Stratford-upon-Avon is famously the birthplace of William Shakespeare, and his legacy still shapes the town today. From historic timbered houses to world-class riverside theatres, his life is woven into the very fabric of these streets.
But the story doesn’t stop at the town’s edge. Beyond Stratford lies the wider Warwickshire countryside, home to the farms, cottages, and parklands that shaped Shakespeare’s world long before he ever set foot on a stage. To truly take it all in, we recommend a two-day visit. This gives you the space to explore both the famous landmarks and the quieter, rural roots of the world’s greatest storyteller.
Getting Here: Stratford-upon-Avon is perfectly placed as a standalone getaway or as an easy addition to a Birmingham city break. With direct trains from Birmingham taking just an hour, you can easily visit for the day - or stay overnight in Stratford to wake up right in the heart of the story.
Getting Around: Stratford's compact centre means most of the town's highlights are within easy walking distance - and strolling between them is half the fun.. For the countryside stops further afield, local buses and bike hire are both great options for getting around sustainably.
Day One
Morning: Begin at the beginning
Shakespeare's Birthplace
The half-timbered house on Henley Street, where William Shakespeare was born in April 1564, is one of the world’s most visited literary landmarks - and for good reason. Walk through the childhood home, hear the stories of his early life, and linger in the garden planted with the flowers and herbs that appear throughout his plays.
TOP TIP: Book your tickets in advance via the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust website. A combined "Shakespeare Story" ticket covers all five family homes and offers the best value.
Shakespeare's Schoolroom & Guildhall
A short walk away on Church Street is the King's New School (now King Edward VI School) and its medieval Guildhall. This is where young Shakespeare was educated and first introduced to theatre. Today, you can sit in the original Tudor classroom, try your hand at quill writing, and stand in the very spot where his imagination was first sparked.
Time for a treat at Hooray’s British Gelato Kitchen
After soaking up the history, head back toward Henley Street for something sweet. Hooray's is a vibrant, family-run local favourite serving handmade gelato, seasonal waffles, and rich hot chocolate.
Recommendation: Try a sundae - it’s the perfect excuse to taste an array of their award-winning flavours.
Afternoon & Evening: Where he rests & where he wrote
Holy Trinity Church
A peaceful five-minute walk along the Avon brings you to Holy Trinity Church, a stunning 800-year-old building where Shakespeare was baptised, worshipped, and eventually buried. His grave, located in the chancel, bears a famous (and slightly eerie) warning to anyone who might try to move his bones.
An evening at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre
No visit to Stratford is complete without experiencing the magic of the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC). The RSC brings the Bard’s work to life in its two world-class riverside theatres: the grand Royal Shakespeare Theatre and the more intimate Swan Theatre.
We recommend the RSC Rooftop Restaurant for a pre-show dinner with spectacular views of the River Avon.
TOP TIP: Arrive an hour early to visit the rooftop tower for a 360-degree view of the town and the rolling Warwickshire countryside you’ll be exploring tomorrow.
Shakespeare Distillery - Gin Tasting Experience
Before or after the show, the Shakespeare Distillery is well worth a visit. Just a few minutes' walk from the theatre, this award-winning craft distillery produces its celebrated Bard's Gin using botanicals rooted in the local Warwickshire landscape. Book in for a tasting and raise a glass to the man himself.
Day Two
Morning: Beyond the Town
Anne Hathaway's Cottage
Located in the quiet hamlet of Shottery, this 500-year-old thatched farmhouse was the childhood home of Shakespeare’s wife. As one of the most photographed buildings in England, it offers a rare glimpse into 16th-century domestic life; much of the original structure survives, including the famous Hathaway bed and period furniture.
TOP TIP: If the weather allows, walk the scenic path from the town centre. It takes about 20 minutes and follows the same rural route Shakespeare likely travelled while courting Anne.
For a bite to eat, head to The Garden Cafe
Tucked away near the cottage, this is a serene spot to refuel. The café focuses on locally sourced ingredients and offers a range of seasonal lunches, specialty coffees, and traditional cakes.
Afternoon & Evening: Grand Estates and Quiet Retreats
Charlecote Park
East of Stratford lies this Elizabethan mansion and deer park. Local lore suggests a young Shakespeare was caught poaching deer here. Today, it is a National Trust site where you can walk through the parkland and see the fallow deer that still roam the estate.
TOP TIP: National Trust members enter for free. The riverside paths are a highlight during the spring and autumn months.
Billesley Manor Hotel
End your Shakespeare Country journey at Billesley Manor, a striking 16th-century estate just three miles from the town center. Local legend suggests Shakespeare was a frequent guest and even wrote As You Like It within these walls, inspired by the ancient topiary garden. Now a luxury hotel and spa, it remains a sanctuary of peace set within 11 acres of manicured grounds.
TOP TIP: The hotel restaurant is open to non-residents for dinner, making it a quiet alternative to the busier town-centre dining options.
This itinerary is just one way to experience the magic of Stratford-upon-Avon and the wider Warwickshire landscape. Whether you are looking for hidden history, local flavours, or the best places to stay, visit our Stratford-upon-Avon page for more inspiration.
