Location: Stratford-upon-Avon
Top Things to do in Stratford-upon-Avon
The 5 Best History Museums in Stratford-upon-Avon, England
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. The Old Slaughterhouse Heritage and Arts Centre
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 7 reviews
Closed 21st Dec - February 2019. Located on the site of an 18th Century rope-walk, The Old Slaughterhouse is now the home of Escape Arts, a Stratford based Arts Charity. Entry is free. We host regular exhibitions, visual arts projects and manage an ongoing process of digital archiving, celebrating the town's history, it's people and their stories. Whether you are interested in local history, the arts or simply want to explore Stratford's past, we've got something for everyone. Our cafe offers hot and cold drinks plus a range of delicious home-made cakes and snacks. Baby changing facilities and high chairs are also available. Our gift shop sells a range of heritage souvenirs, local artists' work and unique gifts. Please note, there is no public parking on site. The building is equipped with ramps, stair-lift, accessible toilet and is situated next to a Disability Car Park. We are also dog friendly.
Reviewed By ragiansanti34 - Staffordshire, United Kingdom
The Old Slaughterhouse Heritage and Arts Centre showcases local artists and sells unique handmade gifts and artwork. There is plenty of informational displays and memorabilia pertaining to Stratford’s history. They also have a cafe that serves homemade desserts, hot and cold beverages.
2. Shakespeare's Schoolroom & Guildhall
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 599 reviews
Discover where William Shakespeare was educated and inspired to become the world's greatest playwright. Learn how he spent his early school days and first experienced theatre. Take part in a Tudor lesson with Master Thomas Jenkins and brush up on your Latin! More than just a museum, Schoolroom & Guildhall provides a truly immersive experience for all. Marvel at our medieval wall paintings, dress up Tudor-style, play Tudor games and get messy with quill and ink. Stratford-upon-Avon's Guildhall, in the heart of the town, is a fine example of one of a few remaining medieval Guildhalls in the country. Our knowledgeable, enthusiastic and welcoming guides will share with you the many stories the building has to tell. If you're coming to Stratford don't miss out on what many are saying is the best attraction in town!
Reviewed By IndianaJane
I decided to visit it last Tuesday with my husband and two daughters aged 9+11. We were not disappointed! From the moment we arrived, we were met by enthusiastic and knowledgeable staff, in particular, Verity and Peter who went out of their way to bring the history of this remarkable building alive for us all. We took part in the recreation of a typical Tudor school day, complete with Latin lesson within Shakespeare's actual classroom. The room next door has been preserved as a Georgian classroom, with its original features and the chance to dress up and try your hand at writing with a quill pen. We had a fantastic few hours there and each one of us came away with interesting facts and stories. The School Room is not part of any set tour of Stratford, but is well worth a visit to a spectacular building steeped in history.
3. The Battle of Edgehill Exhibition
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 10 reviews
4. Tudor World
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,025 reviews
This award winning living history museum is situated right in the heart of the historic town of Stratford upon Avon within a Grade 2* listed historically significant building. The museum depicts historical settings to simulate the Tudor time period, providing visitors with an experiential interpretation of history. The museum also runs the Walking tour with William Shakespeare; museum ghost tours and is popular with school groups.
Reviewed By saintsfcmark - Southampton, United Kingdom
staycation ideas attractions Due to our Staycation cut short due to lockdown the next day... We spent our last day wondering around Stratford Upon Avon.. We found a few museums and attractions already shut due to lockdown. ???? But set back in a little alley way underneath an arch of an old building in Sheep Street you can Step back in time at Tudor world A wonderful little Tudor museum that is great value for money Tudor World museum is situated right in the centre of the beautiful Town of Stratford upon Avon, just metres from the world famous RSC. Set within an historic 16th century grade 2* building once occupied by William Shrieve an archer. Discover the secret lives of the Tudors and what life was really like during the time of William Shakespeare; Francis Drake; Elizabeth I and Henry VIII. The museum has no funding or grants and relies completely on you the visitor to help in the upkeep of the historic building. Despite limited resources, this plucky museum tries to put in as much 'punch' as possible. The museum is suitable for all ages, but you might wish to warn children there are figures in some of the exhibits to enhance the experience and atmospheric lighting. There are lots of interactive elements: from a touchscreen; videos to choose from; a feast to sit out; a thrown perch on and a four poster bed to lie on. You can take part in a written witch trial; go in the stocks as a drunk or try your hand at quill writing in the school room. The museum is very old (more than 400 years) with low beams, uneven floors and stairs. The tour is by the light of a lantern. For this reason it may not suitable for those with mobility problems, impaired vision or those that are claustrophobic or nervous. Dogs are not permitted. And if you have some time to kill in the evening why not take in one of there #ghosttours ???? Ghost tours take place after the museum is closed and the lights switched off! The guide will relate stories and sightings within the building by lantern light. The tours have been running since 2002 and the only tour to take place within one of the historic buildings of Stratford.. There is also a wonderful little gift shop for a few souvenirs. So why not step back in time... We highly recommend a visit to this museum. #supportyourlocal Attractions #shops #restaurants #bars #cafes #hotels and #pubs #theyneedyou
5. The Play's The Thing
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 3 reviews
Take a magical journey through 100 years of theatre-making in Stratford-upon-Avon with our award-winning interactive exhibition. Explore a treasure trove of costumes and props from our stages, get hands-on with interactive exhibits, and see a rare copy of Shakespeare's First Folio. Shining a spotlight on the creativity behind-the-scenes, there is something for all ages to enjoy. Open daily.
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