- Stratford upon Avon

Stratford upon Avon Bed & Breakfast

Set in the beautiful Warwickshire countryside, on the banks of the River Avon, Stratford-upon-Avon is best known for being the birthplace and home of William Shakespeare. This historic market town has many local attractions related to the famous bard including, in the town centre, the house where he was born in 1564. The town has a number of old and historic buildings and is home to the world's leading theatre company, The Royal Shakespeare Company.

In and around Stratford there are five historic houses with a direct connection to Shakespeare. These can be visited by taking an open-top bus tour. Shakespeare and his wife, Anne Hathaway, are buried at Holy Trinity Church on the banks of the River Avon.

Stratford is located close to the beautiful countryside of the Cotswolds Hills including the picturesque villages of Burford, Bourton-on-the-Water and the Slaughters.

Stratford upon Avon Tourist Attractions

Cox's Yard On riverside by Bancroft Gardens
Within its walls you will see stories of Stratford from the 16th century to the present day, brought to life for the first time in the Stratford Tales Attraction, an interactive interpretation of the town's characters, legends and industries through the centuries. Also includes a traditional English pub, working micro-brewery, restaurant and tea shop.
Open: Daily from 9am-11pm. The Stratford Tales is open from 10am-5pm daily. Tel: 01789 404600

Stratford-upon-Avon Butterfly Farm Swan's Nest Lane, Stratford-upon-Avon
Whatever the weather stroll through the wonderful world of an exotic rainforest: a lush landscape of tropical blossom surrounding splashing waterfalls and fish-filled pools. Enjoy the unique pleasure of watching hundreds of the world's most spectacular and colourful butterflies flying all around. You can see them feeding and flying in a wonderful tropical environment. See their amazing lifecycles in the Caterpillar Room. Observe the fascinating and strange in Insect City, where Stick Insects, Beetles, Leaf-cutting ants and many more remarkable creatures are to be found. For the bolder, get close to the deadly and dangerous in perfect safety in Arachnoland; home of the worlds largest spider, a scorpion colony and other spinners of webs and dealers of death.
Open: Daily 10am-6pm. Winter 10am-Dusk. Tel: 01789 299288

Royal Shakespeare Theatre Waterside, Stratford-upon-Avon
Royal Shakespeare Theatre is a base for the world's leading theatre company, The Royal Shakespeare Company. The RSC produces around thirty productions each year, playing in five home theatres, including the three in Stratford; the main Royal Shakespeare Theatre, the Swan Theatre and The Other Place. There are frequent theatre tours if you want to find out more.
Tel: 01789 403405

Holy Trinity Church Stratford-upon-Avon
William Shakespeare was both baptised and buried in Holy Trinity Church and his wife, Ann Hathaway and daughter are buried alongside him. The church is set in a very attractive churchyard on the edge of the River Avon.
Tel: 01789 266316

Warwick Castle Warwick
Warwick Castle, the finest mediaeval castle in England, is situated eight miles from Stratford Upon Avon. The site was first fortified by William the Conqueror in 1068 and the castle today is a superbly preserved landmark sitting on the bank of the River Avon. There is much to see including the State Rooms, Kingmaker exhibition, extensive grounds, torture chambers and dungeons.
Open: Daily 10am-6pm (to 5pm Nov-Mar). Tel: 01926 406600

The Shakespeare Houses

There are five houses associated with Shakespeare and his family in and around Stratford-upon-Avon. They are run by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, telephone 01789 204016. Shakespeare Heritage Trail tickets can be purchased to gain entrance to either all three in-town houses or all five houses at a reduced rate.

Shakespeare's Birthplace Henley Street, Stratford-upon-Avon
This half-timbered building is where Shakespeare and his brothers and sisters were born and brought up. The house contains furnishings from the period and the exhibition illustrates the fascinating history of the property, its occupants (from Shakespeare's time onwards) and its changing functions (home, workshop, inn and butcher's shop). Enjoy also the attractive garden.
Open: Daily. Tel: 01789 204016

New Place and Nash House Chapel Street, Stratford-upon-Avon
Shakespeare lived at New Place from 1597 until his death in 1616. The property was demolished in the eighteenth century but its foundations, some cellars and beautiful gardens can be seen. Adjacent is Nash's House, which is furnished from Shakespeare's period includes an exhibition covering the history of Stratford-upon-Avon.
Open: Daily. Tel: 01789 204016

Anne Hathaway's Cottage Shottery, Stratford-upon-Avon
Before marrying William Shakespeare in 1582, Anne Hathaway lived in this very picturesque thatched cottage, located in Shottery, one mile from Stratford-upon-Avon. The house still retains some of its original furnishings which belonged to the Hathaways, including the Hathaway Bed, dating from Anne's time. Complete your tour with a stroll of the attractive gardens.
Open: Daily. Tel: 01789 204016

Mary Arden's HouseWilmcote, Stratford-upon-Avon
Shakespeare's mother, Mary Arden, grew up in this timber-framed farmhouse before marrying John Shakespeare. The property, situated three and a half miles outside Stratford, now houses the Shakespeare Countryside Museum and there are two historic farms displaying farm implements bringing to life the work and traditions of the countryside from Shakespeare's time onwards. See also, a working blacksmiths forge and breath-taking falconry displays.
Open: Daily. Tel: 01789 204016

Hall's Croft Old Town, Stratford-upon-Avon
A fine half-timbered, gabled house, named after Dr. John Hall the medical practitioner who married Shakespeare's daughter Susanna. Includes outstanding 16th and 17th century furniture and paintings, Dr. John Hall's consulting room and an exhibition about medicine in Shakespeare's time. Walk around the beautiful walled garden with its herb bed and ancient mulberry tree.
Open: Daily. Tel: 01789 204016