Stratford-upon-Avon

Travel Guide
Warwickshire
Situated on the River Avon in the heart of England, Stratford-upon-Avon is best known as the birthplace of England’s greatest poet and playwright, William Shakespeare. Visiting this place and discover a beautiful charming town in Warwickshire with a real sense of history.

Stratford-upon-Avon and the surrounding Warwickshire area has a large selection of accommodation types to choose from, including the local bed & breakfasts, guesthouses and, of course, hotels. If your budget can stretch far enough, why not explore the possibility of staying in one of Warwick’s stately estates.

Immerse yourself in Shakespeare with a visit to the poet’s birthplace. Well worth a visit, be prepared to be taken back in time with staged shows and plenty of interactive fun for visitors.

If you need a break from Shakespeare the town itself is also home to what is regarded as Europe’s largest butterfly home. A surreal experience and great for the kids to get closer to nature. The gardens and butterflies are amazing, along with the fish pond. If you are in to photography take camera for some fantastic pictures.

Take a cruise along the River Avon on a guided boat tour and explore the area. Alternatively, take a guided walking tour and discover some of Britain’s historic houses with their glorious gardens.

Shopping in Stratford-upon-Avon is an experience in itself, with a choice of shops ranging from the local artisan cheesemongers to antique shops and boutiques. There is a local market which offers the perfect opportunity to mingle with the locals and learn more of this beautiful town.

Explore Warwickshire

While staying in Stratford-upon-Avon, take the opportunity to explore the rest of Warwickshire. Warwick castle often described as Britain’s ultimate castle, where visitors can immerse themselves in its history and experience the excitement of Merlin, as seen on the BBC, with the castle offering an interactive experience.

Visit Warwick town and stop by the Collegiate Church of St. Mary’s, which is steeped in history and beautiful to behold. Also well worth a visit, the church dominates the Warwick skyline with its imposing tower. The church itself was built by the Beauchamp family, the Earls of Warwick. There are some ancient tombs and crypts within the church, each with their own story, with church guides on hand to answer any questions.

If the weather is nice then bring the family to St. Nicholas Park where there is plenty for the kids to see and do. Park activities include a crazy golf course, children’s play area, amusement rides, boats for hire and so much more.

Sporting enthusiasts will not be disappointed with a visit to Warwickshire with the county having its own cricket team and the county ground Edgbaston often playing host to the England Cricket team.

If you fancy a flutter at the races, check out dates of race meetings at Warwick Racecourse before your visit. The track has several planned meetings throughout the calendar year.

Where to stay in Stratford-upon-Avon

Birmingham showing a garden, a river or creek and tranquil scenes

Stratford-upon-Avon City Centre

4.5/5(274 area reviews)

Stratford-upon-Avon City Centre is popular for its lively bars, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Shakespeare's Birthplace or Town Hall Stratford upon Avon.

Stratford-upon-Avon City Centre
The Stratford Park Hotel & Golf Club
The Stratford Park Hotel & Golf Club
4 out of 5
Ingon Manor, Stratford-upon-Avon, England
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €83 per night from 8 May to 9 May
€83
per night
8 May - 9 May
Stay at this 4-star golf hotel in Stratford-upon-Avon. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a golf course. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (253 reviews)
Great value for money
"Food was very good. Rooms were nice and staff friendly. We had a tiny ussue with the room heat but it was sorted out very quickly. Breagast was very good. Overall great value for money and im sure we will return."

Reviewed on 1 May 2024

The Stratford Park Hotel & Golf Club
Crowne Plaza Stratford Upon Avon, an IHG Hotel
Crowne Plaza Stratford Upon Avon, an IHG Hotel
4 out of 5
Bridgefoot, Stratford-upon-Avon, England
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Stratford-upon-Avon. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,007 reviews)
Quality for a great price
"Haven’t been for 5 years or so but standards are still as high as they were then. Friendly staff, good quality breakfast and good location for seeing Stratford."

Reviewed on 29 Apr 2024

Crowne Plaza Stratford Upon Avon, an IHG Hotel
Macdonald Alveston Manor Hotel & Spa
Macdonald Alveston Manor Hotel & Spa
4 out of 5
Clopton Bridge, Stratford-upon-Avon, England
The price is €139 per night from 13 May to 14 May
€139
per night
13 May - 14 May
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Stratford-upon-Avon. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,004 reviews)
"Lovely staff"

Reviewed on 28 Apr 2024

Macdonald Alveston Manor Hotel & Spa
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Emerald Stays UK at The Adelphi
Emerald Stays UK at The Adelphi
2 out of 5
39 Grove Road, Stratford-upon-Avon, England
Stay at this apartment in Stratford-upon-Avon. Enjoy a computer station and 1 bedroom. Popular attractions American Fountain and Nash's House are located nearby. ...
8/10 Very Good! (3 reviews)
Luxurious stay with everything you need!
"The room exceeded my expectations! Lots of space, and the room had a very luxurious feel to it. Having a little kitchenette was very handy too. Kate was really lovely and made it easy to check in and out - answering any questions that we had. Can't wait to come back again! Thank you so much, I couldn't ..."

Reviewed on 19 Feb 2024

Emerald Stays UK at The Adelphi
Striking home IN Stratford-on-Avon, a stroll to all key attractions.Sleeps 14-15
Striking home IN Stratford-on-Avon, a stroll to all key attractions.Sleeps 14-15
Stratford-upon-Avon
Stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Stratford-upon-Avon. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Anne Hathaway's Cottage ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (10 reviews)
Family get together and play
"Delightful"

Reviewed on 27 Jan 2024

Striking home IN Stratford-on-Avon, a stroll to all key attractions.Sleeps 14-15
Cotswolds heaven,  feed the alpacas and relax in luxury cottage with hot tub
Cotswolds heaven, feed the alpacas and relax in luxury cottage with hot tub
Stratford-upon-Avon
Stay at this cottage in Stratford-upon-Avon. Enjoy private pools, WiFi, and onsite parking. Popular attractions Clopton Bridge and The Greenway are located nearby. ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (85 reviews)
Perfect Place and Location!
"First of all, Kay was absolutely lovely and was so flexible with some of our travel mess ups and delays. Thank you Kay! Second - have been to Cotswolds several times, I would say this is one of the best locations as far as being out but in - it was literally minutes down the road from Stratford and ..."

Reviewed on 4 Feb 2024

Cotswolds heaven, feed the alpacas and relax in luxury cottage with hot tub
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Stratford-upon-Avon

4.6
Top destination
5 - Excellent
256
" "5 - Excellent 66.32124352331606%
4 - Good
120
" "4 - Good 31.088082901554404%
3 - Okay
10
" "3 - Okay 2.5906735751295336%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
7 Mar 2020

Everything about the aveston manor was o k except the breakfast some staff require training on customer relations and learn how to smile

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
1 Mar 2020

Puntastic establishments x

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller
4 Feb 2020

I was there on business so didn't have time to go sight seeing. Not much to do there unless you like Shakespeare.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
3 Feb 2020

There is much to do and see around Stratford-upon-Avon so allow adequate time. Also try to see a play at the RSC theatre

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
3 Feb 2020

We had a great day in Stratford. A walking tour in the morning was fun and informative, nice lunch at Dirty Duck, boat trip bit too short for the money - lot of time on the lock! Great evening meat at The Boat House.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
2 Feb 2020

One of my favourite places to visit.