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a girl with a view

A Girl with a View

What to Do in Stratford-upon-Avon

July 5, 2020

Updated January 2021
I’ve lived near Shakespeare’s hometown all my life and it’s somewhere that I probably take for granted as I walk past his house most weeks. As an English student, I sometimes hear my coursemates talking about Shakespeare, the Royal Shakespeare Company and Stratford and how they’d like to visit or have visited and it makes me laugh cause Shakespeare’s actually quite a big deal for English students! It’s only when the town has been so quiet that I’ve realised just how popular a tourist destination it is and how odd it is to be walking around without the steady stream of tourists that normally occupy its streets. I thought I’d share my favourite places in and around Stratford along with some of the best places to visit if you find yourself in Stratford-upon-Avon!
shakespeare birthplace, stratford upon avon, shakespeare

What to Do 1: Royal Shakespeare Company Walk

The RSC itself is worth a visit anyway and it’s free to just walk in and look around – there’s a lookout tower at the top too which is fun! Also, if you’re aged 16-25 and fancy watching a show you can get £5 tickets for everything if you sign up to the RSC keycard – it’s well worth it even if you only see 1 play. The RSC Walk isn’t an official thing but it’s one of my favourite places to go to in Stratford. If you go around the far side (nearest the river) and keep walking you’ll be on a little path that follows the river. It’s really picturesque and one of my favourite past-times in Stratford. You go through the RSC gardens where people often have picnics, walk past some boats you can rent, look at the huge pictures the RSC have up of past performances they have on a brick wall or catch the 50p ferry across to the other side of the river. If you continue on the walk, without going across the river, you end up by the church Shakespeare is buried in (but you have to pay to see that) and the walk is really peaceful.

What to Do 2: Shakespeare’s Birthplace

The most obvious place to go to in Stratford is, of course, Shakespeare’s birthplace. It is perhaps the main reason why people actually visit the town and the house is situated on a nice cobbled street. I’d recommend popping into all the little shops near the birthplace as there are some gems in there and even the library is quite picturesque! If you’re lucky, you might see the fake statue man hovering around the birthplace – he’s a regular feature of Stratford and is always amusing! The house itself is pretty difficult to miss and is a lovely place to visit. They often have actors inside the house and its gardens acting out Shakespeare plays that you can sit and watch on your way round too. If you have time, there’s a ticket that allows you to get into all 5 Shakespeare attractions in and around Stratford- I recommend New Place which is in the town centre and has some very snazzy art installations and Anne Hathaway’s Farm if you like animals and can travel a bit further afield!

What to Do 3: Antique Bookshop

Near Shakespeare’s New Place (which is on the site where Shakespeare built his own house) is the most gorgeous little bookshop. It’s the type of place that you typically walk past without really noticing as it’s so small but inside it has so many old books that I could spend hours looking around. It’s quite a small place so can’t really fit many people inside but it’s well worth a look if you’re a fan of literature, which, as an English student, I definitely am! Also, the charity shops in Stratford often have old RSC pamphlets and flyers along with a lot of books on Shakespeare so if you’re after souvenirs or Shakespeare plays they are probably your best bet to get something authentic! Oxfam in particular often has lots of this kind of thing!

What to Do 4: Look at the Lamposts

Around the back of the RSC, the Church and along the street there are loads of different lamposts. They may seem like nothing special but they are each in different colours and each one of them is a gift from another council. I like to stroll up and down the streets finding as many as I can and looking to see where each particular lampost was a gift from – you’ll most likely find your local council has gifted one too! If on the way back from the RSC walk you go through all the houses, you’ll end up walking past all of these lamposts!
stratford upon avon
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

What to Do 5: Charlecote Park

This isn’t actually in Stratford but if you can drive, it’s well worth taking a visit to Charlecote Park. It’s also rumoured that Shakespeare once poached on the land of the Lucy family (who still live there today). It’s a National Trust place that has acres of land and a beautiful house you can look inside. They let the deer roam freely as well so there is often the opportunity to get up close and personal with them too! I’d highly recommend it! There’s also the Charlecote Mill that is a few minutes walk from the park, I believe it’s one of the oldest working mills in the UK so it’s worth a look if it’s open!
Those are some of my top picks of what to do in Stratford-upon Avon or the surrounding areas. Hopefully, there are some things in this list that you didn’t know about as I tried to give more of a ‘locals guide’ to Stratford and steer away from the more generic and common things to do.
Have you ever visited Stratford-upon-Avon? What did you do there?

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Comments

  1. Paige says

    July 5, 2020 at 7:18 am

    These are some great suggestions – I've been to Stratford a couple of times and it was beautiful! I went on a Halloween themed walk one time which was fun. When I visit again I will definitely be making use of your recommendations; for some reason we never went into Shakespeare's house – probably because of the queues! There are such a great selection of shops too – always a bonus 😉 x

    Paige // Paige Eades

    Reply
  2. Charlotte says

    July 5, 2020 at 7:19 am

    This isn't actually too far from where I am! I really need to go and check it out, I am so intrigued by the lamp posts. Sounds like such a lovely place to go and visit
    Charlotte / Charlotte's Picks

    Reply
  3. Alice Myles says

    July 5, 2020 at 7:28 am

    I live Shakespeare but I don't think I've ever been to Stratford! I'll definitely need to go some time!

    Reply
  4. Chris - CJ Attractions Guide says

    July 5, 2020 at 8:05 am

    I've never been, but it looks a very cute place to visit! I love the buildings, thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  5. Serena Reidy says

    July 5, 2020 at 9:57 am

    I visited Stratford years ago but on a school trip so I didn't get to see much! I'd love to explore more of the town and browse the bookshops!

    Serena / http://www.ramblingsofanotherunigraduate.com

    Reply
  6. Anika May says

    July 5, 2020 at 2:06 pm

    Great guide! I love how much detail you have for each hidden gem 🙂
    I've never been to Stratford before but it definitely seems like a great market town to explore.

    Anika | chaptersofmay.com

    Reply
  7. R's Rue says

    July 5, 2020 at 4:41 pm

    Love it so much.
    http://www.rsrue.blogspot.com

    Reply
  8. Meaghan Bethany says

    July 5, 2020 at 6:37 pm

    Stratford isn't that far from me and I've been wanting to go for years! Hoping to get there before I go back to work 🙂

    MB | http://www.megbeth.travel.blog

    Reply
  9. The Book View says

    July 5, 2020 at 7:03 pm

    I visited here a few years ago and loved it! It was all so beautiful and amazing!

    Reply
  10. Jules on the moon says

    July 5, 2020 at 7:59 pm

    This place looks so beautiful, I'd like to visit it! 🙂

    https://julesonthemoon.com/

    Reply
  11. Mia says

    July 6, 2020 at 2:17 am

    oh my goodness – the antique bookshop sounds like an absolute dream! xx

    mia // https://beautiful-inspiring-creative-life.com

    Reply
  12. Sophie Harriet says

    July 6, 2020 at 7:30 am

    I've never been to Stratford-upon-Avon but it looks like such a pretty town! Thank you for sharing this guide, it's good to know recommendations from a local!
    Sophie | https://thisbrilliantday.com

    Reply
  13. Nic says

    July 6, 2020 at 10:14 am

    Thanks for sharing I have been many times to Charlecote Park as it's near my brother and his family, it's a lovely place to visit 🙂

    Nic | Nic's Adventures & Bakes

    Reply
  14. When 2 become 5 says

    July 6, 2020 at 10:21 am

    I love Stratford, it's been a while since we've been though. You've got some great suggestions here. Charlecote is one of our favourite national trust properties x

    Reply
  15. lifestyleseason says

    July 6, 2020 at 10:38 am

    Great post! I've never been there but it seems like a lovely place!

    Reply
  16. jennyinneverland says

    July 6, 2020 at 12:17 pm

    I've never been to Stratford Upon Avon! I definitely need to explore more. Seeing Shakespeare's birthplace seems like quite an incredible experience!

    Reply
  17. Amber Page, The Unpredicted Page says

    July 6, 2020 at 12:42 pm

    I am not too far from Stratford Upon Avon but I have never been! I will have to venture there at some point!

    Amber – https://theunpredictedpage.com

    Reply
  18. gabi says

    July 6, 2020 at 3:35 pm

    Wow great to know where Shakespeare lived, looks so lovely.
    The vibe of writing is present..

    Reply
  19. Laureny Loves... says

    July 6, 2020 at 5:32 pm

    Great suggestions! I visited Stratford-Upon-Avon quite a few years back when I was at university in Coventry, it's such a beautiful place to visit.

    Reply
  20. Omaye says

    July 6, 2020 at 7:14 pm

    Putting this on my places to visit list. I've never been and I actually don't know why.
    Great suggestion!
    xxx

    https://ooomaye.com

    Reply
  21. Es says

    July 6, 2020 at 9:20 pm

    Love these suggestions! I was looking for places to visit now that lockdown is easing. Love the lamppost fact. I cant wait to see it!

    Reply
  22. The Twenty Percent says

    July 7, 2020 at 7:02 am

    I've been wanting to go to Stratford upon Avon for ages now so I'm hoping to get there soon! Thanks for all these suggestions of what to do when I do make it! 🙂

    Reply
  23. Natasha Evans says

    July 7, 2020 at 9:05 am

    It's such a lovely place to visit! Hope you enjoy Shakespeare's House if you visit again!

    Reply
  24. Natasha Evans says

    July 7, 2020 at 9:05 am

    I never noticed them until recently and it's such a fun fact!

    Reply
  25. Natasha Evans says

    July 7, 2020 at 9:07 am

    I really recommend it! Hope you get to go soon!

    Reply
  26. Natasha Evans says

    July 7, 2020 at 9:07 am

    Thank you – I hope you manage to go one day!

    Reply
  27. Natasha Evans says

    July 7, 2020 at 9:08 am

    No problem! Thank you for reading!

    Reply
  28. Natasha Evans says

    July 7, 2020 at 9:08 am

    Hope you manage to go again and explore!

    Reply
  29. Natasha Evans says

    July 7, 2020 at 9:08 am

    Thank you! I'd recommend visiting!

    Reply
  30. Natasha Evans says

    July 7, 2020 at 9:09 am

    Thank you!

    Reply
  31. Natasha Evans says

    July 7, 2020 at 9:09 am

    I hope you manage to visit soon! Thanks for reading!

    Reply
  32. Natasha Evans says

    July 7, 2020 at 9:09 am

    Thank you – it's such a lovely town!

    Reply
  33. Natasha Evans says

    July 7, 2020 at 9:09 am

    Thank you, I hope you manage to visit!

    Reply
  34. Natasha Evans says

    July 7, 2020 at 9:10 am

    Thank you – it's a lovely little shop!

    Reply
  35. Natasha Evans says

    July 7, 2020 at 9:10 am

    Thank you for reading!

    Reply
  36. Natasha Evans says

    July 7, 2020 at 9:10 am

    It is – it has such lovely grounds!

    Reply
  37. Natasha Evans says

    July 7, 2020 at 9:10 am

    Thank you! Charlecote is lovely!

    Reply
  38. Natasha Evans says

    July 7, 2020 at 9:11 am

    Thank you – I hope you get to go one day!

    Reply
  39. Natasha Evans says

    July 7, 2020 at 9:11 am

    I hope you get to go one day!

    Reply
  40. Natasha Evans says

    July 7, 2020 at 9:11 am

    Hope you manage to go one day!

    Reply
  41. Natasha Evans says

    July 7, 2020 at 9:12 am

    It's a lovely town!

    Reply
  42. Natasha Evans says

    July 7, 2020 at 9:12 am

    It is – such a nice town to explore!

    Reply
  43. Natasha Evans says

    July 7, 2020 at 9:12 am

    Hope you manage to visit soon!

    Reply
  44. Natasha Evans says

    July 7, 2020 at 9:12 am

    Thank you – I hope you enjoy visiting!

    Reply
  45. Natasha Evans says

    July 7, 2020 at 9:13 am

    No problem – I hope you manage to visit soon!

    Reply
  46. Natasha Evans says

    July 7, 2020 at 9:13 am

    Thank you – it's so interesting to walk around!

    Reply
  47. JENISH JOYAL J says

    July 7, 2020 at 12:52 pm

    Awesome content 😇
    Continue your great work

    Reply
  48. Love, Em says

    July 7, 2020 at 1:32 pm

    This sounds like an amazing place! I haven't actually been here before, so thank you for opening my eyes to new places! I cant wait to go out again and explore!

    Em | http://www.loveemblog.com

    Reply
  49. Marissa says

    July 7, 2020 at 3:35 pm

    Wow this looks like such a quaint little place! Lovely pics too x

    🌿 Marissa Belle × marsybun.com 🌿

    Reply
  50. Katie Harding says

    July 7, 2020 at 4:54 pm

    Actually never been to Statford upon Avon, but you make it sound so appealing!

    Katie | katieemmabeauty.com

    Reply
  51. Amie Cadwallader says

    July 8, 2020 at 8:12 am

    I absolutely love Stratford Upon Avon, it is gorgeous!

    Love, Amie ❤️

    The Curvaceous Vegan

    Reply
  52. Jirah Merizz says

    July 8, 2020 at 9:17 am

    This seems so fancy! I'd love to go here some day!! <3

    Reply
  53. Natasha Evans says

    July 8, 2020 at 9:40 am

    Thank you – I hope you get to go!

    Reply
  54. Natasha Evans says

    July 8, 2020 at 9:40 am

    It really is! Thanks for reading!

    Reply
  55. Natasha Evans says

    July 8, 2020 at 9:41 am

    Haha, thank you! I hope you get to go!

    Reply
  56. Natasha Evans says

    July 8, 2020 at 9:41 am

    Thank you so much!

    Reply
  57. Natasha Evans says

    July 8, 2020 at 9:41 am

    No problem – hope you like if you manage to visit!

    Reply
  58. Natasha Evans says

    July 8, 2020 at 9:41 am

    Thank you!

    Reply
  59. Natasha Evans says

    July 8, 2020 at 9:44 am

    Thanks!

    Reply
  60. Natasha Evans says

    July 8, 2020 at 9:45 am

    I hope you manage to visit soon!

    Reply
  61. Natasha Evans says

    July 8, 2020 at 9:45 am

    Thanks – I thought it was such an interesting fact!

    Reply
  62. Natasha Evans says

    July 8, 2020 at 9:45 am

    Thanks – I hope you enjoy!

    Reply
  63. Natasha Evans says

    July 8, 2020 at 9:45 am

    It really is! Thanks for commenting!

    Reply
  64. Natasha Evans says

    July 8, 2020 at 9:45 am

    Thank you

    Reply
  65. Natasha Evans says

    July 8, 2020 at 9:46 am

    Hope you manage to go soon!

    Reply
  66. Natasha Evans says

    July 8, 2020 at 9:46 am

    Haha, thank you! It is a very interesting place!

    Reply
  67. Natasha Evans says

    July 8, 2020 at 9:46 am

    Thanks for reading!

    Reply
  68. Natasha Evans says

    July 8, 2020 at 9:46 am

    I love Charlecote!

    Reply
  69. Natasha Evans says

    July 8, 2020 at 9:46 am

    It is!

    Reply
  70. Natasha Evans says

    July 8, 2020 at 9:46 am

    Thank you – hope you get to go one day!

    Reply
  71. Natasha Evans says

    July 8, 2020 at 9:47 am

    It really is – I love it!

    Reply
  72. Natasha Evans says

    July 8, 2020 at 9:47 am

    Hope you get to go soon!

    Reply
  73. Natasha Evans says

    July 8, 2020 at 9:47 am

    It is – such a lovely town!

    Reply
  74. Natasha Evans says

    July 8, 2020 at 9:47 am

    Hope you get to visit soon!

    Reply
  75. Natasha Evans says

    July 8, 2020 at 9:47 am

    Thanks!

    Reply
  76. Natasha Evans says

    July 8, 2020 at 9:47 am

    Thank you – I hope you manage to go one day!

    Reply
  77. Natasha Evans says

    July 8, 2020 at 9:47 am

    I hope you get to visit again!

    Reply
  78. Natasha Evans says

    July 8, 2020 at 9:48 am

    No problem – hope you like visiting!

    Reply
  79. Natasha Evans says

    July 8, 2020 at 9:48 am

    No problem – thank you for reading!

    Reply
  80. Natasha Evans says

    July 8, 2020 at 9:48 am

    I hope you get to visit soon!

    Reply
  81. Natasha Evans says

    July 8, 2020 at 9:48 am

    It's such a fun fact! Hope you manage to visit one day!

    Reply
  82. Natasha Evans says

    July 8, 2020 at 9:49 am

    That sounds like fun! Hope you manage to visit soon and explore again! x

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. 5 Days in Lincoln: A Travel Guide says:
    February 2, 2021 at 3:57 pm

    […] It’s a win-win all round! If you’re looking for other UK places to visit, check out my guide to Stratford-upon-Avon!   Have you ever visited Lincoln? What did you think of […]

    Reply
  2. An Old-School Q&A says:
    February 2, 2021 at 3:59 pm

    […] really old ones that I cringed reading back!). From my most recent posts, I really enjoyed my hidden gems in Stratford-upon-Avon as it was nice to write a travel post about somewhere local to me and I could give more insider […]

    Reply

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