Stratford-upon-Avon Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Stratford-upon-Avon which includes heritage architecture, a city and street scenes
Warwickshire
Stratford-upon-Avon which includes a park, a square or plaza and a monument
Stratford-upon-Avon
Stratford-upon-Avon which includes a bay or harbour and boating

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

Birmingham showing a garden, a river or creek and tranquil scenes

Stratford-upon-Avon City Centre

4.5/5(274 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 Royal Shakespeare Theatre.

Stratford-upon-Avon City Centre
The Swans Nest Hotel
The Swans Nest Hotel
4 out of 5
Bridgefoot, Stratford-upon-Avon, England
The price is £81 per night from 21 Jul to 22 Jul
£81
21 Jul - 22 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Stratford-upon-Avon. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the bar and the helpful ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,001 reviews)
"Good stay with comfortable bed, nice room, great restaurant and friendly staff"

Reviewed on 4 Jul 2025

The Swans Nest Hotel
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 £94 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
£94
3 Aug - 4 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Stratford-upon-Avon. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,002 reviews)
"Xxxxxxcxx"

Reviewed on 26 Jun 2025

Crowne Plaza Stratford Upon Avon by IHG
The Welcombe Hotel, BW Premier Collection
The Welcombe Hotel, BW Premier Collection
4 out of 5
Warwick Road, Stratford-upon-Avon, England
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is £116 per night from 13 Jul to 14 Jul
£116
13 Jul - 14 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Stratford-upon-Avon. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,002 reviews)
"Fun"

Reviewed on 4 Jul 2025

The Welcombe Hotel, BW Premier Collection
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.
Emerald Stays UK at The Adelphi
Emerald Stays UK at The Adelphi
2 out of 5
39 Grove Road, Stratford-upon-Avon, England
Stay at this property in Stratford-upon-Avon. Enjoy free parking and a computer station. Popular attractions Civic Hall and American Fountain are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (40 reviews)
"Clean, cozy and quiet."

Reviewed on 3 Jul 2025

Emerald Stays UK at The Adelphi
Staycity Aparthotels , Birmingham, City Centre
Staycity Aparthotels , Birmingham, City Centre
3.5 out of 5
88 Charlotte Street, Birmingham, England
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Birmingham. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,063 reviews)
Location Locations
"Brilliant all round. Great location and staff. Helpful and friendly. The apartments are in a ideal location just a 15min walk from the city centre/train station and 10 from the arena."

Reviewed on 6 Jul 2025

Staycity Aparthotels , Birmingham, City Centre
Aparthotel Adagio Birmingham City Centre
Aparthotel Adagio Birmingham City Centre
4 out of 5
131 Digbeth, Birmingham, England
Stay at this 4-star 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! (1,218 reviews)
Helpful staff
"The woman who greeted us at reception was so kind and welcoming. Clean room and perfect for a weekend stay in the city centre."

Reviewed on 5 Jul 2025

Aparthotel Adagio Birmingham City Centre
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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Stratford-upon-Avon

4.6
Top destination
5 - Excellent
256
5 - Excellent 66%
4 - Good
120
4 - Good 31%
3 - Okay
10
3 - Okay 3%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Everything about the aveston manor was o k except the breakfast some staff require training on customer relations and learn how to smile

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Puntastic establishments x

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

I was there on business so didn't have time to go sight seeing. Not much to do there unless you like Shakespeare.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

There is much to do and see around Stratford-upon-Avon so allow adequate time. Also try to see a play at the RSC theatre

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

We had a great day in Stratford. A walking tour in the morning was fun and informative, nice lunch at Dirty Duck, boat trip bit too short for the money - lot of time on the lock! Great evening meat at The Boat House.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

One of my favourite places to visit.

Cities near Stratford-upon-Avon