Location: Stratford-upon-Avon
Top Things to do in Stratford-upon-Avon
10 Hidden Gems Things to do in Stratford-upon-Avon That You Shouldn't Miss
Stratford-upon-Avon is steeped in the history of its most famous resident, William Shakespeare. This Warwickshire country town contains the home where Shakespeare was born, the cottage where Anne Hathaway resided before their marriage and the church where the couple is buried. Need a break from the Bard? The town also boasts Europe's largest butterfly farm.
Restaurants in Stratford-upon-Avon
1. Go Cotswolds
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 744 reviews
Award-winning small-group guided day tours of the Cotswolds departing from Stratford-upon-Avon and Moreton-in-Marsh – as seen in 'Rick Steves' Great Britain'! Check our website (click "More" underneath our profile photo) for up-to-date availability and book direct to guarantee your seat. Also available: Brewery and Cotswolds Pub Tour every Saturday and private tours for small groups of up to 16. Contact us for details!
2. The Attic Theatre
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 649 reviews
The Attic Theatre is the No.1 fringe theatre in Stratford upon Avon and home to award-winning 'Tread the Boards' Theatre Company. In 2016 we begin the year with Romeo & Juliet, the only Shakespearean play being performed in Stratford during the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare's death. First established in 2009 by Tread the Boards, an award winning theatre Company. This unique, riverside theatre is located in the heart of Shakespeares' birth town. This unique space is housed in a Grade 2 listed 15th century building and seats just 89 people. This makes for a very personal and intimate theatrical experience.
Reviewed By RobinNicky - Benalmadena, Spain
My wife and I went to Stratford for an afternoon in the sunshine this afternoon and whilst having lunch at Cox's yard bar we passed the box office for the Attic Theatre. We decided to go and see the show, and it was a great decision. The acting was really good and the production was excellent from start to finish. It followed the traditional treasure Island storyline but with a good dose of humour gently added. There were jokes for the whole family. Other people took children of all ages and they seemed to be loving it as much as we did. I would thoroughly recommend to everyone who enjoys fringe theatre productions. We will look out for other productions from this great theatre company. Thank you to the whole team involved.
3. The Stratford Alehouse
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 211 reviews
Reviewed By Summersun1244
Paid a visit on a Wednesday when staying in Stratford - it was live music and open mic night, absolute gem of a place and a brilliant night was had. Wish we had a local like this! Rhubarb cider was delicious. Staff fantastic - made us feel at home. Highly recommend!!!
4. The Bear Pit Theatre
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 111 reviews
The Bear Pit Theatre is Stratford-upon-Avon’s first and only ‘little’ theatre in heart of Shakespeare’s historic Warwickshire town. We produce our own production under the banner of The Bear Pit Theatre Company but we also welcome other community theatre groups to hire our venue throughout the year. Our venue has a 100 seat auditorium and boast a relaxing Cafe Bar, accessible toilets and baby changing facilities. Parking is adjacent to the venue and is a 5 minute walk from the Royal Shakespeare Company.
Reviewed By PWJL - Stratford-upon-Avon, United Kingdom
We went to the Beat Pit Theatre yesterday to see one part of the Norman Conquests trilogy by Alan Ayckbourn. We enjoyed ourselves immensely. The well-written play was superbly acted - professional standard performances by amateur actors. We are seeing the other two parts of the trilogy tonight and tomorrow night. [The only thing we don't like about the theatre is its name.]
5. Sims Vintage Antiques Centre
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 103 reviews
Sims Vintage Antiques Centre is full of a fascinating array of Antiques, Collectables, Memorabilia, Curios & interiors. We offer a wide range of stock from over 50 quality dealers. We pride ourselves on offering a friendly and professional service to our dealers and customers alike. We're nestled amongst other independent traders and have an amazing onsite restaurant and Farm shop selling award winning food.
Reviewed By X4157BTnigelp - Leamington Spa, United Kingdom
A very interesting visit to the antique shop. Something there for everyone to look at.Purchased a World War 2 flying helmet for my military collection. Staff were very knowledgeable and keen to help in any way. Well worth a visit .
6. Escape Live Stratford-upon-Avon
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 776 reviews
Escape Live is Stratford-upon-Avon's premier live escape game offers a unique form of entertainment, perfect for groups of 2-6, that can be experienced in our magical and uniquely themed escape rooms or from the comfort of your own home! Perfect for friends, family, colleagues or special occasions!
Reviewed By jonnyt955 - London, United Kingdom
We really enjoyed the Shakespeare's Script escape room with Steph. Great room and fun for all of us (2 adults and 11 yr old). Just the right level of difficulty (12 seconds to spare!!!) Steph is an excellent host and I would recommend this as a great activity.
7. Bancroft Cruisers
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 384 reviews
Coronavirus - we're so sorry but we are closing for a few weeks to ensure safety. Hopefully back on the water soon! The best 1 hour sightseeing cruise in Stratford upon Avon!! We offer excellent sightseeing cruises and we're the only company to have a boat with a licensed bar, wonderful cream teas and a Live commentary by our own on-board guides. Our guides share the history - and the amusing unknown history - of Stratford & Shakespeare during your cruise. We're a family business that operates 365 days a year, river conditions permitting. We can also cater for private parties - birthdays, hen parties, anniversaries, Christmas, schools & coach groups - we do just about everything! Our cruises are popular with local residents and tourists alike.
8. River Avon Chain Ferry
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 286 reviews
Take a scenic ferry trip across the River Avon to the Waterside gardens by the Royal Shakespeare Theatre and recreation grounds. In operation since 1937, and fully rebuilt in 2010 by Avon Boating, 'Malvolio' as it is named has ferried thousands of passengers back and forth over the River Avon. As one of the last remaining hand wound chain ferries in the country you will get to see a unique angle of the river with views downriver to the Holy Trinity Church and upstream to the RST.
Reviewed By ianlG8948WY - Stratford-upon-Avon, United Kingdom
Interesting method for crossing the avon with friendly staff and beautiful views of the river and riverside. For 50p you cant go wrong
9. The Guild Chapel
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 238 reviews
Chapel built by the Guild of the Holy Cross, which was established in the 13th century, whose aim was to provide for the religious and commercial needs of the clergy and merchants of the town.
Reviewed By TR26 - Dayton, United States
We were told that this ancient chapel, next to the site of Shakespeare's New Place, would have been where he went to pray every day. I regret we hadn't budgeted the time to take in the neighboring guild hall where the bard would have attended grammar school, but our few minutes in this Romanieque church were well spent. It's as beautiful as you might expect from a medieval place of worship, and it's especially well preserved, with delicate wall paintings still whole and ready for your apprediation.
10. Compton Verney Art Gallery and Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 721 reviews
This award winning art gallery near Stratford-upon-Avon offers enjoyable ways to experience art and natural beauty of it's stunning landscape. Housed in a Grade I listed Robert Adam mansion set in Capability Brown landscaped parkland, Compton Verney is home to a growing collection of works of art from around the world including Naples 1600-1800, Germanic art 1450-1650, British portraits including Reynolds, exceptional collection of Chinese bronzes, unique collection of British Folk Art, the Marx-Lambert collection, plus an exciting program of changing exhibitions.
Reviewed By 546julesb
The art gallery here houses a mixed collection of art ranging from Ancient Chinese bronzes through Naples to British Folk Art - the latter uniquely fascinating. It is a truly eclectic mix, beautifully arranged although for such splendid premises, the paintings - all in immaculate condition - almost too clean! - are not well lit and you need to adjust your position to see them properly.
