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Seven Super Things to do in Stratford-upon-Avon

RSC Stratford-upon-Avon

Seven Super Things to do in Stratford-upon-Avon

We’re so lucky to be right in the very centre of the famous, charming, exciting town of Stratford-upon-Avon, the 6th-century birthplace of the greatest playwright of all time, William Shakespeare.

Our town is full of history – some in the form of grand monuments, some little-known and hidden, but all more than worth a trip to Stratford-upon-Avon.

Now, you know where to stay in Stratford-upon-Avon, of course, but let us help you with also deciding what to do when you visit. These are Seven Super Things to do in Stratford-upon-Avon:

1. The Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC)
Catch a performance at one of the Royal Shakespeare Company‘s three theatres – The Royal Shakespeare Theatre and the Swan Theatre on Waterside, and The Other Place on Southern Lane, a mere stroll up the road. These three theatres are the places to go if you want to see a moving production of a Shakespeare play, look for the ‘unwrapped’ demonstrations, or take in a Director’s Talk when members of the production team discuss the influences and decisions that influenced the creation.

 

View of Stratford-upon-Avon, the river, and the RSC.

 

2. Shakespeare’s Birthplace and houses
Visit Shakespeare’s Birthplace in the centre of town as well as a collection of the famous playwright’s homes and places of influence in his life.
Shakespeare’s renovated 16th-century birthplace, which is now a tiny museum and organises activities throughout the year, including a monthly conversation about the author, is an absolute must when you visit Stratford-upon-Avon.
Mary Arden’s Farm, just outside of town, is a great attraction, especially if you’re visiting with kids or teens. The structure was Shakespeare’s wife’s childhood house and is one of the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust’s oldest structures.
Shakespeare’s New Place was demolished in 1759, but the site is now a designated garden with specifically commissioned artworks and sculptures inspired by Shakespeare’s literature.
Susanna Hall, William Shakespeare’s daughter, and her husband, Dr. John Hall, lived at Hall’s Croft in the part of town near Holy Trinity Church. The work of Dr. John Hall is one of the main attractions here, and the medical procedures of the time are featured in an exhibition at the residence.
There is also a magnificent walled garden with medicinal herbs similar to those utilised throughout the Tudor and Jacobean periods.

The modest thatched hut and amazingly beautiful gardens where Anne Hathaway lived before her marriage to William Shakespeare have been preserved in the same condition as when she lived there and was courted by the playwright. The Hathaway family owned the property for hundreds of years until the mid-nineteenth century. The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust bought it to preserve, and it is now open to the public.

 

Mary Arden's Farm Stratford-upon-Avon

 

3. Stratford Butterfly Farm
Stratford Butterfly Farm is the UK’s largest tropical butterfly paradise, with hundreds of the world’s most stunning and colourful butterflies flying around this tropical habitat in the rainforest flight area.
The exploration zone features every stage of the interesting life cycle of the butterfly, while the Minibeast Metropolis features snakes, reptiles, amphibians, and other creepy crawlies. During the summer, enjoy the lovely front garden, which is awash with wildflowers that attract local butterflies. Stop in the gift shop before you leave for various nature-inspired gifts for people of all ages.

 

Butterfly Farm Stratford-upon-Avon

 

4. Tudor World
Tudor World is a multi-award-winning living history museum housed in a Grade 2* listed building right in the heart of historic Stratford-upon-Avon. The museum is jam-packed with interactive elements and figures that help bring each Tudor scenario to life. Throughout the year, the museum offers a variety of tours and special events around Halloween and Christmas. Return in the evening for a ghost tour if you’re not easily frightened. Your guide will lead you through the museum by lantern light, sharing tales of paranormal activity in what some call England’s most haunted building!

 

Tudor World Stratford-upon-Avon

 

5. Holy Trinity Church
In Stratford-upon-Avon, it’s difficult to avoid Shakespeare, and visitors to the Holy Trinity Church will be able to witness where Shakespeare was baptised, worshipped, and was buried. It was initially referenced in an 845 charter, and construction on the current limestone structure began in 1210. The church, which is located on the banks of the Avon, is open for tours Monday through Saturday, or you can come on a Sunday and participate in a regular service while admiring the exquisite stained-glass windows.

 

Holy Trinity Church Stratford-upon-Avon

 

6. River Avon
It would be a shame to visit Stratford-upon-Avon and not spend some time on the River Avon, and there is no better way to do so than aboard a river cruise. Cruises on the River Avon run for half an hour, and departures are scheduled regularly from the Bancroft Gardens, located adjacent to the theatre. Buffets, high teas, and river picnics are available for private charter and lengthy voyages.
Avon Boating rents out rowing boats, punts, and self-drive electric motorboats by the hour.

 

Avon Boating River Cruises and Hite Stratford-upon-Avon

 

7. Nutcracker Christmas Shop
If Christmas is your favourite season, you’ll be thrilled to learn that the Nutcracker Christmas Shop in the centre of Stratford-upon-Avon is open all year. Everything from handcrafted wooden nativity figurines and German nutcrackers to simple tree ornaments and fireplace stockings may be found here.

 

Nutcracker Christmas Shop Stratford-upon-Avon

 

Book your stay in Stratford-upon-Avon
There’s so much to do in this exciting Warwickshire town, so book your room at Grosvenor Hotel today – when you book direct with us here using our ‘SUA2022’ voucher code, you get 10% off your stay.