Stratford-upon-Avon Guide: Shakespeare, Best Things, Hotels, Restaurants

Why you should visit

What is the “feat of transformation” worth. A summer night’s dreamOver the past 20 years or so, the town of Stratford-upon-Avon has “transformed” from a “tricky tourist trap” selling all things Shakespeare into “somewhere you’d really want to go for a long weekend”, Sophie Campbell said further Condé Nast Traveler. The Great Man’s homeland has many ‘key’ William Shakespeare sites to visit – ‘not to mention the plays, of course’, courtesy of the Royal Shakespeare Company.

Is Shakespeare “the only play in town?”, they asked Time out. “You can consider it a play on words if you like.” The Bard may “dominate” this pretty town, but Stratford-upon-Avon is “certainly more” than 17th-century playwrights. Modern museums, leisurely boat trips and more, including “freakin’ great gin” for starters.

Whether you’re a ‘lover of all things literary’, a ‘culture vulture’ or just ‘love to immerse yourself in history’, there’s no denying that Stratford-upon-Avon ‘fits the bill’, said Retreat of Boltol. With “winding streets” leading to “courtyard boutiques” and the River Avon providing a “scenic backdrop” and “various activities”, this “cultural hub” is a “feast for the senses” all year round.

Sights of Shakespeare

Many first-time visitors to the Warwickshire town are looking to learn more about Shakespeare, so let’s start by picking out the attractions most associated with the Bard.

Birthplace of Shakespeare

The the house where he spent his childhood and the early years of his marriage to Anne Hathaway are “the perfect starting point” for studying Shakespeare’s “works, life and times”, said Shakespeare’s England site. Experience the “humble beginnings of an ordinary boy” from Stratford-upon-Avon who went on to do “extraordinary things”.

Royal Shakespeare Theatre

A trip “wouldn’t be complete” without visiting the world famous Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC), said Birmingham live. Performances take place throughout the year at his riverside home, but if you don’t want to take in the show, ‘why not take a tour, see the views from the tower, take a selfie in front of the iconic riverside building or dine at the rooftop restaurant? “.

Anne Hathaway’s Cottage

“Forget Juliet,” this is “real life Shakespeare in love“, he said Time out. It was originally a farmhouse where “Wills wooed Ann” who would later become “Mrs Shakespeare”. Beautiful cottage “There are original furnishings and features, and the romantic gardens are what sonnets are made of.”

Shakespeare School and Town Hall

Originates from the beginning of the 15th century City Hall it’s where the young Shakespeare went to school and “where he was supposedly introduced to the world of theater for the first time,” said Foder. It is now a heritage center where visitors can see “recently discovered medieval wall paintings, including two of the oldest surviving Tudor roses in England”.

Holy Trinity Church

Holy Trinity is the church where Shakespeare was baptized in 1564 and buried in 1616. Time out. “There are rumors that grave robbers may have stolen his skull, but respecting his wishes, the grave has never been excavated to confirm this.”

Things to see and do in Stratford-upon-Avon

Theaters

Recently refurbished by the RSC Theater “Swan”. will reopen in April with the world premiere of Maggie O’Farrell’s opera Hamnet. A cozy place, it holds 426 people. Another placeanother great theater to catch a play or grab a bite to eat, showcasing new plays and writers as well as music, poetry and family events.

River Avon

One of the “funniest things to do” in Stratford-upon-Avon is to “loll” for a few hours in the sun watching “the colorful boats go up and down the River Avon”. Birmingham live. “If the mood takes you, you can board a boat or cruise restaurant for a river tour.”

Stratford Literary Festival

It will take place on May 2-7 Stratford Literary Festival celebrates its 16th anniversary in 2023. That festival has “bloomed” into an “annual celebration” that attracts “famous authors, poets and illustrators,” said Condé Nast Traveler. Among the names confirmed this year are Judi Dench, Maggie O’Farrell, Alexander Armstrong and Pam Ayres.

MAD Museum

Arrange the exhibits in Museum of Mechanical Art and Design (MAD). “Come alive” by pushing the buttons and pedals to your heart’s content. Foder. “Witful, beautiful and whimsical automatons and examples of kinetic art will clatter, rattle and rumble.”

Magic oil

“Much Loved” Magic oilmagic ride and shopping center at Bell Court Mall is “a real hidden gem”, said Birmingham live. It is famous for selling “potions, spells, vintage toys and games, steampunk figurines, candles, incense and puzzles.”

Shakespaw Cat Cafe

Spend 90 minutes enjoying breakfast, lunch or afternoon tea surrounded by a large number of magicians. Cats on Shakespaw Cat Cafe “They are all named after Shakespeare characters,” said Grifblog. There are “strict rules” when interacting with them, such as “no holding or disturbing them when they are sleeping.” In addition to numerous rescue cats, there are three permanent residents – Bottom, Hamlet and Horace.

The best hotels in Stratford-upon-Avon

Hotel du Vin received an expert rating of 9/10 Telegraph. This 18th-century red-brick townhouse “combines elements of old and new” with its original frontage and “lovely modern extension to the rear”. “Chic” yet “casual” public spaces, an outdoor seating area and “stylishly whimsical” bedrooms combine with “unfussy” bistro food to create a “holiday hotel”. Hotels that receive an 8/10 rating include Hotel “Welcombe”.a “Victorian country mansion” set in a “picturesque” 157-acre estate on the outskirts of the city, and Hotel Ardenwhich will leave theater lovers “star-struck” with its location opposite the Royal Shakespeare Theatre.

If you’re looking for a hotel that’s ‘trendy’, ‘very stylish’ and has ‘great interior design’, then head to the four-star boutique Hotel Indigosaid Guru Luxury Hotel. Located just five minutes’ walk from the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, the hotel has a “great location” in the heart of this “picturesque” city. “Very elegant” and “historic”, Ettington Park Hotel it is the most ‘unique and authentic’ luxury hotel in Stratford-upon-Avon. This four-star Gothic mansion is set in “40 acres of lush parkland” approximately 15 minutes’ drive from the city.

The best restaurants and pubs in Stratford-upon-Avon

Salt it is the only restaurant in Stratford-upon-Avon that currently holds a Michelin star. Located on Church Street in the heart of the city, it’s a “great little restaurant,” he said The Michelin Guide. The team here “might have a casual look”, but they “know their stuff”, and each creative dish is served with a “full explanation” of its ingredients. “Tuck in and you’ll discover a hidden depth of flavor and complexity that shows the true skill of the chef and his team.”

The Michelin Guide also recommends Lambsa restaurant with a “classic bistro menu” located on Avechai Street, i Foresterwhich is located in the Hotel Indigo and has a menu that “revolves around wild game cooked over an open fire”.

Another “best restaurant” to eat on Ship Street Loxley’s Restaurant and Wine Barsaid Cultural trip. “Perfect” for pre-theatre dining, Loxley’s has an “outdoor patio for summer dining” or a “welcome fire in winter”. Among other places you should visit El Grecowhich serves Greek cuisine “with slight Italian and Spanish influences”, and Countess of Eveshamwhich gives guests the chance to “dinner on board a 70ft river cruiser as you head along the Avon through Stratford, past the Royal Shakespeare Company Theater and into the village of Ludington”.

In accordance with The Good Pub Guide, there are six ‘must visit’ pubs in Stratford-upon-Avon. Pubs on the list include Dirty duckwhich has “well-preserved ales”; Garik, “an ancient pub with a fine wooden frontage”; and The Old Thatch Tavern“cozy and welcoming” pub with a thatched roof of the 15th century. The only elm, White swanand Windmill complete the list.

Transport: How to get to Stratford-upon-Avon

In accordance with Trainline.comdirect trains to Stratford-upon-Avon station from London Marylebone are via Leamington Spa on the Chiltern Main Line, and there are two trains an hour from Birmingham. Stratford-upon-Avon Parkwaynorth of the city, mainly serving long-distance commuters and commuters who no longer need to travel to the center to catch a train.

If you’re traveling by car, Stratford-upon-Avon is less than an hour from Birmingham, an hour and a half from Bristol and two and a quarter hours from central London.