Things to do in Stratford-upon-Avon
- The town was granted a market charter in 1196, which established the layout of the streets that define the center today.
- The River Avon, which runs through the town, is the longest river in the Midlands and was made navigable by an Act of Parliament in 1637.
- The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, established in 1847, was formed specifically to purchase and preserve Shakespeare's family homes for the public.
- The town hall, originally built in 1767, contains a statue of Shakespeare donated by actor David Garrick during the first Shakespeare Jubilee.
- In 1996, the town celebrated the 800th anniversary of its charter, highlighting its long-standing status as a commercial hub.
About Stratford-upon-Avon
Stratford-upon-Avon is a historic market town in Warwickshire, globally recognized as the birthplace and final resting place of William Shakespeare. The town's medieval street pattern remains largely intact, hosting timber-framed buildings like Shakespeare's Birthplace and the prestigious Royal Shakespeare Theatre. Visitors can explore the preserved domestic environments of the playwright's family, including the iconic Anne Hathaway's Cottage and the extensive gardens at Shakespeare's New Place. Its cultural identity is inextricably linked to Elizabethan history and the ongoing legacy of its most famous resident.
Highlights of Stratford-upon-Avon
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Museums
Tour the restored timber-framed house where the world's most famous playwright was born and spent his childhood.
Venues
Attend world-class theatrical productions performed by the Royal Shakespeare Company on the banks of the Avon.
Museums
Walk through the picturesque gardens and interior of the childhood home of Shakespeare's wife, featuring original period furniture.
Museums
Explore a unique collection of mechanical automata and interactive kinetic art sculptures.
Temples
Visit the final resting place of William Shakespeare, located in the chancel of this historic riverside church.
Museums
View the archaeological remains and contemporary gardens at the site where Shakespeare spent his later years.
Museums
Experience a working Tudor-era farm that demonstrates traditional agricultural life from the 16th century.
Parks
Observe the resident fallow deer herd in the extensive grounds of this National Trust-managed Tudor mansion.
Top things to do in Stratford-upon-Avon
The 105 highest-rated places in Stratford-upon-Avon, ranked by travellers.
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Museums
Shakespeare's Birthplace is a restored 16th-century timber-framed house on Henley Street where William Shakespeare was b...
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Places of interest
Stratford Butterfly Farm is the UK’s largest tropical butterfly display, housing thousands of free-flying exotic butterf...
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Venues
The Royal Shakespeare Theatre is the flagship venue of the Royal Shakespeare Company, located on the banks of the River...
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Parks
Charlecote Park is a 16th-century country house located in a landscaped deer park near Stratford-upon-Avon, managed by t...
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Hidcote is a renowned Arts and Crafts garden designed by Lawrence Johnston, featuring a series of 'outdoor rooms' define...
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Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Stratford-upon-Avon
May to September, as the river-based activities and outdoor gardens are fully operational and the Royal Shakespeare Company’s performance season is in full swing.
2-3 days to explore the Shakespearean properties, the theatre district, and the surrounding parklands.
The town center is highly compact and best explored on foot, with local bus services providing access to nearby sites like Mary Arden's Farm.
Stay within the historic town center to be within walking distance of the primary theatres and museums, or choose a riverside hotel for views of the Avon.
Mid-range; while many sites require entrance fees, the town is accessible to pedestrians and offers a range of lodging from guesthouses to premium hotels.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 105 curated attractions in and around Stratford-upon-Avon, ranked by traveller ratings.
Shakespeare's Birthplace is the highest-rated place to visit in Stratford-upon-Avon right now.
The largest category is temples, with 44 places to explore.
Travellers also explore London, North Kensington, Manchester.
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