When those overseas imagine the quintessential British town, they imagine it looks a lot like Stratford Upon Avon. Shakespeare’s birthplace has all the hallmarks of a quaint countryside idyll; thatched cottages, gloriously oldy-world architecture, a prestigious theatre as its focal point and plenty of riverside views – the River Avon curls around the small 14km town.
Long gone are the days when Stratford Upon Avon was regarded as a tourist trap – it’s now a rich and varied holiday destination in its own right, with plenty of (both historic and contemporary) cultural and culinary experiences to discover – it’s a particularly cosy place to go in the winter.
Of course, do add some theatre into your itinerary if you can, as the Royal Shakespeare Company must be one of the most atmospheric places to watch a play in the world.
What to do in Stratford Upon Avon
Of course, the top of the list has to be visiting Shakespeare’s birthplace, as well as where the women in his life resided – Anne Hathaway’s Cottage and Shakespeare’s mother, Mary Arden’s, Farm are two must-dos. There’s so much history to take in, it has to be the most cultural UK staycation destination.
Get up early and embark on the walk from Stratford to Shottery, the small village where Anne Hathaway’s Cottage is the focal point. Take the walk along Scholars Lane and then follow the path across to Shottery – the whole circuit only takes an hour so it’s the perfect leisurely walk. Plus, you’ll be walking in the same footsteps as Shakespeare himself when he went to visit his beloved.
There’s also the UK’s leading butterfly farm – Stratford Upon Avon Butterfly Farm – where you can get up close and personal with the beautiful creatures and learn more about their natural habitats. Look out for a few other creepy crawlies along the way!
If you fancy a tipple, the Shakespeare Distillery is a great way to while away an afternoon, learning more about this boutique gin brand crafted on the outskirts of Stratford Upon Avon. We tried the Rhubarb Gin and liked it so much, we took a bottle home.
What to eat in Stratford Upon Avon
The Woodsman
This former 17th-century tavern is a cosy and relaxed place to enjoy dinner, with an incredible menu that’s inspired by local produce. Chef Mike Robinson works with local estates, food producers and foragers to craft his menu, which is largely game-based, and cooked over oak and alder wood for a deliciously smokey flavour. The whole experience is theatrical, going far beyond a cosy pub dinner (though it ticks this box too). Make sure you try the dirty mash – you won’t be disappointed!
Loxleys Restaurant & Wine Bar
Don’t be put off by its unassuming exterior, this cosy wine bar has a fantastic menu and wine list, serving up one of the best Sunday roasts we’ve had in a long time. The two-floor restaurants feature exposed brick and cosy fires for that ultimate autumn afternoon. Start with a G&T at the bar and settle into one of this charming wine bar’s cosy corners.
Where to stay in Stratford Upon Avon
Hotel Indigo
Hotel Indigo is right in the centre of the action, you couldn’t be closer to the best shops, restaurants and attractions in town. Situated in an old Tudor building with the Woodsman Restaurant on site, this hotel offers everything you need for a successful mini break, with a delicious breakfast on offer, a book-lined snug, super comfy beds, spacious rooms and even a fully stocked mini-bar where you can enjoy snacks and refreshments free of charge (yes, really!)
The hotel is situated on Chapel Street, which is full of historic half-timbered buildings and a stone’s throw away from the Royal Shakespeare Company theatre. Try a drink in the Dog and Duck pub (just nearby) after the show to spot the actors afterwards.
The decor in the hotel is a good mix of traditional and contemporary, always prioritising a cosy feel with sumptuous fabrics and the right amount of mood lighting. If you’re a Shakespeare super fan, book rooms 401 and 402, which overlook the playwright’s former home, his school and the Guild Chapel.
Billesley Manor Hotel and Spa
If you want to bookend your minibreak with a spa break, Billesley Manor Hotel and Spa is a little out of the way but well worth the visit, with some sprawling grounds to explore if you want an escape from the hustle and bustle.
This traditional manor house hotel was once a favoured haunt of the Bard and the grounds served as his inspiration – he was even said to write As You Like It at the property. Fast forward to nowadays and Billesley Manor Hotel and Spa has had a lavish £5.6 million refurbishment, adding an extra touch of luxury to this lovingly preserved hotel.
The Stuart restaurant on site is well worth a visit, with a delicious seasonal menu inspired by local produce with traditional surroundings. Be sure to also pay a visit to the hotel’s huge swimming pool and spa, with soul-soothing treatments that will ensure you leave feeling renewed. But one of the biggest pulls for this country house hotel has to be its sprawling grounds, which include a Victorian-era topiary garden inspired by Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland.
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