Stratford is a charming, scenic British town on the bank of the River Avon. It is the birthplace of the world's most famous writer, William Shakespeare. There are various things to do in Stratford. This world-famous market town is known for its rich history and culture and how it preserves historic buildings and places. One can spend a day exploring the Stratford attractions and enjoy many historical stories from the past 800 years. 

This blog will give you a complete picture of the town and why you should visit it. You will also learn about the various things to do in Stratford and how to spend a day here. 

Why visit Stratford? 

Stratford is a place that anyone can enjoy. There is much stuff to do in Stratford, from visiting the birthplace of the world-famous writer Shakespeare to shopping at the boutiques—fascinating museums and watching his story come alive in the theatres. People go there to celebrate the timeless writer’s life and work. Get lost in the stories of this town's past while you stroll along the banks of the River Avon. 

Things to do in Stratford

There are various Stratford activities to do. There are multiple places to visit, like churches, museums, parks, and gardens. You can also explore the local restaurants and get a taste of the lives of the people of this beautiful British town. 

Here is a list of prime Stratford things to do

1. Visit Shakespeare’s birthplace

Shakespeare's Birthplace is the first place to visit among the various hotspots. William Shakespeare was born here. In 1847, the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust bought the house and converted it into a museum. The trust looks after all the maintenance of the place. In this museum, you can get lost in the stories of his and his life and work. You can also witness the various things he used that are well-stored. 

Timings: It opens daily from 10 am to 5 pm. 

Tips: 

• You need tickets which you can buy online.
• They also offer special offers and discounts on tickets if you want to visit two other properties with this, such as Anne Hathaway's Cottage and Shakespeare’s New Place.  
• The museum holds exhibitions, plays, and workshops throughout the year, which help give visitors a hands-on experience of the things used and how people lived during their time.
• Pet dogs are also allowed on the premises.   

2. Explore Anne Hathaway’s Cottage 

Another major attraction in Stratford is Anne Hathaway’s Cottage. The cottage is more than 500 years old. Thirteen generations of the family lived here. Anne Hathaway was born in this house and married Shakespeare from here. One can relive the past in this cottage and wander in the beautiful gardens and orchids adjacent to it, returning in time. 

The cottage is just ten minutes away from his Birthplace. Shakespeare Birthplace Trust has also purchased this house and is now looking after it. They have preserved the ancient beds and other items used in this house to show them to the public. 

Timings: It opens daily from 10 am to 5 pm. 

Tips: 

• You will get all the information about tickets and their unique discounts from the official website.  
• Pet dogs are also allowed.
• Various events are organised, and children and adults can participate. Information about these are provided on the website. 

3. Discover the Royal Shakespeare Theatre

The Royal Shakespeare Theatre's grand auditorium is situated on Waterside, along the river Avon. Watching a WS play in this auditorium is one of the best things to do in Stratford upon Avon. 

Stratford is famous for Shakespeare; thus, watching his plays at the places where he lived and created them is like a dream. The Royal Shakespeare Theatre, previously known as The Shakespeare Memorial Theatre, opened in 1879 and was rebuilt in 1961 as The Royal Shakespeare Theatre. 

Apart from him, the plays and works of his contemporaries are also shown here. Watching a show here is a lifetime experience that one cannot miss. 

Facilities provided:

• The auditorium has 1018 seats. 
• Other facilities provided in the auditorium are: eating and drinking, cloakroom, toilets and drinking water. 
• They have plays planned throughout the year. It is recommended that you visit their website and book the show you want to see in this spectacular auditorium. 

4. Visit Holy Trinity Church 

Your visit to Stratford upon Avon will be incomplete if you don't visit the Holy Trinity Church, one of the most famous churches in the town and the world. Visiting this place should be on your list for sure. About 200,000 people from all over the globe visit this church every year; it is one of England’s most visited Parish churches. 

The Church is about 800 years old and has a special connection with Shakespeare. The famous playwright was baptised here in 1564 and buried here in 1616. 

Highlights

• The church remains open daily. 
• The church offers a wide range of services to the people of Stratford. Special services are held every Sunday. People also get married and baptised here. 
• There is no entry fee to the church. However, to see Shakespeare's grave, you must pay about five pounds, and children under 16 must pay one pound. 
• To learn more about the different services and times of the church, you should visit their website. 

5. Enjoy Bancroft Garden 

The garden is beautifully decorated, and its location is one of its most alluring features. It is located along the River Avon in front of the famous Royal Shakespeare Theatre. 
Explore Hall’s Croft 
This place will give you a glimpse of how people lived in the seventeenth century. William Shakespeare’s daughter Susanna and her husband, physician John Hall, lived here from 1613 to 1616. 

Hall’s Croft is between Church Street and Old Town in Old Stratford. The house's original structure has changed over the years, and most of the furniture that initially belonged to Susanna is also missing. However, a spice grinder fixed in the attic is believed to belong to the seventeenth century. 

Like many of his properties, the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust purchased this one in 1949 and opened it to the public in 1951. 

Though the original pieces of furniture did not survive, replicas of those furniture are showcased. The Trust has also put up some grand artworks to give visitors an idea of the past. 

6. Take A River Avon Boat Trip

In your list of Stratford findings, you should attend the boat trip. Boat rides are sure to give you a stunning view of the town. The boat rides let you experience an actual working lock and gain insight into the canal and the town of Stratford.

There are a few boat providers in the town where you can book your ride. They provide both hop-on-off service and exclusive booking of the boats or cruises. Some also offer excellent food and drinks and give you a fantastic experience. 

You can get in touch with the following boat providers in Stratford.

• Canal and River Tours
• Bancroft Cruisers
• Avon Boating
• Countess of Evesham

7. Visit the Stratford Butterfly Farm 

One of the major tourist attractions in Stratford is the Stratford Butterfly Farm. It is one of the largest tropical butterfly paradises in the UK. Hundreds of butterflies fly all around the place that kids love and enjoy. 

Among the various stuff to do in Stratford, visiting the Farm with your family and kids will remain memorable.

The farm's central concept is to show insects behaving as naturally as possible. It is themed and decorated according to the ancient Maya Civilization. 

Timings: It opens daily from 10 am to 5 pm, even on Bank Holidays. However, it remains closed on Christmas Day. 

To visit the Butterfly Farm, purchase tickets online on their website. 

8. Explore Mary Arden’s Farm

Mary Arden's Farm is where Shakespeare’s mother spent her childhood; who wouldn't want to miss that?

This Tudor farm has changed over the years, but the remaining old structures give an idea of how people lived and worked on the farm at that time. 

At present, the farm is closed to the public. However, it organises various programs for primary school children, the aim of which is for the children to learn about Shakespeare. Each year, about 3,300 children from across the country participate in the different programs they organise, and that’s how they become more familiar with him in a fun, immersive way.

You should check the online website to know more about the events for the children. 

9. Visit the MAD Museum 

The MAD Museum has become one of the major tourist attractions in the town. It is a must to try something out of the box.  
 
MAD stands for Mechanical Art and Design. It is the UK’s only mechanical art museum. 
The museum displays pieces of mechanical art, kinetic art, and automata. This mechanical art includes robots or other moving designs that can interact and have been made for fun. All the art in this museum results from different inspirational ideas combined with science, technology, and math. 

Kids will love visiting this place while learning something new outside the classroom. 

Museum Timings:

• The museum is open seven days a week. 
• Monday to Friday: 10:30 am – 4:30 pm
• Saturday and Sunday: 10:00 am – 5:30 pm

The museum remains are closed at least once a month for maintenance except during Warwickshire school holidays.

10. Visit Shakespeare’s New Place

Shakespeare’s New Place is one of the largest houses in the borough of Stratford. It is where he lived with his family for 19 years and died in 1616. The original house where he lived was demolished in 1759. In 1876, the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust took responsibility for the site. 

Shakespeare’s New Place and its surrounding gardens have been reimagined and restored. This place gives people a glimpse of his life in the past. Themes from his works and life are represented here through painting, sculptures, text, and archaeology. Visitors can also enjoy specially commissioned artworks and relax in the gardens. 

Timings: The place opens every day at 10 a.m. and closes at 5 p.m. 
 

11. Explore Stratford Town Walk

Walking tours are the best way to explore a place, and taking a walking tour is one of the best things to do in Stratford. Stratford Town Walk is a professional team that provides guided walks of the town and ghost walks. They are one of the best teams, having won many awards and been in the field since 2002. 

They provide a wide range of information about Stratford upon Avon, including about Shakespeare. Through the Ghost walks, they talk about the dark stories of the city. The walk is very entertaining. They also organise a special walk without any mention of him. This call is called “ Walking without Will.” 

Timings: 
They organise walks every day, including on Christmas Day. 
Ghost walks are arranged on Saturdays and Halloween. 

12. Shop at Stratford markets

Among various Stratford activities, shopping is something that you cannot miss. As a tourist, shopping here can be an unforgettable experience.

On Rother Street, a Traditional Retail Market known for vintage and rare things opens every Friday. At the same place, Urban Mix Market opens every Saturday.

The Waterside UpMarket is a premier market that opens every Sunday. These shops sell jewellery, fine gifts, handcrafted items, wooden items, clothes, sweets, and street food.

Final Thoughts

There are so many things to do in Stratford. The place is filled with activities. The real charm of the place lies in its history and literature filled in the air. The place which gives tremendous erudite vibes also has areas where you stay and breathe the city in. You can choose the area where you would like to stay, for which you can explore Stratford Serviced Apartments. With a perfect place to stay, you can enjoy your trip thoroughly. 

Which Stratford attraction are you most excited to visit? Comment below!