The Guide - Articles
Things to do and see in Stratford
Throughout the year it's possible to enjoy a wide range of exciting, colourful and fun events and festivals in Stratford.
Experience England's England as never before, farmers markets and food festivals show local Stratford produce at it's best. Living history and jousting tournaments, give you a taste of Stratford's rich history.
At many of the events and festivals you can meet local Stratford people who will help you discover some of the specialities and traditions of Stratford-Upon-Avon and enjoy the very best of entertainment.
Stratford is not just a summer destination, seasonal events from Easter egg hunts to spooky Halloween to Christmas markets offer fun and enjoyment whatever the time of year.
Of course Stratford flourishes in the summer with music concerts and open gardens and much much more.
Some of the things you may enjoy are:
* The lost Elizabethan Gardens at Kenilworth Castle were recreated and re-opened in 2009, lost for 400 years, they are now open to visitors once more. The gardens are a paradise for garden lovers, you can wander through the sumptuous landscape imaging how Queen Elizabeth I herself would have seen them.
*Kenilworth Castle is an amazing medieval fortress, one of the largest historic visitor attractions in the West Midlands and one of the most spectacular castle ruins in England.
Please see our What's on in Stratford page for current events at Kenilworth Castle and Elizabethan Gardens
* The Heritage Motor Centre motor museum in Gaydon, home to the worlds greatest collection of British Cars!
The motor car is over one hundred years old and is one of the world's most influential inventions.
The museum tells the story of the car, from some of the very first to take to British roads, right up to the most modern designs.
Heritage Motor Centre
Please see our page for current events at The Heritage Motor Centre motor museum
* Warwick Castle is an amazing day out for all the family. Packed full of exciting events and attractions, don't miss it!
Warwick Castle
* Sulgrave Manor, Sulgrave, family home to the ancestors of the first president of the USA, George Washington.
Sulgrave Manor
Most visitors head towards Stratford-Upon-Avon because of it's links to Shakespeare. There are many historic houses and sites in and around Stratford-Upon-Avon for you to visit and explore. Here are just a few.
* Anne Hathaway's Cottage the romantic quintessential thatched country cottage where the young Shakespeare wooed his wife to be, Anne Hathaway, at her childhood home. A country cottage garden, overflowing with blooms, shrubs and traditional vegetables. A growing Willow Cabin and the Shakespeare Tree and Sculpture Garden and Elizabethan-style yew maze.
*Hall's Croft Visit the luxurious home of Shakespeare's daughter and her husband, Dr John Hall, an eminent physician. Explore the house's lavish and elegant rooms many exquisite furnishings and paintings of the period are on display, as well as a small exhibition of early medicine.
*Mary Arden's Farm the childhood home of Shakespeare's mother, Mary Arden. Discover the fascinating story of this charming farmhouse.
Step back in time to the 1570s and experience what life was like for a farming household in Shakespeare's time at neighbouring Palmer's Farm. Watch the period interpreters, dressed in replica Tudor clothing, perform a wide range of activities from hand-milking sheep, cooking over an open fire, baking bread, dipping tallow candles…and much more.
*Nash's House & New Place Nash's House was owned by Thomas Nash, first husband of Shakespeare's grand-daughter, Elizabeth. In addition to the exceptional collection of Elizabethan furniture and tapestries, Nash's House also has displays upstairs on the fascinating history of Stratford.
*Shakespeare Birthplace Trust The five Shakespeare Houses are owned and cared for by The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust.
They are an independent charity who depend entirely on the public for support to maintain and preserve the World's Shakespeare Heritage. By visiting the Shakespeare Houses you are helping to keep alive the legacy that Shakespeare left for the world.
To find out more about the work of Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, our regular events, the education programme and study resources visit their website Shakespeare Birthplace Trust
*The Creaky Cauldron By Day: The Wizarding World of Dr Thaddeus Bombay - where every hour is the witching hour but you don't need to be a card-carrying witch to join in the fun.
And By Night: The Stratford Ripper Experience
A series of terrifying events took place in the late 1700's in and around the infamous White Lion Inn. Find out more.... if you dare!
*Tudor World Museum at Falstaff Experience is an award-winning museum which brings the 16th century to life! With interesting facts and realistic recreations, this is an atmospheric and fascinating experience.
*Holy Trinity Church one of England's finest and most visited parish churches. Since 1210 people have worshipped within the building.
Holy Trinity Church in its garden setting by the river Avon remains very much as it was in William Shakespeare's day. Yet the lovely church where the great playwright lies buried has a fascinating 800 year history of change and counter-change.
*Royal Shakespeare Theatre The Royal Shakespeare Theatre and Swan Theatres in Stratford-upon-Avon re-opened in November 2010 following a £112M transformation which has seen them re-developed to create the most dynamic space for performing and enjoying Shakespeare.
Please see our What's on in Stratford page for current events at the RSC
*Stratford-upon-Avon Butterfly Farm the UK's largest tropical butterfly paradise. Rain or shine, discover many of the world's most beautiful butterflies in an exotic environment of tropical blossom with splashing waterfalls and fish-filled pools.
*Stratford Armouries Stratford Armouries is a truly unique museum and visitor centre set in 86 acres of rolling Warwickshire countryside. The galleries house a range of world-class exhibits that will amaze the whole family
This is just a small taster of some of the many wonderful attractions and historic sites in and around Stratford-Upon-Avon. If you would like us to feature your attraction here, or advertise on the Stratford Tourist Guide please contact us.
Contact Us
Advertise on the Stratford Tourist Guide
Experience England's England as never before, farmers markets and food festivals show local Stratford produce at it's best. Living history and jousting tournaments, give you a taste of Stratford's rich history.
At many of the events and festivals you can meet local Stratford people who will help you discover some of the specialities and traditions of Stratford-Upon-Avon and enjoy the very best of entertainment.
Stratford is not just a summer destination, seasonal events from Easter egg hunts to spooky Halloween to Christmas markets offer fun and enjoyment whatever the time of year.
Of course Stratford flourishes in the summer with music concerts and open gardens and much much more.
Some of the things you may enjoy are:
* The lost Elizabethan Gardens at Kenilworth Castle were recreated and re-opened in 2009, lost for 400 years, they are now open to visitors once more. The gardens are a paradise for garden lovers, you can wander through the sumptuous landscape imaging how Queen Elizabeth I herself would have seen them.
*Kenilworth Castle is an amazing medieval fortress, one of the largest historic visitor attractions in the West Midlands and one of the most spectacular castle ruins in England.
Please see our What's on in Stratford page for current events at Kenilworth Castle and Elizabethan Gardens
* The Heritage Motor Centre motor museum in Gaydon, home to the worlds greatest collection of British Cars!
The motor car is over one hundred years old and is one of the world's most influential inventions.
The museum tells the story of the car, from some of the very first to take to British roads, right up to the most modern designs.
Heritage Motor Centre
Please see our page for current events at The Heritage Motor Centre motor museum
* Warwick Castle is an amazing day out for all the family. Packed full of exciting events and attractions, don't miss it!
Warwick Castle
* Sulgrave Manor, Sulgrave, family home to the ancestors of the first president of the USA, George Washington.
Sulgrave Manor
Most visitors head towards Stratford-Upon-Avon because of it's links to Shakespeare. There are many historic houses and sites in and around Stratford-Upon-Avon for you to visit and explore. Here are just a few.
* Anne Hathaway's Cottage the romantic quintessential thatched country cottage where the young Shakespeare wooed his wife to be, Anne Hathaway, at her childhood home. A country cottage garden, overflowing with blooms, shrubs and traditional vegetables. A growing Willow Cabin and the Shakespeare Tree and Sculpture Garden and Elizabethan-style yew maze.
*Hall's Croft Visit the luxurious home of Shakespeare's daughter and her husband, Dr John Hall, an eminent physician. Explore the house's lavish and elegant rooms many exquisite furnishings and paintings of the period are on display, as well as a small exhibition of early medicine.
*Mary Arden's Farm the childhood home of Shakespeare's mother, Mary Arden. Discover the fascinating story of this charming farmhouse.
Step back in time to the 1570s and experience what life was like for a farming household in Shakespeare's time at neighbouring Palmer's Farm. Watch the period interpreters, dressed in replica Tudor clothing, perform a wide range of activities from hand-milking sheep, cooking over an open fire, baking bread, dipping tallow candles…and much more.
*Nash's House & New Place Nash's House was owned by Thomas Nash, first husband of Shakespeare's grand-daughter, Elizabeth. In addition to the exceptional collection of Elizabethan furniture and tapestries, Nash's House also has displays upstairs on the fascinating history of Stratford.
*Shakespeare Birthplace Trust The five Shakespeare Houses are owned and cared for by The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust.
They are an independent charity who depend entirely on the public for support to maintain and preserve the World's Shakespeare Heritage. By visiting the Shakespeare Houses you are helping to keep alive the legacy that Shakespeare left for the world.
To find out more about the work of Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, our regular events, the education programme and study resources visit their website Shakespeare Birthplace Trust
*The Creaky Cauldron By Day: The Wizarding World of Dr Thaddeus Bombay - where every hour is the witching hour but you don't need to be a card-carrying witch to join in the fun.
And By Night: The Stratford Ripper Experience
A series of terrifying events took place in the late 1700's in and around the infamous White Lion Inn. Find out more.... if you dare!
*Tudor World Museum at Falstaff Experience is an award-winning museum which brings the 16th century to life! With interesting facts and realistic recreations, this is an atmospheric and fascinating experience.
*Holy Trinity Church one of England's finest and most visited parish churches. Since 1210 people have worshipped within the building.
Holy Trinity Church in its garden setting by the river Avon remains very much as it was in William Shakespeare's day. Yet the lovely church where the great playwright lies buried has a fascinating 800 year history of change and counter-change.
*Royal Shakespeare Theatre The Royal Shakespeare Theatre and Swan Theatres in Stratford-upon-Avon re-opened in November 2010 following a £112M transformation which has seen them re-developed to create the most dynamic space for performing and enjoying Shakespeare.
Please see our What's on in Stratford page for current events at the RSC
*Stratford-upon-Avon Butterfly Farm the UK's largest tropical butterfly paradise. Rain or shine, discover many of the world's most beautiful butterflies in an exotic environment of tropical blossom with splashing waterfalls and fish-filled pools.
*Stratford Armouries Stratford Armouries is a truly unique museum and visitor centre set in 86 acres of rolling Warwickshire countryside. The galleries house a range of world-class exhibits that will amaze the whole family
This is just a small taster of some of the many wonderful attractions and historic sites in and around Stratford-Upon-Avon. If you would like us to feature your attraction here, or advertise on the Stratford Tourist Guide please contact us.
Contact Us
Advertise on the Stratford Tourist Guide
