Stratford-upon-Avon is a picturesque market town in the Midlands with a rich literary history, being the birthplace and home of England’s most famous playwright, William Shakespeare. If you enjoy the theatre, you will enjoy the rich heritage of this town; yet even if theatre is not your cup of tea, there is still plenty of amazing things to see and do. Here is our guide to the top 5 things to do in Stratford-upon-Avon!
1. Escape Live
What’s better than trying to escape a room in limited time? If you thrive under pressure and love nothing better than solving fiendish puzzles, then participate in the array of escape rooms from our own Stratford-upon-Avon Escape Live!
The premise is simple: solve clues as a team and try to escape from a locked room. However, it is far more difficult than you may believe. Want to be a witch or wizard for the day? Enrol in The Chalice of Champions where Hordrice the Magnificent needs your help to break the evil curse! Perhaps you enjoy a sonnet or two from the infamous Shakespeare instead. If so, Shakespeare’s Script is your cup of tea. Travel back to the 1600’s and try and find the missing script before the final curtain call and save the play!
2. All things Shakespeare
Get ready to enter 16th century Stratford by finding out all about the life of William Shakespeare. Visit the house in Henley Street where Shakespeare was born, and where he grew up. See the Guildhall Schoolroom where he was educated, and take part in a Tudor lesson! New Place was Shakespeare’s final home, and it is now a top heritage attraction.
Mary Arden was Shakespeare’s mother, and you can visit the farm where she grew up in Wilmcote. There is also the childhood home of Ann Hathaway, Shakespeare’s wife, just a mile away from the town.
After all that sight-seeing, why not book tickets for the Royal Shakespeare Company’s theatres on Waterside, and see one of his plays?
3. Stratford Canal Basin
This lively, waterside area is a haven for boat based businesses. What’s more, visitors can enjoy looking at canal boats and try a range of tasty foods and beverages. You can also book a canal boat trip, or hire your own. The canal basin is set in acres of public gardens, which are great spots to enjoy a picnic and an ice-cream.
4. Diverse Array of Festivals
There really is something for everyone when it comes to the diverse array of festivals in Stratford Upon Avon. Be sure to choose from the colourful events and festivals at your disposal. The Stratford River Festival includes food and drink stalls, as well as excellent entertainment like dancing, live music and rock climbing. You also have the Stratford Town Centre Food Festival, featuring regional food and produce that is absolutely mouth-watering, as well as free demonstrations and hands-on workshops. You won’t be able to resist the local delicacies!
5. The Butterfly Farm
Lover of nature? Discover the butterflies of the world, with exotic and common species available to you, come rain or shine. You can stroll through the flight area which resembles a tropical rainforest and luscious landscapes, or head to the discovery zone if you want to see and learn about not only butterflies but also the caterpillars.
Stratford-upon-Avon is a great place to visit as a family or group, couples or even on your own. With its rich history and culture, there is plenty to see and do. So, the next time you are visiting the Midlands, why not explore this historic town?
