Kenilworth Castle is a magnificent ruined fortress in Warwickshire boasting over 900 years of history from its Norman foundations through its dazzling Tudor transformation into one of medieval England's most powerful and impressive strongholds.
UK: 10 great things to do in Stratford-Upon-Avon
Other things to do in Stratford-Upon-Avon
1. Anne Hathaway’s Cottage
Located about a mile from the town centre in the village of Shottery, this was the family home of Anne Hathaway, who married Shakespeare in 1582. Despite being called a cottage, it is a fairly substantial thatched farmhouse with twelve rooms. The inside retains a good deal of its original furniture and layout, giving a genuine feeling of stepping back in time. The surrounding garden is well kept and has an orchard and a sculptures trail among the trees. It is a short and straightforward walk from town, or there is parking nearby if you prefer to drive. Many visitors find it one of the more atmospheric of the Shakespeare properties.
2. Shakespeare’s New Place
New Place was the largest house in Stratford when Shakespeare bought it in 1597, and it was where he spent his final years until his death in 1616. The original building no longer stands — it was demolished in the eighteenth century — but the site has been thoughtfully redesigned as a garden and heritage space. The interpretation here is quieter and more reflective than at the birthplace, inviting you to think about what Shakespeare’s later life might have been like. There are some interesting installations and displays, and the grounds themselves are worth a look. It suits those who enjoy a slower, more contemplative kind of visit.
3. Shakespeare’s Birth Place
On Henley Street in the centre of town, this is the house where William Shakespeare was born in 1564. It is a timber-framed building that has been carefully looked after over the centuries. Inside, the rooms are furnished to give you a sense of how an ordinary family lived in Tudor times. There is also an exhibition about Shakespeare’s early life and the world he grew up in. The garden at the back is pleasant and often quieter than the street-facing rooms. Entry is ticketed, and it is one of the busiest spots in Stratford, so arriving early in the day tends to make for a more relaxed visit.
4. Mary Arden’s Farm
Mary Arden was Shakespeare’s mother, and this working farm in the village of Wilmcote, around three miles from Stratford, was her childhood home. It is run as a living history attraction, with staff in period costume going about the kind of daily farm tasks that would have been carried out in the Tudor period. There are animals, demonstrations of crafts and cooking, and hands-on activities that make it particularly suitable for families with children. The farmhouse itself has been preserved and is worth seeing, and the wider site is spacious enough to spend a couple of hours exploring without feeling rushed.
5. Royal Shakespeare Theatre
The Royal Shakespeare Theatre sits right on the banks of the River Avon and is the home of the Royal Shakespeare Company. Even if you are not attending a performance, the building is worth visiting. There is a rooftop viewing tower that offers a good view across the town and the river, and the foyer areas are open to the public during the day. If you do want to see a show, it is well worth booking in advance as popular productions sell out quickly. The theatre stages a range of Shakespeare’s plays throughout the year, alongside other work, and the standard of production is generally very high. The riverside walk nearby is a pleasant addition to any visit.
6. Canal & River Tours
Canal Tours offer a genuinely different perspective on Stratford and the surrounding area, with traditional narrow boats taking passengers gently along the Stratford-upon-Avon Canal at an unhurried pace that feels worlds away from the bustle of the town centre streets. It is a relaxing and enjoyable way to spend an hour or two, and the scenery along the towpath and through the surrounding countryside is quietly and unpretentiously attractive, with hedgerows, meadows, and the occasional lock adding variety to the journey. There are also opportunities to hire a boat yourself if you fancy going at your own pace, stopping where you like and exploring a little further along the waterway at your leisure. Canal hire is available by the hour or by the day, and no prior experience is necessary for the shorter trips on this well-maintained stretch of water.
7. Walk one of the trails around Stratford
Walking the Trails around Stratford and the surrounding Warwickshire countryside is straightforward and rewarding, with a good network of well-marked footpaths and longer routes taking in the River Avon, nearby villages, areas of open farmland, and patches of ancient woodland. The paths are generally well maintained and clearly signposted, making them suitable for most fitness levels without requiring any specialist equipment or navigation skills. The riverside walk through the town itself is particularly enjoyable and easy to follow, passing the theatre, the old weir, the recreation ground, and the attractive tramway bridge as it winds along the water’s edge. Further afield, the Heart of England Way and other long-distance routes pass through the area, offering more ambitious options for those who want to spend a full day or more on foot exploring the wider landscape at their own pace.
8. Charlecote Park
Charlecote Park, a few miles east of Stratford along the road towards Wellesbourne, is a National Trust estate centred on a substantial and handsome Elizabethan mansion that has been in the same family for centuries. The house is open for guided visits and contains an interesting collection of furniture, paintings, and family memorabilia accumulated over generations. Outside, the extensive parkland was landscaped by Capability Brown and is home to herds of fallow deer and Jacob sheep that roam freely around the grounds. Legend has it that the young Shakespeare was caught poaching deer here and brought before the local magistrate, Sir Thomas Lucy, though the truth of that particular story has long been debated by historians. Whether or not it happened, the house and grounds are well worth a leisurely afternoon, and the tea room in the old coach house is a very decent place to stop for a pot of tea and a slice of cake before heading back.
9. Warwick Castle
Warwick Castle, roughly nine miles from Stratford along the A429, is a large, well-preserved, and visually impressive medieval castle situated on a dramatic rise above the banks of the River Avon in the centre of Warwick. Originally built by William the Conqueror and substantially developed over subsequent centuries, the castle has a genuinely rich and layered history that stretches across nearly a thousand years. In more recent decades it has been developed by its current owners into a busy and commercially minded visitor attraction, with costumed events, live shows, a dungeon experience, and various themed exhibitions running throughout the year. This approach suits families and those looking for an entertaining day out very well, though visitors seeking a quieter or more purely historical experience may find the commercial atmosphere less to their taste. The castle itself remains genuinely impressive in scale and the grounds and ramparts offer excellent views over the surrounding town and countryside.
10. Kenilworth Castle
Kenilworth Castle, a short drive further north from Warwick along the A46, is a substantial and atmospheric ruined castle that is now managed and maintained by English Heritage. At its height it was one of the largest and most powerful castles in England, and its long history encompasses Norman origins, significant Civil War damage, and centuries of royal associations. It is perhaps best known today as the setting for the extraordinarily lavish and expensive entertainments laid on by Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester, in honour of Queen Elizabeth I during her extended visit in the summer of 1575. The ruins are expansive, largely open to explore at your own pace, and well interpreted with clear information boards throughout. Alongside the castle there is a carefully researched and beautifully planted reconstruction of the Elizabethan garden that Dudley created for the Queen’s visit. Kenilworth tends to attract fewer visitors than Warwick and consequently has a quieter and more genuinely contemplative atmosphere that many people find very appealing.
Planning your visit to Stratford
📍 Location
Stratford-upon-Avon lies in Warwickshire, around 80 miles north-west of London and 20 miles south of Birmingham, on the banks of the River Avon. It is the birthplace and final resting place of William Shakespeare, and one of the most visited towns in Britain. Despite its fame, this beautifully preserved medieval market town — with its timber-framed buildings, cobbled streets, and riverside gardens — retains a genuine, unhurried charm.
🚂 Getting There
✈️ By Air
The nearest airport is Birmingham Airport, around 20 miles away. Car hire and taxis are both available from the arrivals hall.
🚆 By Train
West Midlands Railway runs regular direct services from Birmingham Moor Street (around 45 minutes). Chiltern Railways operates direct trains from London Marylebone (approximately 2 hours). The station is a 10–15 minute walk from the town centre, or a short taxi ride.
🚗 By Car
From London, take the M40 — around 2 hours. From Birmingham, it is roughly 40 minutes. Several car parks sit close to the town centre, and a Park and Ride service operates from the outskirts during busy periods.
🚌 By Coach
National Express and FlixBus both serve Stratford, with the coach stop centrally located near the main attractions.
🗺️ Getting Around
🚶 On Foot
The most enjoyable option. The town centre is compact, and most key attractions — Shakespeare’s Birthplace, the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Holy Trinity Church, New Place, and Hall’s Croft — are within a 10–15 minute walk of each other.
🚌 Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus
The open-top sightseeing bus covers all five Shakespeare Birthplace Trust properties, including Anne Hathaway’s Cottage and Mary Arden’s Farm. Combined tickets including attraction admission are available. The main stop is near the Tourist Information Centre on Bridge Street.
🚕 By Taxi
Readily available at the station and around town, and practical for reaching outlying attractions.
🚲 By Bicycle
Bikes are available to hire in town. The canal towpath north from Bancroft Basin offers a scenic, traffic-free ride through countryside towards Wilmcote — a round trip of just over six miles.
⛵ On the River
Passenger cruises depart from Bancroft Gardens beside the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, lasting 30–45 minutes. Rowing boats, punts, and electric motor boats can also be hired by the hour for a self-guided trip on the Avon.
The Best Time to Visit Warwickshire
🌸 Spring (March to May)
Temperatures range from around 7°C in March to 15°C by May, with blossom in the hedgerows, green fields along the Avon, and noticeably fewer crowds at Shakespeare’s Birthplace and Warwick Castle than in summer. Cold snaps and showers are still possible, but the countryside is excellent for walking and cycling.
What to pack: Waterproof jacket, layered jumper or fleece, waterproof walking shoes, compact umbrella and light scarf.
☀️ Summer (June to August)
The busiest and warmest season, with temperatures between 17°C and 23°C and long daylight hours. The Royal Shakespeare Company is in full swing, Warwick Castle hosts jousting and outdoor events, and food festivals are at their liveliest. Book accommodation well in advance, as prices rise and popular spots fill quickly.
What to pack: Light clothing, waterproof layer for summer showers, sunscreen, sunglasses, comfortable trainers, insect repellent.
🍂 Autumn (September to November)
Arguably Warwickshire’s most beautiful season. September is still warm but far quieter than summer, and by October the Forest of Arden and the Avon valley are rich with copper and gold foliage. Temperatures cool from around 16°C to 8°C, and paths become muddier as the season progresses.
What to pack: Waterproof jacket, warm jumper, waterproof boots, hat and gloves for November, compact torch for shorter evenings.
❄️ Winter (December to February)
Quiet, atmospheric, and considerably cheaper. Stratford-upon-Avon has Christmas markets and a packed RSC programme, while the county’s coaching inns come into their own on cold evenings. Temperatures sit between 2°C and 8°C; snow is rare but possible. Check opening hours for outdoor attractions before visiting.
What to pack: Warm waterproof coat, thermal underlayers, hat, gloves, scarf, grip-soled waterproof boots, smart-casual clothes for theatre or dining.
📊 Season Summary Table
🗓️ Overall Best Time to Visit
Late spring (May) and early autumn (September) offer the best balance of good weather, open attractions, and manageable crowds. Summer is ideal for the RSC and castle events but requires advance booking. Winter suits those after quiet streets and lower prices, especially around Christmas. Whenever you visit, pack for England’s unpredictable weather.
Where to stay
1. Youth Hostel Alveston
Hemmingford House was built in 1784 and has been welcoming guests as a YHA hostel since 1947 — and what a setting it is. This magnificent Georgian mansion sits in three acres of grounds and is Grade II-listed, just two miles from Shakespeare’s birthplace. The building retains many original features including stables, coach houses, and listed trees, while the interior dazzles with beautiful stained-glass windows, traditional floor tiles, and rich décor in purple, green and ochre. Budget it may be, but basic it is not. Guests can unwind in the games room with pool and table football, enjoy meals at Hemmingford’s Restaurant, or relax with drinks at the stylish café-bar. There’s also a bus stop right outside, and the hostel is an easy walk from Stratford in fine weather. A genuinely characterful place to stay at an affordable price.
2. Shakespeare’s View Bed & Breakfast
This award-winning, five-diamond Gold B&B is situated in the middle of a fruit orchard, with spectacular views looking south across the Avon Valley. Guests have their own front entrance, sitting room with television and conservatory dining room, giving onto a large patio and mature, beautifully maintained garden. Breakfast is a real highlight — locally sourced produce is served in a dining room with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the orchard, with commanding views over the Avon Valley to enjoy alongside your meal. Guests frequently rave about spotting deer from their windows and waking up to birdsong. Situated on the outskirts of the village of Snitterfield, three miles north-east of Stratford upon Avon, the village itself boasts a pub, village shop, and an extensive farm shop. A car is useful for getting around, but you’ll be glad of this peaceful rural retreat to return to each evening.
3. Midsummer House
This beautifully restored Victorian townhouse is within walking distance of Stratford-upon-Avon’s restaurants, shops and the RSC theatres, offering three spacious guest rooms designed with luxury, comfort and relaxation in mind. Hosts Sandie and James make you feel very welcome, the house is spotlessly clean, and the decoration and ambience are faultless. Rooms come with thoughtful touches throughout — one loft room features a spacious ensuite, a great selection of books, and a beautifully considered décor. A full breakfast is on offer daily, with Full English, vegetarian and gluten-free options, and the hosts are always happy to give advice on local restaurants and things to do in the area. Located within one kilometre of Shakespeare’s Birthplace and just 500 metres from the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Midsummer House is as central as it gets — perfect for theatre-goers and history lovers alike.
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