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
Crowne Plaza Stratford Upon Avon by IHG

Crowne Plaza Stratford Upon Avon by IHG

4 out of 5
Bridgefoot, Stratford-upon-Avon, England
Fully refundable
The price is £99 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
£99
31 Aug - 1 Sept
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! (1,011 reviews)
Comfy stay
"Nicely positioned hotel for visiting Stratford upon Avon. Nice rooms, leisure facilities a bit dated but functional. Garden & terrace bar nice, deckchairs could do with a clean."

Reviewed on 3 Aug 2025

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 price is £77 per night from 25 Aug to 26 Aug
£77
25 Aug - 26 Aug
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! (1,004 reviews)
Perfect stay
"Everything was perfect. Clean comfortable room and very good breakfast. Very convenient only 5 minutes from the theatre and centre of town."

Reviewed on 2 Aug 2025

The Swans Nest Hotel
The Welcombe Hotel, BW Premier Collection

The Welcombe Hotel, BW Premier Collection

4 out of 5
Warwick Road, Stratford-upon-Avon, England
The price is £116 per night from 11 Aug to 12 Aug
£116
11 Aug - 12 Aug
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! (1,000 reviews)
"Literally the best Spa in a hotel i've ever used. Breakfast with lots of nice choices."

Reviewed on 29 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.
Beecham Farmhouse - sleeps 12 guests  in 6 bedrooms

Beecham Farmhouse - sleeps 12 guests in 6 bedrooms

Stratford-upon-Avon
Stay at this family-friendly cottage in Stratford-upon-Avon. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a garden and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Clopton Bridge and Holy Trinity ...
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
"This was a great house for 12 of us. Plenty of room and rooms for all of us to spread out. We especially loved the game room!"

Reviewed on 22 Jul 2025

Beecham Farmhouse - sleeps 12 guests in 6 bedrooms
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! (1,084 reviews)
"Great property amazing staff. Thank you will be back !!"

Reviewed on 24 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! (1,237 reviews)
Stones throw from Bullring shopping centre
"Stones throw from bullring shopping centre. Very friendly service. Room was modern and clean with a fully equipped kitchen. This is our second stay. Would recommend and would stay again"

Reviewed on 2 Aug 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.

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