Find the Best Stratford-upon-Avon Bed and Breakfast

Stratford-upon-Avon is a medieval market city in the West Midlands, best known as the birthplace of William Shakespeare. His influence permeates every part of town, whether it's one of the plays by the Royal Shakespeare Company, a visit to his grave in the Holy Trinity Church, or the very house where he was born. The town lies along the banks of the River Avon and couldn't be any more picturesque, with its mix of wattle and daub Tudor buildings sitting side by side with handsome Georgian and Victorian properties. When you see the gorgeous parks dotted with weeping willows and cut with rivers plied by colourful wooden longboats in front of a backdrop of towering spires, you can understand where the world's most famous author got his inspiration.

Half-timbered houses and country bolthole B&Bs, Stratford-upon-Avon

The bed and breakfasts in Stratford-upon-Avon provide the perfect base for exploring this historic town. Forget impersonal hotels. Where better to dive in to Shakespeare's life from than one of the B&Bs housed in one of the old black-beamed Tudor buildings that dot the town, like the one he was born in? Alternatively, nab one of the boutique B&Bs that add a slice of luxury to any romantic getaway. There are budget options, too, so you don't have to worry about breaking the bank when you stay in one of the Stratford-upon-Avon bed and breakfasts. If the countryside is more your thing, there's a smattering of B&Bs housed in the country cottages and farmsteads outside of town, or you could try to score one of the waterfront properties that line up along the River Avon. When you search through the extensive listings on Expedia, your perfect match is only a few clicks away. Filter using price and location, then scroll through the descriptions and photos to identify the right place for you.

There have been guesthouses in Stratford-upon-Avon for centuries, so they've refined the art of homely hospitality. After arriving to a warm welcome, you can settle in to your cosy guestroom where you'll find all the facilities you might expect from a hotel. Flick on the kettle to make a cup of tea while you link up to the free WiFi and start planning your historic adventure. You don't need to miss out on the latest news or your favourite show, thanks to the wall-mounted flat screen TV. You'll almost always find an ensuite bathroom packed with fluffy towels and toiletries, while the crisp bed linen provides a restful night's sleep. When you wake up, if you can tear yourself away from the gorgeous views over town from your guestroom window, you can head downstairs for a home-cooked breakfast. After your historic stay, why not check out the museums, galleries and shopping in the urban sprawl of Birmingham, just a short train ride away?

Delve into the life of Shakespeare near your B&B, Stratford-upon-Avon

It's simply unthinkable to stay in a Stratford-upon-Avon bed and breakfast for the first time and not visit some of the sites that touched on Shakespeare's life. A good place to start is the 16th-century half-timbered house where the author was born and spent his childhood years. Go there, before visiting the beautiful wooden school where he learnt his trade in the late 1500s. Tours of the school by costumed actors, and historic exhibits, help bring it to life. If you've got some time left, don't miss Hall's Croft, the beautiful early 17th-century home of Shakespeare's daughter, Susanna, and her husband, John.

• Be within walking distance of the Shakespeare attractions without the high price tag
• Stay in historic buildings, from Georgian houses to half-timbered Tudor properties
• Feel like you're exploring Stratford-upon-Avon like an insider
• Enjoy the warm hospitality found in the family-run B&Bs