Royal Shakespeare Theatre

Birmingham showing a garden, a river or creek and tranquil scenes
Royal Shakespeare Theatre
Royal Shakespeare Theatre
Birmingham showing flowers and a park
Birmingham featuring theatre scenes


The home of the renowned British acting company devoted to William Shakespeare has restaurants, bars, guided tours and two main theatres.

The Royal Shakespeare Company is a celebrated acting group based in the 16th-century writer’s hometown of Stratford-upon-Avon. Although the company tours the United Kingdom and other countries, they perform around 20 productions annually in their hometown. The Royal Shakespeare Theatre and the Swan Theatre share a foyer along the River Avon in the charming town near Birmingham. The complex also includes restaurants and bars. See a Shakespearean play or take a behind-the-scenes tour of the theatre.

Look around the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, the main auditorium that holds 1,040 seats. Book a ticket to take an elevator up the 118-foot (36-metre) tower and enjoy panoramic views of Stratford-upon-Avon. Examine the artwork displayed on the walls as you descend the staircase.

The Swan Theatre is a more intimate hall with just 450 seats. Three tiers of traditional wooden balconies surround the stage. Visit exhibitions held here that showcase photography, costumes and other memorabilia relating to the theatre.F

ind out about the origins and stories behind the Royal Shakespeare Company on a behind-the-scenes tour. There are a number of different tours you can take for a fee, ranging from a tour of the theatre to open-air tours of the town and an after-dark ghost tour.

Choose between several restaurants within the Royal Shakespeare Company complex for lunch or dinner. Book tickets to see a performance online or at the venue. The performances are not restricted to Shakespearian plays. Productions such as Les Misérables, Les Liaisons Dangereuses and Arthur Miller’s The Crucible have also been staged here.

The Royal Shakespeare Company is based along the River Avon in Stratford-upon-Avon, a market town 22 miles (35 kilometres) south of Birmingham. The town is famous as the birthplace of William Shakespeare. Come by train from Birmingham or London Marylebone. The last train back from Stratford-upon-Avon leaves just before midnight. If you choose to drive, there are several parking lots close to the complex that charge a fee. Most of the buildings and restaurants in the Royal Shakespeare Company complex open daily from morning until night.

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Crowne Plaza Stratford Upon Avon by IHG

Crowne Plaza Stratford Upon Avon by IHG

4 out of 5
Bridgefoot, Stratford-upon-Avon, England
Crowne Plaza Stratford Upon Avon by IHG
The Swans Nest Hotel

The Swans Nest Hotel

4 out of 5
Bridgefoot, Stratford-upon-Avon, England
The Swans Nest Hotel
Macdonald Alveston Manor Hotel & Spa

Macdonald Alveston Manor Hotel & Spa

4 out of 5
Clopton Bridge, Stratford-upon-Avon, England
Macdonald Alveston Manor Hotel & Spa
Hotel Indigo Stratford Upon Avon by IHG

Hotel Indigo Stratford Upon Avon by IHG

4 out of 5
4 CHAPEL STREET, Stratford-upon-Avon, England
Hotel Indigo Stratford Upon Avon by IHG
Hotel Du Vin Stratford Upon Avon

Hotel Du Vin Stratford Upon Avon

4 out of 5
7-8 Rother St, Stratford-upon-Avon, England
Hotel Du Vin Stratford Upon Avon
The White Swan Hotel

The White Swan Hotel

4 out of 5
Rother St, Stratford-upon-Avon, England
The White Swan Hotel
The Arden Hotel

The Arden Hotel

4 out of 5
44 Waterside, Stratford-upon-Avon, England
The Arden Hotel
The DoubleTree by Hilton Stratford-upon-Avon

The DoubleTree by Hilton Stratford-upon-Avon

4 out of 5
Arden Street, Stratford-upon-Avon, England
The DoubleTree by Hilton Stratford-upon-Avon
The Townhouse

The Townhouse

4.5 out of 5
16 Church Street, Warwickshire, Stratford-upon-Avon, England
The Townhouse
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.

Things to do near Royal Shakespeare Theatre

At the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon, visitors can immerse themselves in a vibrant cultural experience, enjoying captivating theatre performances and engaging entertainment. A highlight is the theatre tours, which offer behind-the-scenes insights into the world of Shakespearean drama. Explore the rich history and artistry of this iconic venue while appreciating its significance in British theatre.

Shopping

The Royal Shakespeare Theatre offers a unique shopping experience with local souvenir shops nearby. If you're up for a drive, visit Kingfisher Shopping Centre 8.1km away for a vibrant mix of shops, or explore Touchwood Shopping Centre 9.9km distant for a variety of retail options.

Recreation

Stratford-upon-Avon Golf Club, located 249m from the theatre, offers a delightful outdoor golfing experience amidst scenic views. For relaxation, visit The Recreation Ground, just 124m away, perfect for leisurely strolls. Alternatively, unwind at the Royal Leamington Spa Bowling Club, 6.2km distant, blending wellness and fun.

Adventure

The River Avon Trail, a scenic hiking trail 62m from the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, offers stunning views and outdoor adventure. For a thrilling experience, visit Shakespeare County Raceway, located 2.5km away, where you can enjoy exhilarating motor racing. The Greenway, another hiking trail 311m away, promises beautiful landscapes.

Nightlife

Experience the enchanting atmosphere at the Swan Theatre, just moments away, where culture meets romance. For family fun, venture to Henrys Castle Play Barn, a short drive away, or enjoy bowling at Tenpin, a lively spot for entertainment, located a bit further afield.

Find the best attractions near Royal Shakespeare Theatre

When visiting the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon, you'll find a variety of attractions to enjoy. Explore historic houses, unwind in urban parks, and visit nearby churches, perfect for culture enthusiasts and families alike. Don't miss the iconic theatre itself, as well as local reviews and information about the riverside theatre. There's something for every type of traveller eager to experience the rich heritage and vibrant atmosphere of this charming area.

  • Warwick Castle: A magnificent medieval castle steeped in history, Warwick Castle offers a captivating glimpse into the past with its stunning architecture, beautiful gardens, and engaging exhibitions. Explore the castle’s ramparts and enjoy live performances that bring history to life, all set within a romantic atmosphere.
  • Anne Hathaway's Cottage: Nestled in picturesque gardens, this charming thatched cottage was the childhood home of Shakespeare’s wife. Experience the rich cultural heritage and delightful surroundings while wandering through the beautifully maintained grounds and learning about the life of one of literature's most famous couples.
  • Town Hall Stratford upon Avon: An impressive civic building with beautiful architecture, the Town Hall is a hub of local culture. Discover its historical significance and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Stratford-upon-Avon, with various events and exhibitions taking place throughout the year.

Best time to go to Royal Shakespeare Theatre

The best time to visit Royal Shakespeare Theatre is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January39.0°F (3.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly Low
February40.3°F (4.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March43.0°F (6.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
April46.9°F (8.3°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
May52.5°F (11.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
June58.3°F (14.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
July62.1°F (16.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
August61.3°F (16.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
September57.6°F (14.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
October52.0°F (11.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
November45.1°F (7.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
December41.4°F (5.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Royal Shakespeare Theatre

To save on your visit to the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, consider travelling in August or between December and January when accommodation prices drop. Sundays are typically cheaper than Saturdays, which are the priciest. Use Expedia's search tool to compare room rates and find eco-friendly hotels. You can also save by booking a package that combines your hotel, flights, and activities. For affordable public transport, look into local bus services or consider walking to explore the charming surroundings. Don't forget to enjoy free attractions around Stratford-upon-Avon to stretch your budget further.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Royal Shakespeare Theatre are August and December to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to March, June and September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Royal Shakespeare Theatre is Sunday. The most expensive day to stay around Royal Shakespeare Theatre is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool enables you to set your budget, choose your desired location, and much more. You can arrange your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, allowing you to find the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you can refine your options by hotel category; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can enjoy savings by combining your hotel stay near the Royal Shakespeare Theatre with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.