Stratford-Upon-Avon is famous for its beauty and of history, nestled in the South of Warwickshire. Nearly all of the buildings have been kept in their original condition, presenting some of the best examples of Tudor architecture you will find anywhere in the country. Of course, you cannot visit Stratford without thinking of Shakespeare. Today, the town of the bard’s birthplace is filled with shops, attractions and buildings bearing his name and works. But where should the biggest Shakespeare fans visit to get the most out of their trip to Stratford? Whether you are looking for a little history, or something quirky to fill your day, we have you covered in this list of the best Shakespeare attractions in Stratford.
Shakespeare’s Birthplace
Where it all started. Visit Shakespeare’s childhood home and discover how the playwright honed his talents to become the historic legend we know today. Hear tales of Shakespeare’s family life and get up close to objects that helped shape Shakespeare.
Not only that, but the building itself looks exactly as it did in the 16th century, with fine examples of tudor building works and construction. Make you step inside for the full experience.
Anne Hathaway’s cottage
Shakespeare’s one true love, Anne Hathaway. Visit her family home, where she was born and raised, and also where Shakespeare would have courted her in his younger years. The original structure still stands, exactly where it was built more than 500 years ago. Visitors can now see the original furniture and uncover five centuries of stories from the family who lived there for 13 generations.Â
You’ll find it just outside of Stratford town centre, so make sure you have a taxi or car available, or prepare for a longer walk to get there. It’s worth it to see where Shakespeare’s wife grew up!
The Shakespeare Escape Room
A hidden Shakespeare attraction that is loved by fans of Shakespeare and Escape Room enthusiasts alike.
For those who haven’t done an escape room before, you have to find locked objects, doors and puzzles, then search for the clues to solve and open them. The main objective is to complete an overarching task or escape the room within a time limit.
In Stratford-upon-Avon, their Shakespeare escape room is an unique and historic twist on the escape room format, with the bard playing a starring role. It’s name, is Shakespeare’s Script.
As you enter, you are told that William Shakespeare has misplaced his newest play, written for King James on his birthday. If he doesn’t find the script before the play begins, then the performance will be a failure, and Shakespeare will be executed!
It’s up to your group to solve a series of puzzles to find where the lost script is hiding, before the time is up.
Best of all, this Escape Room is set within an accurate recreation of Shakespeare’s home, making it the perfect hidden gem in Stratford for history lovers.
Shakespeare’s Schoolroom and Guildhall
A little bit of education, anyone? Take the chance to discover how and where Shakespeare spent his school days, first experienced theatre and wrote his first sonnets. The place where he was inspired to become the world’s greatest playwright. Shakespeare’s Schoolroom & Guildhall provides the opportunity to explore the missing chapter in the story of his time in Stratford: his education and his inspiration.
You can be taught by a Tudor school teacher, dress in clothes and costumes from the time, or even write with a quill, just like Shakespeare would have done. Or you could just marvel at the building, with its stunning exposed medieval beams.
Tudor World
Right in the centre of the Beautiful town of Stratford is the famous Tudor World. Using historical settings, discover the secret lives of the Tudors and what life was really like during the time of William Shakespeare; Francis Drake; Elizabeth I, Henry VIII and everyday people.Â
Filled with waxworks, fantastic costumes, scenery, objects and tudor staff, you’ll be immersed in the life and times of the Tudors. If you’re lucky, you might just see William Shakespeare too.
The Royal Shakespeare Company – RSC
You can’t talk about Shakespeare without mentioning his plays. They’re the whole reason he is famous after all. The RSC theatre in Stratford hosts plays throughout the year, with famed performers and a legendary troupe of actors, with the finest theatre performances outside of London.
It’s best to check what plays are currently being performed, but you’re guaranteed to see a new and impressive interpretation of classic Shakespeare plays, by some of the finest Shakespearean actors in the country.
The Attic Theatre
A more intimate theatre in Stratford that shows a mixture of Shakespeare plays, classics of the stage, family favourites and new adaptations.
The Attic Theatre allows you to catch a hidden gem, see rising stars in theatre and enjoy one of Stratford’s most underrated locations.
Other things to do in Stratford
Still need your fix of William Shakespeare? There are a variety of walking tours, free events, festivals, Shakespeare’s birthday and more that take place throughout the year in Stratford. No matter when you come, there is always something taking place in honour of the immortal bard.
