Stratford-upon-Avon Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Stratford-upon-Avon
Stratford-upon-Avon
Stratford-upon-Avon
Stratford-upon-Avon
Stratford-upon-Avon

Situated on the River Avon in the heart of England, Stratford-upon-Avon is best known as the birthplace of England’s greatest poet and playwright, William Shakespeare.

Visiting this place and discover a beautiful charming town in Warwickshire with a real sense of history.

Stratford-upon-Avon and the surrounding Warwickshire area has a large selection of accommodation types to choose from, including the local bed & breakfasts, guesthouses and, of course, hotels. If your budget can stretch far enough, why not explore the possibility of staying in one of Warwick’s stately estates.

Immerse yourself in Shakespeare with a visit to the poet’s birthplace. Well worth a visit, be prepared to be taken back in time with staged shows and plenty of interactive fun for visitors.

If you need a break from Shakespeare the town itself is also home to what is regarded as Europe’s largest butterfly home. A surreal experience and great for the kids to get closer to nature. The gardens and butterflies are amazing, along with the fish pond. If you are in to photography take camera for some fantastic pictures.

Take a cruise along the River Avon on a guided boat tour and explore the area. Alternatively, take a guided walking tour and discover some of Britain’s historic houses with their glorious gardens.

Shopping in Stratford-upon-Avon is an experience in itself, with a choice of shops ranging from the local artisan cheesemongers to antique shops and boutiques. There is a local market which offers the perfect opportunity to mingle with the locals and learn more of this beautiful town.

While staying in Stratford-upon-Avon, take the opportunity to explore the rest of Warwickshire. Warwick Castle often described as Britain’s ultimate castle, where visitors can immerse themselves in its history and experience the excitement of Merlin, as seen on the BBC, with the castle offering an interactive experience.

Visit Warwick town and stop by the Collegiate Church of St. Mary’s, which is steeped in history and beautiful to behold. Also well worth a visit, the church dominates the Warwick skyline with its imposing tower. The church itself was built by the Beauchamp family, the Earls of Warwick. There are some ancient tombs and crypts within the church, each with their own story, with church guides on hand to answer any questions.

If the weather is nice then bring the family to St. Nicholas Park where there is plenty for the kids to see and do. Park activities include a crazy golf course, children’s play area, amusement rides, boats for hire and so much more.

Sporting enthusiasts will not be disappointed with a visit to Warwickshire with the county having its own cricket team and the county ground Edgbaston often playing host to the England Cricket team.

If you fancy a flutter at the races, check out dates of race meetings at Warwick Racecourse before your visit. The track has several planned meetings throughout the calendar year.

Where to stay in Stratford-upon-Avon

Stratford-upon-Avon City Centre

Stratford-upon-Avon City Centre

4.5/5(276 area reviews)

Stratford-upon-Avon City Centre is popular for its lively bars, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Shakespeare's Birthplace or Shakespeare Houses.

Stratford-upon-Avon City Centre
Crowne Plaza Stratford Upon Avon by IHG

Crowne Plaza Stratford Upon Avon by IHG

4 out of 5
Bridgefoot Stratford-upon-Avon England
The price is £91 per night from 7 Jun to 8 Jun
£91
7 Jun - 8 Jun
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Stratford-upon-Avon. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,022 reviews)
"The hotel is very nice and in a good location. Bathrooms need a renovation, not what I was expecting from the brand. All in all, a very nice place to stay for a few nights."

Reviewed on 29 May 2026

Crowne Plaza Stratford Upon Avon by IHG
The White Swan Hotel

The White Swan Hotel

4 out of 5
Rother St Stratford-upon-Avon England
Fully refundable
The price is £120 per night from 28 Jun to 29 Jun
£120
28 Jun - 29 Jun
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Stratford-upon-Avon. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
The White Swan Hotel
The Swans Nest Hotel

The Swans Nest Hotel

4 out of 5
Bridgefoot Stratford-upon-Avon England
The price is £92 per night from 14 Jun to 15 Jun
£92
14 Jun - 15 Jun
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Stratford-upon-Avon. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,000 reviews)
"The stay was great, my only concern was with Expedia, I booked a room with full breakfast, then moved the day on one day, Expedia changed the date and I paid the difference, what didn’t tell me was the booking now didn’t include breakfast!! The stay at the hotel was great, great position, nice ..."

Reviewed on 23 May 2026

The Swans Nest Hotel
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.
Striking home IN Stratford-on-Avon, a stroll to all key attractions.Sleeps 14-15

Striking home IN Stratford-on-Avon, a stroll to all key attractions.Sleeps 14-15

Stratford-upon-Avon ENG
Stay at this family-friendly holiday home in Stratford-upon-Avon. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a garden and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Anne Hathaway's Cottage ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (25 reviews)
"Host Teresa-Anne is available and a great asset to the property. The property is well located and it’s easy to use to walk to all Shakespeare’s locations.Property has 6 bedrooms with four double beds and 2 small single bed rooms. While the listing says there are fold out beds - they are barely 3 ..."

Reviewed on 9 Jan 2026

Striking home IN Stratford-on-Avon, a stroll to all key attractions.Sleeps 14-15
Aparthotel Adagio Birmingham City Centre

Aparthotel Adagio Birmingham City Centre

4 out of 5
131 Digbeth Birmingham England
Stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Birmingham. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,360 reviews)
"Staff are lovely, room looks really cheap, badly done vinyl flooring in room is debatable 😂"

Reviewed on 25 May 2026

Aparthotel Adagio Birmingham City Centre
Charming 1-bed Studio in Birmingham

Charming 1-bed Studio in Birmingham

3 out of 5
Birmingham England
Stay at this apartment in Birmingham. Enjoy free Wi-Fi and free parking. Popular attractions Cadbury World and Utilita Arena Birmingham are located nearby.
Charming 1-bed Studio in Birmingham
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.

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