Stratford-Upon-Avon, Shakespeare’s birthplace, is always a popular destination, and this year, marking the 400th anniversary of his death, it feels even more special.

I recently visited, eager to explore the town and the legacy of the playwright.

Join DOYOUSPEAKLONDON as we explore the top sights of Stratford-Upon-Avon!

Stratford-Upon-Avon: the birthplace of the world’s greatest playwright

Stratford is located very close to the Cotswolds, an area that was historically important for the production and trade of sheep and wool until the late 19th century.

It is also the birthplace of William Shakespeare, born here in 1564.

His house is open to visitors, and we were lucky to explore it during off-peak hours. This allowed us to fully imagine life in Shakespeare’s time and get a sense of the living conditions back then.

We enjoyed live theatre in the house, filled with anecdotes about Shakespeare’s family. William’s father, a successful wool dealer and Mayor of Stratford, ran his business from home. One funny story revealed that their large bed was placed in the house’s entrance to impress visitors, and it even doubled as a guest bed!

The house was the largest on Henley Street and became home to William Shakespeare after his marriage to Anne Hathaway. When his father died in 1601, William inherited it.

Part of the property was later leased and turned into an inn, first called the Maidenhead and later the Swan and Maidenhead, which operated until 1847.

 

The gardens are truly beautiful and even served as an outdoor theatre, with an actor performing Shakespeare all day. Along the walls, illustrations of his plays were displayed, designed to make his works easy to understand at a glance. Absolutely fascinating!

Shakespeare’s house was a fantastic place to explore his remarkable artistic legacy and a wonderful introduction to his work for children.

Stratford-Upon-Avon, a picturesque town along the Avon river

Stratford-Upon-Avon has plenty of attractions beyond Shakespeare. We especially enjoyed the Mechanical Art and Design (MAD) Museum.

Fans of machines and mechanisms, both children and adults, will be amazed by this fascinating and interactive museum!

The town is also full of pubs and restaurants. Looking for a lunch spot? We highly recommend ‘The Encore’ Pub!

We had a wonderful time at ‘The Encore,’ enjoying the view of the Avon River. The food was delicious, from the savoury King Prawn, Crab, and Chorizo Linguine to the fresh and flavourful Wholefood Salad. The staff were friendly and welcoming, making the experience even better.

The pub was cosy and full of Shakespearean charm: many paintings on the walls featured skulls, cleverly illustrating the famous quote, ‘To be or not to be, that is the question!’ Even the toilets were whimsically themed, adding to the playful atmosphere.

Last but not least, Stratford-Upon-Avon is a beautiful town, full of charming half-timbered houses, some of which have even been acquired by well-known hotel chains.

Shakespeare’s presence is felt everywhere in the town, even cleverly used to hide construction works!

Stratford-Upon-Avon is a must-see for anyone eager to explore Shakespeare, the man, the writer, the artist, or for those simply looking for a delightful journey into the Cotswolds.

Have fun, and don’t forget to share your impressions on the blog!

I hope you’ve enjoyed this post and found some inspiration for your visit. If you’re planning to explore Stratford-Upon-Avon soon, please share your experiences and thoughts on DOYOUSPEAKLONDON’s blog!

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To find out more:

Stratford-upon-Avon is a charming town in Warwickshire, in the West Midlands of England, situated on the banks of the River Avon, about 100 miles (160 km) northwest of London.

Shakespeare’s birthplace website
Address: Henley St, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 6QW

Mechanical Art and Design (MAD) Museum website
Address: 4-5, Henley St, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 6PT

Encore Pub in Stratford Upon Avon website
Address: 1 Bridge St, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 6AB

See my other recommendations for England getaways here.