Stratford-Upon-Avon can be explored through a range of themes: Shakespeare sites with family history and gardens, a theatre on the River Avon, and trails through meadows and river landscapes. When planning your stay, it is worth choosing a focus first. Would you mainly like to visit Shakespeare sites and see performances, or would you also like to include walks in nature?
Shakespeare Sites and Their Stories
At Shakespeare's Birthplace, you can explore the gardens; an exhibition is on display at the Shakespeare Centre in the birth house. Tours at the Birthplace tell stories about family life in the Shakespeare household. The exhibition, garden and tour thus offer different perspectives on this place: you can learn about life in the household or focus your visit on the exhibition and gardens.
Shakespeare’s New Place was William Shakespeare’s family home from 1597 until his death in 1616. A registered garden area was created on the site where the former house stood. The Great Garden at Shakespeare’s New Place features sculptures inspired by Shakespeare’s writings. Here, the history of the former residence meets garden design connected to his works.
The Royal Shakespeare Theatre is located on Waterside by the River Avon and regularly stages Shakespeare plays as well as other works. Shakespeare's Schoolroom & Guildhall offers an interactive visitor experience with soundscapes, projections, films, information panels and knowledgeable guided tours. The Guildhall is also home to a collection of rare medieval wall paintings.
Holy Trinity Church also combines a connection to Shakespeare with medieval history: William Shakespeare is buried there. The church’s Becket Chantry Chapel was built by John de Stratford in 1331. The chantry attracted pilgrims from Stratford and further afield. The burial site, chapel and pilgrimage history each highlight different aspects of the past.
Trails Through Town and Countryside
At Stratford-upon-Avon Local Nature Reserve, a circular trail leads through woodland, a wildflower meadow, a mosaic of grassland and scrub, a flood meadow and reed beds; it also runs along the riverbank. Those looking for an accessible route will also find a Nature Trail there. The two options differ in form: one is a circular trail through a range of habitats, while the other is an accessible nature path.
The entrance to the nature reserve in the town centre is just a few minutes’ walk from local shops, restaurants and other amenities. This describes the location of the entrance; it is a useful point of reference when planning a visit to the reserve.
For a walk or cycle ride, the wildlife-friendly, five-mile Stratford Greenway connects Stratford-upon-Avon with Long Marston. Shakespeare’s Avon Way, by contrast, runs right through the heart of the town. The routes offer different geographical connections: the Greenway links two places, while the Avon Way runs through the town. Together with the circular trail in the reserve, they let you choose between a named route, a trail through town and a nature reserve.
Planning Your Stay and Hotel Search
When looking for a hotel in Stratford-Upon-Avon, it helps to keep your preferred focus for the stay in mind. Shakespeare sites, theatre and historical connections sit alongside the nature reserve and various routes. Consider which themes you would like to spend time on, and plan the rest of your trip accordingly.
Discover more destinations: Nuneaton, Kingsbury, Ansty, Sutton-under-Brailes, Bulkington, Marton, Baginton, Long Itchington.
Return to the main travel overview: Warwickshire.
