Best known as Shakespeare’s birthplace, the pretty medieval market town of Stratford-upon-Avon—lined with characteristic Tudor half-timbered buildings—has become a bustling pilgrimage point for devotees of the Bard. Visiting Shakespeare’s Birthplace, where the writer lived in his youth, is perhaps the top thing to do in Stratford-upon-Avon, although assorted landmarks around town are also important landmarks of his life, from the Holy Trinity Church (where he’s buried) to Anne Hathaway’s Cottage (his wife’s former home). Meanwhile, at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, the Royal Shakespeare Company brings his masterworks to life.
The summer holidays are the high season in Stratford-upon-Avon, when families and tourists descend on Shakespeare’s birthplace to walk in the Bard’s footsteps, see where he and his family members lived and worked, and watch the Royal Shakespeare Company perform. Spring is also an excellent time to visit: Shakespeare’s birth (and death) day falls on April 23, while the Stratford Literary Festival takes place in early May.
Stratford-upon-Avon is a small and walkable town that’s best explored on foot. It is also served by the mainline Stratford-upon-Avon railway station as well as a coach station, both of which connect it to other destinations around the country. If you wish to venture into the surrounding countryside or explore beyond the town center, there are a number of local taxi companies.
While Stratford-upon-Avon is indisputably Shakespeare’s town, there’s more to do locally once you’ve had your fill of the Bard. Other highlights include the River Avon, where you can go rowing to soak up the scenery; the Mechanical Art & Design Museum (MAD Museum), which has interactive exhibits for visitors of all ages; plenty of historic pubs where you can enjoy a pint of ale; and Salt, a Michelin-starred restaurant.
