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Tourist Information - Stratford-upon-Avon
 
Stratford-upon-Avon is the birthplace of William Shakespeare, steeped in culture and history. Set in the beautiful rural Warwickshire countryside, on the banks of the river Avon, it is one of the most important tourist destinations in the UK. With easy road, rail and airport access, it is the perfect place for a vacation or short break.
Using the Stratford district as a base, you can enjoy the delights not only of Shakespeare's hometown, but also the nearby surrounding shire counties of Oxfordshire, Worcestershire and Gloucestershire.  Enjoy Blenheim Palace and the Cotswolds to the south, Worcester and the Malverns to the west, Warwick Castle and Henley in Arden to the north, and all within an hour's journey of Stratford itself.  
For theatre goers there is always something showing at the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) with a full set of programmes throughout the year.  
Stratford-upon-Avon has a very rich and varied programme of events and activities throughout the year: theatres, arts, music in the parks, river racing, river cruising, walks along the river or simply relax and take in the atmosphere that is Shakespeare's Stratford.  
Plan early for Christmas. If you are visiting any time from late November to New Year, there are festivals, street markets etc. Late night opening and the Christmas Market will take place on the four Thursday evenings before Christmas.  

Shopping in Stratford 

There are a wide and diverse range of shops in town - Make your day out or weekend away one to remember - From designer boutiques to homemade craft and souvenir shops. 

 

 

The Town has an enormous range of bars, cafes, inns and restaurants. With such a diverse choice, there is something for everyone at most times of the day.  So whether you fancy a snack for lunch, a four course dinner or pub grub, you should find something for everyone here.  The menu choice is eclectic you can choose from the wide variety including British, Mediterranean - French, Italian, Greek, or the Far East - Indian or Chinese and many more - something for every palate.  

  

Shakespeare's Houses  Link to info on houses

Anne Hathaways Cottage (home of Shakespeare's wife) Mary Ardens House (childhood home of Shakespeare's Mother) Halls Croft (home of husband of Shakespeare's Daughter)  Nash House & New Place (Shakespeare's family home from 1587-1616)

 

Read the local newspaper  Link to The Stratford Herald

Free online access to all the great plays and poetry of Shakespeare.  Link to The Complete Works of Shakespeare

Information about parking, recycling, libraries, bus timetables and much more.   Link to Stratford-on-Avon District Council

 

Other Attractions 

Stratford Butterfly Farm   Stratford Town and Ghost Walks  Shakespeare's Birthplace Trust  Shakespeare's Brass Rubbing Centre  Shakespearience   Warwick Castle   Charlecote Park   Compton Verney Art Gallery   Stratford Races  

You’re always close to famous stately homes and beautiful gardens.
Here are just a few…

HidcoteHidcote

Hidcote Manor Garden is a landscape garden located on the outskirts of the small village of Hidcote Bartrim, near Chipping Campden, Gloucestershire and owned by the National Trust.

Kiftsgate RoseKiftsgate Court Gardens

Kiftsgate Court Gardens is a series of interconnecting gardens each with its distinct character and secrets.

Compton VerneyCompton Verney

Art Gallery owned by The Moore Foundation. Recent exhibitions include Van Gogh, only 10 minutes away.

Warwick CastleWarwick Castle

Warwick Castle is a medieval castle in Warwick positioned on a cliff overlooking a bend in the River Avon and was built by William the Conqueror in 1068

Blenheim PalaceBlenheim Palace

Blenheim Palace, home to the Duke and Duchess of Marlborough and the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, is set in 2100 acres of beautiful parkland landscaped by 'Capability' Brown and surrounded by sweeping lawns, formal gardens and the magnificent lake.

SezincoteSezincote

Sezincote is a unique and extraordinary Indian house set amidst the Cotswold Hills.

Compton VerneyUpton House

Get a taste of country house life as you step into the home of a 1930s' millionaire, and passionate art collector. Visitors can enjoy internationally important works by artists such as Hogarth, Stubbs, Canaletto, Brueghel and El Greco.

Charlecote House

The Tudor home of the Lucy family for more than 700 years, the mellow stonework and ornate chimneys of Charlecote sum up the very essence of Tudor England.

Ragley Hall

When designed in 1680 by Robert Hooke it was one of England’s earliest and finest Palladian Houses which houses a wonderful collection of art, porcelain and furniture.

Snowshill Manor

Snowshill Manor is home to a spectacular collection of more than 22,000 objects from across the world. The house is set amongst peaceful hillside gardens designed as a series of rooms and run on organic principles.

Sudeley Castle

Set against the backdrop of the beautiful Cotswold Hills, Sudeley Castle is steeped in history. With royal connections spanning a thousand years, it has played an important role in the turbulent and changing times of England's past.

Bourton House

Since Saxon times, the stone built village of Bourton on the Hill has hugged the Cotswold escarpment. Built on monastic lands, Bourton House, its Brewhouse stables and coach house have created a courtyard since the late 16th century.

Batsford Arboretum

Situated one and a quarter miles west of Moreton-in-Marsh, Batsford Arboretum is tucked away on a south facing escarpment of the famous Cotswold Hills. Find about the history of the arboretum and the treasure of rare and unusual plants and trees it contains.