Stratford-upon-Avon City Centre Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Birmingham which includes tranquil scenes, a garden and a river or creek
Birmingham which includes a garden, a river or creek and a small town or village
Stratford-upon-Avon City Centre
Birmingham showing a small town or village
Birmingham showing interior views and theatre scenes

Featuring over 800 years of history, fascinating museums and scenic riverboat cruises, the heart of this lively town is the birthplace of playwright and poet William Shakespeare.

Visit Stratford-upon-Avon City Centre to step inside Shakespeare’s Birthplace and experience a play at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. See one of the productions after exploring the town’s historical centre, perusing one of its museums or taking a leisurely boat cruise on the River Avon.

Once a sleepy village, Stratford-upon-Avon grew into a bustling trade centre after King Richard I granted the town permission to start holding a weekly market in 1196. Today, Stratford-upon-Avon offers a huge range of activities, with Shakespeare-related attractions taking the number one spot on the itinerary of many visitors.

After you are done exploring the house where Shakespeare was born, head to Shakespeare’s New Place where he lived until his death in 1616 and visit Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, the childhood home of Shakespeare’s wife.

For something different, go to the MAD (Mechanical Art and Design) Museum, which offers families the opportunity to learn about and interact with high-tech machines, such as robots. Make your way to the Magic Alley, a Harry Potter-esque store complete with spell books, magic wands and broomsticks. Another attraction for families is the Stratford Armouries, an antique centre that features a display of the tail section of a Wellington Bomber.

Consider renting a boat for a relaxing cruise on the River Avon, browsing the Stanford Farmers Market or strolling through the Bancroft Gardens to admire its swan fountain and large sundial.

Easily accessible by car or public transportation, Stratford-upon-Avon is located just under 40 miles (65 kilometres) south of Birmingham, one of the United Kingdom’s largest cities. Travel around Stratford-upon-Avon City Centre using its numerous cycle paths, including the Stratford Greenway, a 5-mile (8-kilometre) picturesque, traffic-free track. Starting on Seven Meadows Road, it winds along the river toward the villages of Welford-on-Avon and Long Marston. A number of operators offer sightseeing cruises along the River Avon, some using converted river barges.


Popular places to visit

Activities


Our pick of the best Stratford-upon-Avon City Centre Hotel Deals

The Swans Nest Hotel

The Swans Nest Hotel

4 out of 5
Bridgefoot, Stratford-upon-Avon, England
The price is NZ$187 per night from 25 Aug to 26 Aug
NZ$187
25 Aug - 26 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Stratford-upon-Avon. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the bar and the helpful ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,006 reviews)
"Fantastic location by the river. Staff are all very friendly and the service was excellent. Will definitely be returning."

Reviewed on 11 Aug. 2025

The Swans Nest Hotel
Hotel Du Vin Stratford Upon Avon

Hotel Du Vin Stratford Upon Avon

4 out of 5
7-8 Rother St, Stratford-upon-Avon, England
The price is NZ$270 per night from 14 Sept to 15 Sept
NZ$270
14 Sept - 15 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Stratford-upon-Avon. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,000 reviews)
Excellent Central Location
"Good hotel Clean and new. In excellent shape. Central to everything. Walk to restaurants, shops and Shakespeare birthplace. The balcony room was a good size. Excellent bathroom. Good price for the quality."

Reviewed on 12 Aug. 2025

Hotel Du Vin Stratford Upon Avon
The White Swan Hotel

The White Swan Hotel

4 out of 5
Rother St, Stratford-upon-Avon, England
The price is NZ$213 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
NZ$213
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Stratford-upon-Avon. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (999 reviews)
"This boutique hotel has it all! Location, awesome staff, quaint rooms, clean, the restaurant is excellent and our trip included an A+++ breakfast! Would definitely recommend and stay again."

Reviewed on 11 Aug. 2025

The White Swan Hotel
Hotel Indigo Stratford Upon Avon by IHG

Hotel Indigo Stratford Upon Avon by IHG

4 out of 5
4 CHAPEL STREET, Stratford-upon-Avon, England
Fully refundable
The price is NZ$243 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
NZ$243
31 Aug - 1 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Stratford-upon-Avon. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (845 reviews)
"Cooked breakfast a little bit on the small side"

Reviewed on 13 Aug. 2025

Hotel Indigo Stratford Upon Avon by IHG
The DoubleTree by Hilton Stratford-upon-Avon

The DoubleTree by Hilton Stratford-upon-Avon

4 out of 5
Arden Street, Stratford-upon-Avon, England
The price is NZ$204 per night from 7 Sept to 8 Sept
NZ$204
7 Sept - 8 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Stratford-upon-Avon. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,002 reviews)
".."

Reviewed on 8 Aug. 2025

The DoubleTree by Hilton Stratford-upon-Avon
The Arden Hotel

The Arden Hotel

4 out of 5
44 Waterside, Stratford-upon-Avon, England
The price is NZ$304 per night from 11 Sept to 12 Sept
NZ$304
11 Sept - 12 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Stratford-upon-Avon. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (932 reviews)
Great location for RSC Theatre
"We have stayed many times over the years. The hotel is very central - a very short walk to the river, shops, and other sights in Stratford. Rooms are spacious and comfortable. Staff friendly. Decor has been “touched up” after our last stay - but still some maintenance issues: a light not working ..."

Reviewed on 5 Aug. 2025

The Arden Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Stratford-upon-Avon City Centre Travel Guide

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