Featuring over 800 years of history, fascinating museums and scenic riverboat cruises, the heart of this lively town is the birthplace of playwright and poet William Shakespeare.
Discover the most popular places to visit in Stratford-upon-Avon
Royal Shakespeare Theatre
9.2/10 (599 reviews)
The Royal Shakespeare Theatre brings audiences intimately close to Shakespeare's works on its thrust stage. Enjoy a performance, then savor dinner at the Rooftop Restaurant with stunning River Avon views.
Photo by viorel marin
Open Photo by viorel marin
Anne Hathaway's Cottage
8.8/10 (331 reviews)
This charming 15th-century thatched cottage was Shakespeare's wife's home before marriage. Explore rooms with original Tudor furnishings and gardens featuring flowers mentioned in the Bard's plays.
Shakespeare's Birthplace
9.0/10 (94 reviews)
Step into the half-timbered house where Shakespeare spent his childhood and first dreamed of stages and sonnets. Costumed guides bring the 16th-century home to life while garden performances capture the Bard's magic.
Photo by Sue Gibbons
Open Photo by Sue Gibbons
Stratford Butterfly Farm
9.0/10 (75 reviews)
Step into the UK's largest tropical butterfly attraction, where hundreds of exotic species flutter freely in a lush rainforest setting. Wander among waterfalls while colorful wings may gently land on your shoulder.
Stratford Racecourse
8.4/10 (35 reviews)
This charming racecourse offers thrilling jump racing events in a picturesque setting by the River Avon. Enjoy the excitement from glass-fronted viewing areas or bring a picnic to experience race day like a local.
Shakespeare Houses
9.0/10 (140 reviews)
Step into Tudor England at Shakespeare's Birthplace, where the world's greatest playwright began his story. Explore five authentic family homes with period-costumed guides who bring the Bard's world vividly to life.
Swan Theatre
9.0/10 (128 reviews)
This intimate theater offers a rare chance to experience Shakespeare's contemporaries in a deep thrust stage setting. Arrive early to savor pre-show drinks in the shared foyer with the Royal Shakespeare Theatre.
The River Avon Trail
9.4/10 (83 reviews)
You can take time to visit The River Avon Trail during your travels to Stratford-upon-Avon. Experience the entertainment choices and acclaimed theater scene in this family-friendly area.
"My cousin and I had a lovely stay at Hotel Du Van Stratford Upon Avon. A particular call out to the associates in concierge and check in / check out - they were the most friendly and helpful hotel / resort staff I have experienced, and I have done some extensive travel.
I was also very happy with the cleanliness of my room and hotel.
The staff in the restaurant for breakfast were also very friendly and helpful. I do think the food could have been a bit better - more choices and pastries...
"We did not realize when booking this room that there wasn’t a lift, which is hard when you were older hauling luggage at the stairs. The room was generally clean, but the furniture was a little beat up. We did hear noise from the pub below, but that might be expected since it was the World Cup. The team was extremely nice and we would stay there again."
"No A/C. We requested a fan and they brought us one that was full of dust. Didn’t realize that until we turned it on and dust chunks flew out. Realized we could use the hair dryer to blow out all the dust so that helped but then dust chunks were all over the floor.
Facilities are a little run down. Staff was duct taping down the carpet in the hall right outside our door.
Check in at kiosk didn’t work. Staff present was not that helpful but eventually got us checked in."
"Loverly riverside terrace with plenty of seating areas. Breakfast is wide ranging but can be a bit of hard work finding all the choices and very busy on weekends.
Club Lounge fills up quickly when complimentary drinks and snacks appear. Very effective air con in rooms. But in comparison to other local hotels, we would always stay here."
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.
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.
In Stratford-upon-Avon, enjoy quaint shops for unique gifts and souvenirs. If you're up for a drive, visit Kingfisher Shopping Centre 20.9km away for a vibrant shopping experience, or explore Touchwood Shopping Center 24.1km away, both offering a mix of entertainment and family-friendly vibes.
Recreation
At the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, immerse yourself in captivating performances that blend culture and entertainment, creating a romantic atmosphere. Enjoy a round of golf at Stratford-upon-Avon Golf Club, where sports and outdoor beauty come together. Relax at The Recreation Ground, a serene space perfect for wellness and rejuvenation.
Adventure
The River Avon Trail offers a scenic hiking adventure through beautiful landscapes, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. For family fun, explore Henry's Castle Play Barn, an exciting arcade adventure zone filled with games. For adrenaline junkies, experience the thrill of motor racing at Shakespeare County Raceway.
Nightlife
Stratford-upon-Avon's nightlife offers a mix of fun and romance. Enjoy bowling at Tenpin, about 14.5km away, for a lively night out. For a cozy drink, head to The Billiard Hall, located 41.8km away, where you can soak in the pub's warm atmosphere.
Find the best attractions in and around Stratford-upon-Avon
Stratford-upon-Avon, renowned for its rich history and scenic surroundings, is an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts and culture seekers alike. Visitors can explore historic houses, charming churches, and urban parks, all while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere. With options for guided tours and opportunities to experience the beauty of the area, Stratford-upon-Avon promises a memorable vacation filled with adventure and cultural richness.
Warwick Castle: Experience the grandeur of Warwick Castle, located 12.9km from Stratford-upon-Avon. This historic fortress offers a blend of cultural exhibitions and enchanting views, making it a romantic escape for visitors. Explore its gardens, medieval architecture, and fascinating history.
Shakespeare's Birthplace: Step into the world of William Shakespeare at his birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon. This historic house showcases the life and works of the legendary playwright, offering a deep dive into his cultural significance and creative inspiration.
Holy Trinity Church: Visit Holy Trinity Church, an architectural gem where Shakespeare was baptized and buried. This serene church provides a glimpse into the cultural heritage of the area, with stunning craftsmanship and a peaceful atmosphere.
Best time to go to Stratford-upon-Avon
The best time to visit Stratford-upon-Avon can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature in Stratford-upon-Avon falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. The coolest average temperature in Stratford-upon-Avon falls in January, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.
Tips to save on your trip to Stratford-upon-Avon
Combine your flights, hotels and car rentals on Expedia—bundling can result in significant savings.
Consider traveling during the off-peak season (typically January to February and August) for more affordable package holidays to Stratford-upon-Avon.
Use the Price per traveler filter on Expedia to find a package deal that suits your budget.
Check the VIP Access properties filter to discover outstanding hotels with added member perks at select properties.
* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages.