Birthplace of the world's greatest playwright, set along the gentle River Avon — a town of Tudor splendour, world-class theatre, and timeless beauty.
The RSC performs Shakespeare year-round in stunning riverside venues
Five Shakespeare family homes and centuries of well-preserved history
Meandering walks along the Avon through meadows and gardens
Award-winning restaurants and traditional inns with centuries of history
From Shakespeare's very birthplace to the grandeur of the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, every corner of Stratford holds a story worth discovering.
Step inside the half-timbered house on Henley Street where the world's greatest playwright was born in 1564.
The home of the RSC on the banks of the Avon, hosting extraordinary productions of Shakespeare and new works.
Shakespeare's baptism and burial site — one of England's most visited parish churches, dating to the 13th century.
"What a piece of work is a man! How noble in reason, how infinite in faculty!"
— William Shakespeare, Hamlet · Born Stratford-upon-Avon, 1564From Tudor half-timbers to cutting-edge theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon rewards every kind of traveller with world-class sights and stories.
The most visited literary landmark in the world. This stunning half-timbered property on Henley Street is where William Shakespeare was born in April 1564 and spent his childhood years. Owned by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, it contains a fascinating museum exploring his early life and the Tudor world he inhabited.
A picture-perfect thatched farmhouse in the village of Shottery, one mile from Stratford town centre. This was the childhood home of Anne Hathaway, whom Shakespeare married in 1582. The cottage has been in the Hathaway family for centuries and its rooms and gardens are beautifully preserved, offering a romantic glimpse of Elizabethan rural life.
Standing on the banks of the Avon since the 13th century, Holy Trinity is where Shakespeare was baptised on 26 April 1564 and buried on 25 April 1616. His grave and monument are in the chancel. One of the most visited parish churches in England, it is a place of profound peace and extraordinary history in equal measure.
The RSC's flagship venue on the Avon waterfront is one of the world's great theatre buildings. Redesigned in 2010 to bring audiences closer than ever to the stage, the theatre hosts spectacular productions of Shakespeare and new plays year-round. Climb the tower for panoramic views over Stratford, or enjoy pre-show dining at the Rooftop Restaurant.
Europe's largest butterfly farm sits just across the bridge from the RSC theatre. Walk through a lush tropical paradise where hundreds of exotic butterflies fly freely around you. The Insect City and Arachnoland sections introduce visitors to the fascinating world of exotic insects and spiders. Perfect for families and nature enthusiasts.
The River Avon is the beating heart of Stratford. Hire a rowing boat or punt from the boat hire near Clopton Bridge, take a cruise on a traditional motor launch, or simply stroll through the beautiful Bancroft Gardens to the Gower Memorial statue of Shakespeare and his characters. The riverside is magical at any time of year.
Visit all five Shakespeare family homes with a combined ticket from just £36 for adults — a saving of over 20% on individual admissions.
| Property | Location | Connection | Adult Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shakespeare's Birthplace | Henley Street, Stratford | Where Shakespeare was born, 1564 | £21.50 |
| Anne Hathaway's Cottage | Shottery, 1 mile away | Home of Shakespeare's wife | £17.50 |
| Mary Arden's Farm | Wilmcote, 3 miles away | Shakespeare's mother's childhood home | £17.50 |
| Hall's Croft | Old Town, Stratford | Home of Shakespeare's daughter, Susanna | £13.50 |
| Nash's House & New Place | Chapel Street, Stratford | Shakespeare's final home (site) | £13.50 |
The RSC's main house with 1,000+ seats, radical thrust stage design, and the world's finest Shakespeare productions.
A jewel-box galleried theatre within the RSC complex, modelled on Elizabethan inns of court — intimate and extraordinary.
A long-distance walking trail following the River Avon through meadows and parkland from Stratford to Tewkesbury — 88 miles in total.
Punt, row, or cruise on the Avon. Electric boats and canoes also available from the boat yard near the RSC theatre.
Europe's largest tropical butterfly house — a riot of colour and movement just a five-minute walk from the town centre.
An exceptional year for Stratford — Kenneth Branagh returns to the RSC for the first time in 30 years, Game of Thrones makes its world stage premiere, and the town's festivals and markets are back in full force.
An extraordinary year. Book early — Branagh's Tempest and the Game of Thrones premiere are expected to sell out within days of availability.
Book accommodation well in advance for summer 2026 — the Branagh/Hunt season and Game of Thrones premiere will bring record visitor numbers to Stratford.
"All the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players."
— Jacques, As You Like It · William Shakespeare · RSC, Autumn 2026From grand riverside dining to hidden wine bars and classic English pubs, Stratford's food scene is as rich as its history.
Perched atop the Royal Shakespeare Theatre with panoramic views over the Avon, this acclaimed restaurant serves modern British cuisine using seasonal Warwickshire produce. Perfect for pre-show dining — menus change with the season and the view never disappoints.
Elegant brasserie dining at one of Stratford's finest boutique hotels, situated directly opposite the RSC theatre. The menu celebrates British producers with French technique — an outstanding Sunday roast, too. Terrace seating available in summer.
A Stratford institution housed in a stunning timber-framed building on Sheep Street dating to the late 1400s — little changed in 500 years. The independent, family-run café and restaurant serves a locally-sourced, seasonally adjusted menu alongside an excellent wine list. Shakespeare himself is said to have bought his wine here when it traded as a vintner's in 1600. Outstanding for breakfast, lunch, pre-theatre dining, and private events.
One of Stratford's most-loved restaurants, occupying a magnificent 16th-century building on Sheep Street that dates from the reign of Henry VIII. The atmospheric first-floor dining room with its original oak beams is the talk of the town. Lambs specialises in modern British cuisine — Herefordshire steaks, Cotswold lamb, and fresh fish specials — served with a friendly efficiency that makes it a perennial favourite for pre-RSC theatre meals. Michelin-selected.
Authentic Indian cuisine in the heart of Stratford, perfectly placed on Sheep Street near the RSC theatres. Thespians offers a full dine-in experience alongside takeaway, with a menu of classic and contemporary Indian dishes. Book online for 10% off — a brilliant option for a flavourful pre- or post-theatre meal.
A charming bistro atmosphere just off the high street, serving vibrant Mediterranean and modern European dishes. Popular with a younger crowd and theatre professionals, this lively spot is great value for the quality on offer.
An unexpected treasure — Kerala and South Indian cuisine of extraordinary quality in an intimate Old Town setting. Award-winning dishes, exceptional spicing, and one of the most welcoming restaurants in Stratford. Locals' favourite for over a decade.
"If music be the food of love, play on."
— Duke Orsino, Twelfth Night · William ShakespeareInteractive town map, detailed train times, parking guides, and everything you need to make the most of your time in Stratford-upon-Avon.
Click any marker to see details. The town centre is very compact — most attractions are within a comfortable 15-minute walk of each other.
Stratford has several well-located car parks and a Park & Ride service. Town centre parks fill quickly on summer weekends — arrive early or use Park & Ride to avoid the queues.
The largest and most central car park, a short walk from the Market Place and Shakespeare's Birthplace. Pay & Display. Includes dedicated Blue Badge spaces on every level.
Situated right by the River Avon and Bancroft Gardens, this surface car park is ideal for the RSC Theatre, Holy Trinity Church, and the riverside. Often busy on performance days — arrive early.
A slightly less busy alternative to Rother Street, a five-minute walk from the town centre. Good for avoiding the queues on peak summer days. Pay & Display.
A smaller surface car park on the approach from the A422, with free short-stay parking. Perfect for popping into the town for a quick visit or lunch. The two-hour limit is strictly enforced.
Additional overflow parking by the recreation ground, activated during busy events and festival weekends. A pleasant riverside walk brings you into the town centre in about 12 minutes.
Conveniently located adjacent to the railway station, making it useful if you're dropping someone off or picking them up, or if you prefer walking in via the station approach road.
Blue Badge holders can park free of charge for up to three hours in most Pay & Display car parks. On-street Blue Badge parking is permitted for up to three hours on yellow lines where no loading restriction applies. Please display your badge and clock when parked.
| Method | Best For | Details | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🚶 Walking | Town centre, Birthplace, RSC, Holy Trinity | The entire town centre is compact — all key sights within 15 minutes | Free |
| 🚲 Cycling | Anne Hathaway's Cottage, riverside path | Stratford Bike Hire near the canal basin · Cycle path to Shottery | From £10/day |
| 🚕 Taxi | Mary Arden's Farm (3 miles), evenings | Ranks at the station & Bridge Street · Uber also operates in the area | Metered |
| 🚌 Bus | Warwick, Leamington Spa, villages | Stagecoach X20 and local routes · Bus stop on Bridge Street | From £2 |
| 🚢 Boat | Scenic riverside sightseeing | Avon Boating and Bancroft Cruisers · Depart from Bancroft Gardens | From £5 |