See Shakespeare in Stratford-upon-Avon, where he was born, lived, and died. This perfect discovery day takes you on a deep dive into his life. Tune in to the Tudor vibe. Stay central to explore some key Shakespeare houses and special spots. Visit his birthplace, his schoolroom, the site of his house and garden at New Place. Linger at his grave in Trinity Church. Enjoy Stratford, England’s many eateries including 15th-century pubs.
Box Brownie Coffee, Henley Street, Stratford-upon-Avon, UK
Plantarium Cafe, Henley Street, Stratford-upon-Avon, UK
Shakespeare's Birthplace, Henley Street, Stratford-upon-Avon, UK
The One Elm, Guild Street, Stratford-upon-Avon, UK
Shakespeare's Schoolroom & Guildhall, Church Street, Stratford-upon-Avon, UK
Shakespeare's New Place, Chapel Street, Stratford-upon-Avon, UK
Lambs, Sheep Street, Stratford-upon-Avon, UK
The Townhouse, Church Street, Stratford-upon-Avon, UK
The Townhouse, Church Street, Stratford-upon-Avon, UK
Hotel Indigo Stratford Upon Avon, an IHG Hotel, Chapel Street, Stratford-upon-Avon, UK
Shakespeare's Grave, Old Town, Stratford-upon-Avon, UK
Best Places for Breakfast in Stratford-upon-Avon
Best Things To Do in the Morning in Stratford-upon-Avon
Shakespeare’s Birthplace
The pilgrimage for lovers of Shakespeare in Stratford-upon-Avon begins at his birthplace on Henley Street, a busy pedestrian precinct, lined with little shops, cafes, Magic Alley, and the MAD Museum. The Birthplace complex, in the care of the Shakespeare Trust since 1847, first reveals insights through video presentations and artefacts associated with the man himself.
Walk back in time through atmospheric rooms, decorated and furnished to illustrate the life and times of Shakespeare’s day. Creaky wooden stairs, low ceilings, heavy wooden beams, huge patterned wallpaper, leaded windows. The house is usually crowded, but try to go slowly and find a moment’s peace in the garden. Book a Hidden History Talk to learn even more and see documents and early books not on public display.
Best Places for Lunch in Stratford-upon-Avon
Best Things To Do in the Afternoon in Stratford-upon-Avon
Shakespeare's Schoolroom and Guildhall
Continue your discovery of Shakespeare in Stratford-upon-Avon at the atmospheric Guildhall on Church Street, a real treasure. Spend time here to find out about Shakespeare’s life in the classroom and learn to write with a quill. Listen to stories shared by guides, see 600-year-old medieval wall paintings and maybe try on Tudor clothes.
Built between 1418 and 1420 by the Guild of the Holy Cross, more buildings were added including almshouses and a schoolroom. In 1568 it became the King’s New School, attended in 1571 by a seven-year-old William Shakespeare.
Shakespeare's New Place
Shakespeare’s New Place was the bard’s family home. The house no longer exists, but the space has been reimagined as a contemporary landmark. The site of the original hall is marked with a magical circle of hornbeam trees, sculpture and a writing desk and chair. Shakespeare was a keen gardener and would likely be pleased with the restored gardens.
A highlight here for 2023 is an exhibition “The Great Variety of Readers: Celebrating 400 Years of Shakespeare’s First Folio,” featuring the Ashburnham Folio. Round off the afternoon with a walk to visit Holy Trinity Church to see Shakespeare’s Grave. (The church usually closes at 5 pm.)
Best Places for Dinner in Stratford-upon-Avon
Best Places to Stay in Stratford-upon-Avon
The Townhouse
We love this hotel, a 400-year-old building with a stylish interior, just a few steps from Shakespeare’s New Place. The 12 boutique rooms and suites are individually designed, there’s a well-stocked bar complete with gin menu and restaurant with dining to suit any time of day.
Hotel Indigo Stratford-upon-Avon
Contemporary style in an atmospheric, 500-year-old building perfectly placed in Shakespeare territory on Chapel Street! The mid-priced, 93 room hotel is also home to the Woodsman Restaurant, specialising in field-to-fork beef, game, venison, and wild boar.
Stratford-upon-Avon: All Aboard on the River Avon