Swan Theatre, both centrally located on Waterside. Tickets are available online and also at the box office. Tickets for most shows typically sell quickly so it’s best to book ahead of time or be flexible with performance dates and times. A variety of front of house and backstage tours are also offered during the day.
“All the world’s a stage and all the men and women merely players.”
Of course, you know all along that you’ll eventually have to end your time in Stratford-Upon-Avon, and alas, “Parting is such sweet sorrow.” (You had to see that one coming!)
Practical Info:
When to Go: Summer is the high season and the best time to stroll through the town and along Waterside. But, because of the summer crowds, plan to stay at least 1 night, if you can. You’ll love having the town to “yourself” after the day visitors have gone.
How to Get There: You can drive via the M40 or take the train from London or Birmingham to the Stratford-Upon-Avon station. Parking can be limited so check to see if your hotel has parking. For day visitors, paid parking lots are located just before the bridge heading into town. Driving will make it easier to explore the Cotswolds and surrounding countryside.
Where to Stay: I visited twice and once stayed in town at the Church Street Townhouse. The rooms were comfy and the inn was within a 5-minute walk to most places in town. The adjoining restaurant can get noisy so ask for an upstairs room if you’re sensitive to that. The restaurant and bar served delicious dinners.
What do you love about Stratford-Upon-Avon?
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Well, I’m not a big fan of the Bard (cannot understand much of his writing) but I’m a huge fan of medieval English towns and this one looks beautiful.
It’s funny that I’ve been to the town of Stratford in Canada, also on the river Avon, and they have a big annual Shakespeare festival. These towns are completely different but both very charming.
Thanks for tip about Stratford in Canada, Ana. The annual Shakespeare festival does sound fun. Stratford-Upon-Avon is such a pretty place, even if you aren’t a fan of Shakespeare. Thanks for your comments!
What a beautiful Medieval town, and an appropriate place to remember my Shakespeare or just eat scones, jam and cream.
Lol, Paula. Can’t go wrong with either!
The town looks like a great destination not only for Shakespeare lovers! I love the architecture of small English towns as well as swan pods! Thanks for sharing!
Stratford-Upon-Avon has so much charm and appeal, it’s easy to love.
I love the UK! I lived in a little town in Berkshire along the Avon Canal for two years a few years ago and it looked a bit like Stratford Upon Avon! Pubs and swans and cream teas all around!
Oh, that sounds lovely, Amelie! The UK has such perfect spots “hidden” all throughout the countryside. I’ll have to pass through Berkshire next time I’m in the area. 🙂
I’m a huge fan of both Shakespeare and medieval English towns. I’ve always wanted to visit Stratford-Upon-Avon. Thanks for the reminder.
You’re so welcome, Lesley. Sounds like you are going to love visiting Stratford-Upon-Avon!
Another reason why I can’t wait to visit England!! This looks absolutely amazing and something I’ve been wanting to see for a long time! Thanks for giving me a bit of a fix before I can get there myself and some great tips! Will definitely be driving there!
You are sure to love Stratford-Upon-Avon, Carolann! It’s such a pretty place with so much history. I’m with you…I love getting as many fixes as I can when I’m planning a trip some place! 🙂
Oooo craving a scone now. Canada does a lot of things well but I am not wild about their baking! Give me a British raisin scone any day.
Ha! I know, Gemma. It’s hard to look at fresh baked British scones and not have your mouth water! What I wouldn’t do for one right now!
Thank you for your tips! You said driving around is easier however, I wanted to ask how much is the price (est) for renting a car in that area?
Rental cars can be in the range of $20-$50 per day for a compact car up through something more full-size. You can access Stratford-Upon-Avon by train from London, but getting around in the Cotswolds will be very difficult without a car. It might make sense to take the train to Stratford-Upon-Avon and rent a car for 1-2 days when you’re ready to explore some of the surrounding countryside. Hope that helps, Trisha! 🙂
Stratford on Avon looks utterly charming, just the kind of place I love to find on my travels.
Charming is the perfect word, Brianna! 🙂
I’ve read some Shakespeare in school and although it’s not something I’d do again, I’d love to visit Stratford Upon Avon to see where one of the greatest writers ever grew up!
I agree, Antonette. Even if you aren’t his biggest fan, seeing the town and where he is from is still very interesting.
such a beautiful looking place! i know it is a popular spot as i have read a lot about it. but have not had the chance to see it for myself. thanks for the tip on staying the night. crowds can get so frustrating!
It’s such a lovely medieval town, Lindsay. You’ll love walking the town after the day-trippers have gone! 🙂
Thank you for writing such a beautiful post about Stratford! I used to live in the old town near Holy Trinity Church and work in a shop on Henley street and I can tell you now it is also a completely lovely place to live too! – I really should write a post about it, haha!
My favourite thing is the gardens between HolyTrinity and the back of the theatre, I spent many a sunny lunchtime down there, sitting by the river (also very handy for the Dirty Duck pub too!). The garden right nearest to the church is the quietest and most secluded. So pretty!
Oh Rachel, that means so much coming from someone who lived there! Thank you. Stratford-Upon-Avon is such a beautiful town. So glad to hear the locals think it’s a lovely place to live, too! I can imagine the garden closest to the church. The trees branches hung so peacefully over the little graveyard and even partially hid the church. That area is a favorite of mine in Stratford.
Now this is an area of England that I haven’t explored despite the fact that I’ve visited the UK many times! Stratford looks like my cup of tea! P.S. those scones look as amazing as the architecture!!
Ha! I know, Anna. Those scones haunt my dreams..lol. Sounds like you are well-traveled in the U.K. Where in England would you recommend for my next visit?
You know, I’ve never been a Shakespeare fan, probably because it was force fed to us all through school, but I guess he is part of our heritage and it doesn’t matter what I think…Stratford is one of those places you fall in love with even if literature isn’t really your thing. Such an ‘English’ experience 🙂
You’re certainly not alone and it’s unfortunate because there are so many ways to engage students in the classroom with shakespeare..sigh! But it is an English experience and a fantastic one at that!