Stratford-upon-Avon

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Stratford-upon-Avon

Stratford upon Avon is a beautiful town located near the River Avon. This area is famous as it is the birthplace of William Shakespeare, a legendary English poet. It's unsurprising that this town is nicknamed Shakespeare's City, where you can find several historical sites related to the artist.

Shakespeare's family home has become a tourist attraction due to its neat arrangement of mostly antique objects. Meanwhile, to see the house of Shakespeare's wife before they were married, you can visit Anne Hathaway's Cottage, which has original furnishings and a beautiful garden.

Many tourists also visit Shakespeare's grave at the Holy Trinity Church, which features a bust of Shakespeare holding a quill. After visiting the grave, you can stop by the church garden which borders the Avon River and is home to several tourist boats. A bridge over the river connects the park to the boathouse, hotel, and butterfly farm.

You can also cruise along the beautiful river using a classic double-chain ferry that is steered manually by hand. In addition, visit other interesting places, including a rum distillery with its unique method. If you have limited time, you can enjoy local food at the Riverside Cafe or Rooftop Restaurant.

Travel Tips for Stratford-upon-Avon

What you need to know before traveling here

Getting Around Stratford-upon-Avon

A guide to Stratford-upon-Avon's local transportation

Tour Bus

Boat

Bancroft Cruiser

Johnson Coach Bus

Shakespeare Express Train

Renting a Bike

The easiest and most enjoyable way for tourists to get around the city is by using an open tour bus. This trip will certainly take you to explore tourist attractions throughout the city.

Practical Tips for Stratford-upon-Avon

Things to prepare and best way to visit

Best time of year to visit Stratford-upon-Avon

The best time to visit Stratford-upon-Avon is in the summer (June to August). During these months, the city becomes quite busy and filled with tourists. Alternatively, you can visit in spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November). Winter is not recommended because the temperature is very cold, although it can still be busy during the holidays.

Must-visit tourist attractions in Stratford-upon-Avon

Stratford-upon-Avon's main attraction is anything to do with Shakespeare. Starting from Shakespeare's Birthplace, Shakespeare's Schoolroom, Anne Hathaway's Cottage, Mary Arden's Farm, to the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. Each of these buildings still has a variety of original furniture with background stories stored in each one.

More than that, you can visit the MAD Museum (Museum of Mechanical Art and Design) which contains various mechanical works of art and interactive workshops. You can even hone your cooking skills by using recipes from Elizabethan cuisine and Shakespeare's plays. Another option is to take a cake-making class and try a traditional afternoon tea experience near Shakespeare's house.

You can use the remaining time to explore for culinary tourism, such as visiting various famous restaurants in the heart of the city. You can also visit the Distillery District, Green Intentions, Butterfly Farm, The Welcombe Hills and Clopton Park, and others.

Guided tour of Shakespeare's birthplace while in Stratford-upon-Avon

Even though you can walk around on your own, if you want to be more practical, you can take a guided tour of Shakespeare's Stratford, for example, Blue Badge. This tour includes the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Swan Theater, and The Other Place which are all owned by the Royal Shakespeare Company. Apart from that, the mandatory routes are Shakespeare's Birthplace, Croft Hall, Nash House, Anne Hathaway's Cottage, and Mary Arden's House.

Cruise on the River Avon at Stratford-upon-Avon

Experience a new journey along the River Avon with a selection of local providers including Canal and River Tours. The voyage is carried out using the Jennifer May, a Modern Dutch Barge with glass roof panels and complete facilities. Another option is the Countess of Evesham where you can cruise along the river while enjoying a romantic dinner.

Festivals in Stratford-upon-Avon

There are several festivals held every year to commemorate certain celebrations and events. Such as the Shakespeare Birthday Celebration in April and the Stratford-upon-Avon Literary Festival in November. Make sure you look for information regarding the official schedule so you can arrive on time and participate in the festival.