A weekend in Stratford-upon-Avon

Shakespeare's birthplace on the banks of the River Avon

Independent UK guide
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Updated October 2026

Stratford-upon-Avon is the birthplace of William Shakespeare and home to the Royal Shakespeare Company. Timber-framed houses, riverside walks and theatres make it an enjoyable weekend, especially for theatre lovers.

It is also a handy base for the Cotswolds and Warwick Castle.

Best forHistory lovers, Culture fans, Couples, Wet-weather days

Best time to goSpring to early autumn for river walks and outdoor events. The theatre season runs all year.

Typical budget (2 people, 2 nights)£420–£730, excluding travel

Getting thereBirmingham: About 50 minutes by train.

Check prices for a weekend in Stratford-upon-Avon

Plan your weekend in Stratford-upon-Avon

Top attractions in Stratford-upon-Avon

Shakespeare's Birthplace

The half-timbered house on Henley Street where he was born.

The Royal Shakespeare Theatre

A grand riverside theatre staging plays and tours.

Anne Hathaway's Cottage

A thatched farmhouse in the village of Shottery.

Holy Trinity Church

The riverside church where Shakespeare is buried.

The River Avon walk

Boat hire and a pleasant stroll along the water.

Best things to do in Stratford-upon-Avon

Guides to the activities most people plan a weekend around.

Shakespeare in Stratford-upon-Avon

Stratford-upon-Avon is the birthplace of William Shakespeare, and the Royal Shakespeare Company stages plays there year-round. Allow a weekend.

Cotswolds pub lunch walk

A gentle riverside walk between Upper Slaughter and Lower Slaughter is one of the Cotswolds' classic strolls, about a mile and a half each way along the River Eye, through meadows and past honey-coloured stone cottages. Allow 2 to 3 hours.

Afternoon tea in Bath

Afternoon tea is a Bath tradition, and you can enjoy it in grand Georgian settings, boutique hotels or the Pump Room beside the Roman Baths. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours.

Best areas to stay in Stratford-upon-Avon

Town centre

Walkable to the theatres and attractions.

Along the river

Scenic and calm, with views of the theatres.

Shottery or Alcester

Quiet villages on the outskirts.

Best hotels in Stratford-upon-Avon

These are well-established hotels often recommended for the area, listed in no particular order. They are not paid placements. Check current ratings, prices and availability before you book.

The Arden Hotel

Welcombe Hotel Spa and Golf Club

Compare places to stay in Stratford-upon-Avon

Prices change daily, so check a few sites. These are affiliate links.

Best time to visit Stratford-upon-Avon

Spring to early autumn for river walks and outdoor events. The theatre season runs all year.

Seasons that suit Stratford-upon-Avon well: spring, summer, autumn.

Estimated budget for a weekend in Stratford-upon-Avon

Hotel or B&B, per night for two	£130–£220
Food and drink, per day for two	£65–£100
Activities and extras for the weekend	£30–£90
Estimated total, 2 people, 2 nights, excluding travel	£420–£730

Higher-priced destination. These are rough 2026 estimates and vary by season and room type. Add the cost of getting there. For a personalised figure, use the BritBreaks finder.

Getting to Stratford-upon-Avon

From Birmingham: About 50 minutes by train.
From London: About 2 hours 10 minutes by train from Marylebone.
From Oxford: About 1 hour by car.

Journey times are rough guides. Check live train and road times before you travel.

A sample weekend in Stratford-upon-Avon

Friday evening: Arrive, settle in and have dinner in Town centre.
Saturday: Start with Shakespeare's Birthplace, then The Royal Shakespeare Theatre. In the afternoon, head to Anne Hathaway's Cottage.
Sunday: Visit Holy Trinity Church or The River Avon walk, then head home.