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Introduction
Stratford-upon-Avon (pop. 30,000) would be an ordinary market town with a few historical buildings had it not been the birthplace of the greatest playwright of the English language, William Shakespeare (1564-1616). Located on the banks of the River Avon, the town attracts millions of visitors annually who come to explore Shakespeare's birthplace, Anne Hathaway's Cottage, and the Royal Shakespeare Company's theatres. The town centre features well-preserved Tudor and Georgian architecture, traditional pubs, and independent shops alongside modern amenities.
Interesting Facts about Stratford-upon-Avon
- Stratford-upon-Avon is the birthplace and burial place of William Shakespeare, arguably the most famous playwright in history, who was born there in 1564 and died in 1616.
- The town was granted its royal market charter by King Richard I in 1196, making it a thriving market town for over 800 years.
- The Guild Chapel, built in the 13th century, is one of the oldest surviving buildings in England and features medieval wall paintings that were whitewashed during the Reformation and only rediscovered in the 19th century.
- The town's name derives from the Old English "strǣt" (meaning street) and "ford," referring to where a road forded the River Avon.
- Shakespeare was baptised in Holy Trinity Church using the same font that predates him, and he now lies buried just three yards from where he was christened.
- The Royal Shakespeare Theatre burnt down in 1926, leaving only the tower standing, and the current theatre was rebuilt using donations from an American billionaire.
- Harvard House in Stratford-upon-Avon was built by the grandfather of John Harvard, who founded Harvard University.
- The town is home to numerous timber-framed Tudor buildings that have been meticulously preserved, including Hall's Croft, the former home of Shakespeare's daughter Susanna.
- Until the late 19th century, sheep from the nearby Cotswold Hills were brought to slaughter in Sheep Street, giving the street its name.
- The Shrieves House on Sheep Street is said to have housed a resident who inspired Shakespeare's character Sir John Falstaff, appearing in three of his plays.
- The Swan Fountain in Bancroft Gardens was unveiled by Queen Elizabeth II in 1996 to recognise that Stratford has been a market town since 1196.
- Stratford-upon-Avon has been given lamp posts by councils and countries from around the world, which line the streets throughout the town.
- The Royal Shakespeare Company operates three theatres in the town: the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, The Swan, and The Other Place.
- Shakespeare was only 18 when he married Anne Hathaway, who was 30, and their first daughter was born six months after their wedding.
- The town played a significant role in developing the modern tourism industry as early as the 18th century, attracting wealthy travellers from London before Shakespeare became widely known.
History
Stratford-upon-Avon’s story begins long before its most famous son. The settlement was first established by Anglo-Saxons in the 7th century after they invaded the area that would become Warwickshire. Its name derives from a combination of Celtic and Saxon words: straet (a street, referencing the Roman road that crossed the river), ford (a river crossing), and Avon, a Celtic word for river. For centuries, it remained a small village centred around a monastery. This changed in 1196 when the lord of the manor, Bishop John of Coutances, laid out a new town plan based on a grid system and obtained a charter from King Richard I to hold a weekly market. This charter, which makes the town over 800 years old, established Stratford as a market town, and it soon thrived with craftsmen and traders. Key industries included wool processing, tanning, and glove making. The original wooden bridge over the Avon was replaced in the 1480s by the stone Clopton Bridge, a structure commissioned by Sir Hugh Clopton, a local man who became Lord Mayor of London, which further boosted trade.
During the Tudor period, Stratford-upon-Avon became the backdrop for one of history's greatest writers. In 1564, William Shakespeare was born in a half-timbered house on Henley Street to John Shakespeare, a successful glover and local official, and Mary Arden, a member of the local gentry. William likely attended the local King Edward VI Grammar School, which was re-founded by royal charter in 1553. In 1582, he married Anne Hathaway, and although he left for London around 1587 to pursue his career as a playwright, he maintained strong ties to his hometown. In 1597, having achieved considerable success, he purchased New Place, one of the finest houses in the town, solidifying his status as a man of substance. Shakespeare retired to Stratford around 1611 and lived there until his death in 1616. He was buried in Holy Trinity Church, where his grave can still be visited today.
For centuries after Shakespeare's death, Stratford remained a quiet market town. Its transformation into a global tourist destination began in earnest in 1769 when the famous actor David Garrick organised a Shakespeare Jubilee, sparking wider interest in the playwright's life and hometown. The arrival of the canal in 1816 and the railway in 1859 made the town more accessible to visitors, and tourism became a significant industry. Key Shakespearean properties, such as his birthplace, were purchased for preservation in the 19th century. The first Shakespeare Memorial Theatre was completed in 1879; after it burned down in 1926, it was replaced by the current Royal Shakespeare Theatre, which opened in 1932. Today, Stratford-upon-Avon's economy thrives on tourism, with millions of visitors drawn each year to explore the life and legacy of William Shakespeare.
Main Attractions
Virtually all the attractions in town are related to Shakespeare, from his birthplace in Henley Street, and his later family home at the corner of Chapel Street and Chapel Lane, to his burial place in Holy Trinity Church, but also his mother's home (Mary Arden's House) in Wilmcote, his wife's home (Anne Hathaway's Cottage) in Shottery, and finally the home his daughter Susana (Hall's Croft), who married Dr John Hall.
A detailed description of each house with the opening hours is available on the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust's website, which manages the properties.
You can see theatrical costumes and equipment or take a theatre tour at the Royal Shakespeare Company Gallery inside the celebrated Swan Theatre.
Among non-Shakespearean attractions, Harvard House is the beautiful timber-framed residence of the mother of John Harvard (1607-1638), the founder of the prestigious Harvard University in Boston.
The Falstaff Experience is a 'haunted' museum geared to children, and is both fun and educational.
Top Museums
Shakespeare’s Birthplace and Shakespeare Centre
Discover the house where William Shakespeare was born and grew up. The beautifully restored property allows visitors to walk in Shakespeare’s footsteps and explore immersive exhibits about his life, his works, and his family. The Centre houses extensive collections detailing the playwright’s legacy, literary world, and the Elizabethan era.
Anne Hathaway’s Cottage
Visit the charming thatched cottage of Anne Hathaway, Shakespeare’s wife. This picturesque property, surrounded by lovely gardens, provides insight into Tudor domestic life. The museum displays artefacts, family possessions, and period furniture, all helping to paint a portrait of the Hathaway family and their romance with Shakespeare.
Hall’s Croft
Once the home of Shakespeare’s daughter, Susanna, and her husband, Dr John Hall, this historic house delves into Jacobean medical practices and family life. Visitors can admire fine art, period furnishings, and a beautifully curated garden, making it an evocative stop for those interested in medicine and social history.
Shakespeare’s Schoolroom & Guildhall
Step into the very schoolroom where a young William Shakespeare was educated. This atmospheric museum lets you experience a Tudor classroom, dress up in historic attire, practise Latin, and learn from engaging guides about the traditions that shaped the playwright’s youth.
The MAD (Mechanical Art and Design) Museum
A museum quite unlike any other, the MAD Museum is a wonderland of kinetic art, automata, and interactive machines from around the globe. Described as a blend of artistry and inventiveness, it features marble runs, quirky gadgets, and hands-on exhibits. Both adults and children are encouraged to engage with the contraptions, releasing their inner inventor whilst delving into concepts of engineering, physics, and creativity.
Tudor World
Set in a Grade II* listed 16th-century building at the heart of town, Tudor World brings the era vividly to life with engaging displays about everyday life in Tudor England. You’ll meet figures like Shakespeare, Queen Elizabeth I, and Henry VIII, take part in atmospheric experiences such as Elizabethan dining or writing as a schoolchild, and even brave one of the town’s ghost tours for an after-hours adventure.
The Royal Shakespeare Company Exhibition
The Royal Shakespeare Company offers a unique museum experience where theatrical history comes alive. Explore costumes and props from iconic stage productions, view a rare copy of Shakespeare’s First Folio, and even try on virtual costumes in a digital dressing room. The immersive environment reveals the creativity, craft, and innovation behind a century of world-class theatre.
The Old Slaughterhouse Heritage and Arts Centre
Housed in a former slaughterhouse, this centre showcases the artistic heritage of Stratford-upon-Avon. It presents a mix of local history displays, memorabilia, and works by regional artists. The centre’s quirky character and café make for a cosy and creative visit immersed in the town’s artisanal spirit.
Magic Alley
Magic Alley combines museum, immersive adventure, and shop for an imaginative experience. Visitors embark on puzzle-based quests with magical creatures, exploring a realm filled with fantasy books, magical artefacts, and interactive entertainment. The ever-changing themes cater to all ages, offering fun and a sense of wonder.
Local Cuisine
A visit to Stratford-upon-Avon offers a delightful taste of classic British and Warwickshire fare. The town and its surroundings are brimming with historic pubs and cosy tea rooms serving hearty, traditional dishes. Be sure to sample a proper ploughman's lunch, often featuring locally sourced cheeses and pickles, or indulge in a classic Sunday roast with all the trimmings. For something truly regional, look out for Warwickshire Truckle Cheese, a flavourful hard cheese, or the rich and savoury Faggots and Peas, a traditional pork dish. To finish, you can't go wrong with a classic dessert like a Bakewell tart or a simple scone with clotted cream and jam.
Getting There & Around
By train: Stratford-upon-Avon is well-connected by rail, with regular services from London Marylebone taking approximately two hours, whilst Birmingham offers more frequent connections in under an hour.
By coach: National Express operates direct services from London Victoria Coach Station and other major cities, providing a comfortable and scenic journey through the English countryside, though travel times are typically longer than by rail.
By car: The town is easily accessible via the M40 motorway, with junction 15 providing the most direct route from London and the southeast, whilst those travelling from the north can use the M42 and A46; ample car parks are available in the town centre, though booking in advance is recommended during peak tourist seasons and Shakespeare-related events.