Stratford-upon-Avon invites you to experience a historical yet serene market town that impressively showcases its 800 years of narrative and history in a beautifully maintained yet contemporary village.
You'll find Shakespeare's hometown in the heart of England, on the banks of the river Avon. It's thrilling to know that many, many of the buildings that you see that you can reach out and touch, enter, and, of course, take your smiling selfies at would have been not only known to Shakespeare but intimate, including his home birthplace, that of his wife, and the theatre where he practiced his art of creating some of the greatest theatrical works known and celebrated to this day.
Stratford-upon-Avon is situated where a Roman road meets the Upper Avon. In a nice bit of symbolism, a 15th-century arched stone bridge and a 19th-century bridge span the waterway.
A Bard is born
Yes, English majors, Stratford-upon-Avon is where the great playwright William Shakespeare was born and is buried, and fans flock to the city annually to celebrate The Bard's life and work.
Discover and explore this parish in the Stratford-on-Avon district in the county of Warwickshire. This picturesque country market town (yes, it's an Instagram puller) is a major British tourist center thanks to its charm, association with one of history's most acclaimed authors, and fun contemporary recreational offerings, from the Everyman Cinema to The Mad Museum.
By the river
However, people continue to create history, so to complement the historical arts, a group of modern buildings, the Shakespeare Centre, was built for today's artists. The Centre includes a library, art gallery, and theatre.
Seasons of delight
The most popular times to visit Stratford-upon-Avon are late April to early September. Visitors enjoy good weather and the height of the Royal Shakespeare Company's summer season. (You should consider scoring tickets for shows and accommodation in advance.) Try off-peak times, including weekdays or early mornings, for a less crowded adventure.
Winter
Come during the winter for a fun Christmas/Winter Holiday adventure. Enjoy a magical wintertime (but be aware that while many markets hold seductive treasures, some attractions may have reduced hours).
Spring
April 23rd is a popular date because it marks Shakespeare's birthday and death day, and there are often special events to commemorate the date.
Summer
The fest is the best, so come and experience the festival during which The Bard's plays are enacted at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. This annual event runs from March until October.
Fall
Consider visiting in the autumn, a shoulder season, when the weather is mild, the crowds are more manageable, and the town's lovely fall foliage is on full display.
The Stratford Town Centre Food Festival held annually from September 22 to 23, features a regional producers' market, demonstrations, and hands-on workshops. There are two trails: the Ale Trail and the Taste Trial.
Popular places to fit into your itinerary
The Swan Theatre and the Royal Shakespeare Theatre are must-see events for lovers of live theatre and history.
Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) is the legendary English theatre company established in Stratford-upon-Avon. It has a storied history and a reputation for putting on and interpreting the Shakespearean oeuvre. The company's work focuses on Elizabethan and Jacobean playwrights to works produced by contemporary theatre productions.
The Attic Theatre is an intimate theatre space in an Irish pub setting. It showcases classic and contemporary plays with interactive and engaging performances for all ages. Enjoy close-up, immersive storytelling.
Everyman Cinema in Stratford-upon-Avon is one of the best places to spend a few hours in the city. You can relax on a comfy sofa, watch a great movie, and savor a delicious snack or meal.
The MAD (Mechanical Art & Design) Museum delivers a MAD collection of Steampunk contraptions, gismos, gadgets, and "Dancing lasers, rolling ball machines, roaring mechanical dinosaur heads, and whirligigs." All with copious buttons to depress - pure, mad, delectable bliss!
Come, spread your wings and fly at Stratford Butterfly Farm, the UK's most extensive tropical butterfly idyll!
Shakespeare's Home Place encourages you to visit the Bard's home. The Bard was born in 1564, living in a house on Henley Street (which many consider the loveliest street in town). Shakespeare attended the local grammar school adjacent to the Chapel of the Guild of the Holy Cross. Returning to his beloved home in 1597, the genius of the theatre lived here until he died in 1616.
Anne Hathaway's Cottage shows that the world will flock to and venerate your birthplace if you wed a genius.
Tudor World All ghosts and ghouls, all the time. This award-winning living history museum is in the heart of the historic town and provides tours and paranormal stories.
Visit the gorgeous Holy Trinity Church, a historical church with fantastic stained glass and the eternal resting place of Shakespeare and company.
The River Avon Trail meanders along and follows where this serene body of water flows. Follow along for a tranquil strolling experience.
Find and forage the markets in Stratford-upon-Avon, stocked with sensational regional food. Look out for monthly special events with food, drink, and entertainment.
How to get the Stratford-upon-Avon
From London to Stratford-upon-Avon by train takes approximately two and a half hours, and the central train station is a 5-minute walk from town. The Birmingham International is about 45 minutes by car. In town, to get around, there are local buses and open-topped tourist charters with commentary.
Is Stratford-upon-Avon walkable? Absolutely. Do you think we had Uber hundreds of years ago? Plus, the Town Walk is a fantastic way to explore the city.
Coach and Minibus prices in Stratford Upon Avon
Here's a snapshot of our fleet and pricing:
mini-bus: Starting from £367/day
midi-bus: Starting from £710/day
35-passenger coach: Starting from £909/day
49-passenger coach: Starting from £1052/day
two-level coach: Starting from £1669/day
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