The Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon, England, UK

City tour of Stratford, England

Stratford-upon-Avon Birthplace of Shakespeare

A quaint and quintessentially English town on the banks of the River Avon, Stratford has the friendly buzz of a place that welcomes many visitors. And plenty of them do visit, with up to three million tourists coming each year to see a play, learn about the town's history or just enjoy the general ambiance. In Stratford, there is a lot of culture for those who are looking for it. But you don't need to be a 'culture vulture' to enjoy a relaxing day out here.

A walking tour of Stratford, England

Start at Shakespeare's Birthplace

Our tour begins at Shakespeare's Birthplace. This is where the world's most celebrated playwright was born and spent his childhood years. The house dates back to the 16th Century, and it has been preserved to reflect the lifestyle of the merchant class during the bard's lifetime. To get the most out of your time here, book a guided tour of the house and gardens. On display, you will find a 19th-century visitors book bearing the signature of another icon of English literature — Charles Dickens.

Shakespeare's Birthplace, as seen on a UK city tour
Hall's Croft, as seen on a Britain city tour

Hall's Croft

A short walk along Henley Street, High Street and Chapel Street will bring you to the day's second historical attraction — Hall's Croft. The home of Shakespeare's daughter, Susanna Hall, this impressively preserved building gives a unique insight into life in Tudor Britain. Tours of the building are available. In summer, the gardens offer a beautiful and peaceful surrounding in which to stop and reflect on the differences and similarities between our modern world and the lives of the Elizabethans.

Holy Trinity Church

Follow the road called 'Old Town' toward the river Avon, where you will find Shakespeare's final resting place, Holy Trinity Church. Here, you will find a monument to Shakespeare and an epitaph believed to have been written by the bard himself. Well, if you're the greatest writer Britain has ever produced, you might as well do the job yourself, right? The church is an impressive structure with ornate interiors. An impressive sight no matter what your religious or literary leanings.

Holy Trinity Church, as seen on a tour of Britain cities
Riverbank Stratford-upon-Avon

Lunch on the riverbank

Stop for lunch or afternoon tea in any number of cosy eateries you will pass along or around the riverbanks. Within the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, there are three dining options. The Riverside café opens late morning and offers indoor and outdoor seating with views across the river. Susie's Café Bar is open Wednesday to Saturday, also from late morning — perfect for a quick bite. For something more substantial, the Rooftop Restaurant and Cocktail Bar is open from 11:30am.

The Royal Shakespeare Theatre

The spiritual home of Shakespearean drama for bookworms and theatregoers the world over — welcome to The Royal Shakespeare Theatre. The building itself actually contains two auditoria: the modern 1,018-seat Royal Shakespeare Theatre facing north and, to the south, the 469-capacity Swan Theatre with its red-brick Victorian facade. It is worth booking a tour of the building, and these take place twice a day, one before noon and one early afternoon. Check their website for the latest prices and timings. Before you leave, be sure to climb the 107-foot viewing tower to take in views across the Warwickshire countryside.

The Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon
Anne Hathaway's Cottage

Anne Hathaway's Cottage

This well-preserved sixteenth-century English farmhouse was the childhood home of Shakespeare's wife, Anne Hathaway. She lived here until she married the playwright in 1582. Surrounding the cottage you will find picturesque gardens, including a traditional English cottage garden, orchards, and a woodland walk. When you're ready for some quiet reflection, there are designated quiet areas in the Sculpture Trail and the Tree Garden. The cottage is approximately a 30 minutes' walk from The Royal Shakespeare Theatre, and you can find the most scenic route here.

Evening: take in a play

Return to the Royal Shakespeare Theatre to enjoy a play. Booking in advance is essential during the busier months, and advisable all year round. If you are not familiar with the play which is being performed, be sure to buy a program which will help you get the most out of the whole spectacle. See if you can spot any of the world-famous actors who often perform here, just a few feet in front of you.

The Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon

Walking tour of Stratford City Map

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