How to spend a Perfect day in Stratford upon Avon, England

William Shakespeare is known as the greatest writer in English history and the mark he made on literature is great. If you love Shakespeare (like I do) and are visiting London, you should make it a point to take a day trip to Stratford Upon Avon. There are plenty of things to do in Stratford upon Avon to make it worth visiting for any fan of the Bard.

Things to See in Stratford upon Avon

Shakespeare was born in Stratford upon Avon and the town has many places associated with him that are worth exploring.

Because it is 2 hours from London, it makes a great trip.

During your day in Stratford, you will be able to visit the home where Shakespeare was born, the home of his wife (Anne Hathaway) and his grave.

1. Shakespeare’s Birthplace

Born in 1564, Shakespeare grew up in a Tudor-style cottage in Stratford Upon Avon.

For a fee (free with Explorer Pass), you can tour the home which is made to look as it would have in his lifetime.

What People Have to Say on Trip Advisor:

This is a cool little historic site. The childhood home of Shakespeare, they put furniture and props in the rooms to give a feel for what it may have been like. Every room had staff to ask questions or explain things. It was a bit crowded, and in an effort to make space I rushed through it a bit. This site had one of the more impressive Shakespeare gift shops.

Henley Street Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 6QW, England

2. Anne Hathaway House

Anne Hathaway was the wife of William Shakespeare.

Her home in Stratford Upon Avon is similar in Tudor styling to Shakespeare’s and also has a lovely garden and walking paths that you can enjoy.

What People Have to Say on Trip Advisor:

Less busy than Shakespeare’s Birthplace. Good overview provided by a guide before entering the building. The interior contains rooms representing the different time periods of the cottage, so you get a sense of how it changed over time. Outside, as well as a pleasant garden in front of the cottage, there is a large grassy area off to one side with sculptures and an orchard which was very quiet and peaceful.

Shottery Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 9HH England

3. Shakespeare’s New Place

New Place was Shakespeare’s family home from 1597-1616.

When Shakespeare bought New Place, he was an established playwright and it is believed that he wrote many of his later plays there.

The original home was demolished in 1759 and all that remains is a garden.

The outline of where the house stood remains, along with the garden to commemorate the importance of the site.

What People Have to Say on Trip Advisor:

This site is the last home William Shakespeare spent his life in. When I arrived, I joined the presentation in progress about the history of the house. Fascinating place with lots of scandal and intrigue before and since it’s most famous owner resided there. After the talk I toured the gardens, which were a good size and very well maintained. I especially enjoyed the sculptures around it. Last, I went into the indoor exhibit, which is pretty small, and featured some archeological remnants. Most of what there is to see is outside, so I don’t recommend it for a rainy day.

Stratford-upon-Avon Warwickshire CV37 6EP

4. Mary Arden’s Farm

Shakespeare’s mother’s farm is just outside of Stratford upon Avon in Wilmcote.

Here you will find a working Tudor farm which now serves as the Shakespeare Countryside Museum.

The museum has many hands-on activities that families with children will enjoy like goose-herding and falconry.

What People Have to Say on Trip Advisor:

The staff and volunteers provide an excellent and engaging experience. They are clearly well briefed in the subject of Tudor life and the laws of the era and this is given from a number of perspectives.There were a few activities on with it being half term including pumpkin carving, archery and a few guided tours. We didn’t have time to do all of them but we did enjoy a nice walk around and there was a very good falconry display. On a good warm day I could imagine that you could easily spend a whole day there with young children.

5. Shakespeare’s Grave at Holy Trinity Church

No Shakespeare tour is complete without seeing the site in which Shakespeare was baptized, and later buried.

The site of the famous Bard’s final resting place is at the Holy Trinity Church.

Originally he was buried outside the church in the cemetery, but later his grave was moved inside.

The inside of the church is filled with beautiful stained glass, some of which dates back to the Middle Ages.

Shakespeare’s grave can be found in the chancel of Holy Trinity Church.

He is buried alongside his wife, Ann Hathaway, daughter Suzanna and son-in-law Dr John Hall and Thomas Nash (first husband of Shakespeare’s Grand-daughter Elizabeth) .

Pay attention to the witty inscription on his tomb:

“Good friend for Jesus sake forbeare, to digg the dust enclosed heare. Blese be the man that spares thes stones, and curst be he that moves my bones.”

There is also a memorial for Shakespeare that was constructed just a few years after his passing.

Old Town, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 6BG, England

6. Shakespeare Memorial Fountain

While it doesn’t date back to the time of Shakespeare (it was constructed as a gift for the Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria), the Gothic-style fountain does feature a caricature of a fairy from Shakespeare’s play ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ above the clock and the following inscription:

“Honest water which ne’er left man i’ the mire”

Warwickshire: The Explorer Pass by Shakespeare’s England

If you spend more than one day in Stratford upon Avon and the greater Warwickshire, consider the Warwickshire: The Explorer Pass by Shakespeare’s England.

This pass will give you entry to many of the sites in Stratford upon Avon along with some other famous places from Shakespeare’s time in England.

Here are the sites on the pass:

• Warwick Castle (pre-booking required)
• Shakespeare’s Birthplace (pre-booking required)
• Shakespeare’s New Place (pre-booking required) (closed in Winter)
• Anne Hathaway’s Cottage (pre-booking required)
• Shakespeare’s Schoolroom & Guildhall
• 30-minute cruise on the Avon River with Avon Boating (closed in Winter)
• Stratford Butterfly Farm
• Kenilworth Castle (pre-booking required)
• British Motor Museum
• The MAD Museum
• Compton Verney Art Gallery and Park (pre-booking required)
• Shakespeare Distillery (Distillery Tour – pre-booking required)
• Stoneleigh Abbey (grounds only)
• Warwickshire Gin Company (Gin Tasting Experience – pre-booking required)

If you are a fan of Shakespeare and visiting the London area, make sure that you visit at least some of these places that are significant to his life & works.

Have you been to Shakespeare’s birthplace?

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