 |
Stratford-Upon-Avon is a picturesque town beautifully situated on the river Avon and offers a rich blend of culture and history.
World famous as the home town of William Shakespeare and the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC), tourism is a major part of the economy and at peak seasons the town centre and nearby river Avon are lively bustling places. The new Park and Ride facilities offer a great alternative to trying to park in the town centre.
For a fascinating insight into the Great Bard's life and times, visitors can explore five houses with Shakespeare connections including Anne Hathaway's Cottage, Mary Arden's House and Farm, Hall's Croft, Harvard House, Nash's House and New Place and Shakespeare's Birthplace itself. The above Shakespeare related houses are all owned by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust and a joint ticket enabling access to all the attractions is available.
Shakespeare's grave lies nearby at one of England's most beautiful parish churches, The Collegiate Church of the Holy and Undivided Trinity which overlooks the River Avon.
There is the opportunity to take a boat out on the River Avon with Avon Boating or Bancroft Cruisers. Or if you fancy, you can see the town by hop-on hop-off sightseeing buses or via a number of walking tours and trails that operate in the town such as the www.stratfordtownwalk.co.uk. There is also the opportunity to hire bikes from Stratford Bike Hire and explore all that the town has to offer.
Shakespeare's great works are performed throughout the year by the world's largest classical theatre company, the Royal Shakespeare Company, which has a number of Stratford theatres - The Royal Shakespeare Theatre (currently under redevelopment till mid 2010), The Courtyard Theatre (a temporary theatre) and The Swan Theatre.
Old and young alike will also enjoy a visit to The Falstaffs Experience, a living museum where history is brought to life with theatrical and atmospheric settings.
The Civic Hall further offers a full programme of arts and entertainment events, while the Stratford Picturehouse Cinema shows a wide variety of excellent films including the latest blockbusters, classic favourites and foreign films.
As well as it's literary connections, there is much to see and do in and around Stratford-upon-Avon. Discover some of Britain's finest historic buildings and glorious gardens dotted throughout the centre among the black and white timber framed buildings.
Further fun can be had at the Creaky Cauldron, Museum of Witchcraft and Wizardology. Situated in one of the most haunted buildings in the country, visit the museum for a fascinating glimpse into the world of the supernatural, or even attend one of the regular guided candlelit tours of the building or ghost walks of the town centre.
The Butterfly Farm sits just across the river and children can enjoy making their own rubbing at the Stratford Brass Rubbing Centre. You can also have a go on the Mini Golf Course, a fiendish course if there ever was one!
Continuing on the sport theme, Stratford also has its own Racecourse situated south of the town centre. Racing takes place regularly between March and the end of October, with many of the top jockeys riding here.
If you're looking for something more musical, the Cox's Yard entertainment complex specialises in live musical performances, as well as comedy and party nights featuring brilliant tribute bands covering material by Robbie Williams, Coldplay, Jimi Hendrix, Bon Jovi and many more.
Shopping in Stratford is a delight, with a choice ranging from gift shops to department stores, jewellers to antique shops, and boutiques to bookshops. There is a weekly market on Fridays, as well as a regular farmer's market, a craft market in the summer and a Christmas market. You won't go home empty handed!
The town offers a good range of restaurants and food outlets to cater for all visitors, and as a cultural centre the town has a real cosmopolitan feel with lots of events and festivals throughout the year.
In fact there is so much to see and do that most people just have to come back time after time!
For details on how to get to Stratford-upon-Avon, see our Transport pages that include details on the Stratford-upon-Avon Railway Station, travelling from London to Stratford, and further information on travelling within the county.
Local attractions nearby to Stratford and within easy reach include Stratford on Avon Armouries just north of the town, Wellesbourne Airfield Market and Charlecote Park to the east towards Wellesbourne, and Bungo's Play Barn for Children located to the west towards Bidford-upon-Avon.
Further afield east of the town going towards Banbury lies Chesterton Windmill, the Heritage Motor Centre, the National Herb Centre, Redwings Horse Sanctuary and Whichford Pottery and the Octogon Gallery Shop while National Trust properties and other stately homes include Farnborough Hall and Upton House.
To the west towards Alcester nearby National Trust properties and other stately homes and gardens include Coughton Court, Ragley Hall and Kinwarton Dovecote.
For a good walk or cycle ride, try the Stratford Greenway or the nearby Burton Dassett Hills Country Park, Edghill Battlefield and Trail, or visit the ancient Rollright Stones or the Saxon Sanctuary.
There are a number of nearby picturesque villages and hamlets such as Temple Grafton, Welford-on-Avon, Dormston, Clifford Chambers, Snitterfield, Long Marston, Ettington, Alderminster, Aston Cantlow, Loxley, Ashorne and Newbold Pacey, and Hampton Lucy to name a few.
The local Tourist Information Centre within Stratford is located on the junction of Bridgeway and Clopton Bridge.
Stratford Upon Avon Tourist Information Centre
Bridgefoot
Stratford Upon Avon
Warwickshire
CV37 6YY
Tel: (UK) 0870 160 7930
Back to Towns of Warwickshire | |
Useful Links to Information on Stratford upon Avon and organisations within Stratford upon Avon.
Accommodation in Stratford-upon-Avon
Events in Stratford upon Avon
Stratford upon Avon Tourist Information Centre
Street details of Stratford-upon-Avon
Pictures of Stratford-upon-Avon
www.shakespeare-country.co.uk/stratford-upon-avon
Visit Stratford upon Avon - Town Management website
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stratford-upon-Avon
Useful Links to further information on Stratford-upon-Avon
Weather in Stratford-upon-Avon
Google Map of Stratford upon Avon
Local buses serving Stratford upon Avon
National transport links to Stratford-upon-Avon
*Chiltern Railways 'Stratford Explorer' value ticket*
Stratford upon Avon car park locations and fees |