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Stratford-Upon-Avon is a picturesque town beautifully situated on the river Avon and offers a rich blend of culture and history.
World famous as the home town of William Shakespeare and the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC), tourism is a major part of the economy and at peak seasons the town centre and nearby river Avon are lively bustling places. The new Park and Ride facilities offer a great alternative to trying to park in the town centre.
For a fascinating insight into the Great Bard's life and times, visitors can explore five houses with Shakespeare connections including Anne Hathaway's Cottage, Nash's House and New Place and Shakespeare's Birthplace. While Shakespeare's grave lies at one of England's most beautiful parish churches - The Collegiate Church of the Holy and Undivided Trinity.
The major Shakespeare related houses are all owned by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust and a joint ticket that enables access to every one of the attractions is available.
Enjoy any of his great works which are performed throughout the year by the world's largest classical theatre company, the Royal Shakespeare Company, which has two Stratford theatres - The Royal Shakespeare Theatre and The Swan Theatre.
As well as it's literary connections, there is much to see and do in and around Stratford-upon-Avon. Discover some of Britain's finest historic buildings and glorious gardens dotted throughout the centre among the black and white timber framed buildings.
The Butterfly Farm sits just across the river and children can enjoy making their own rubbing at the Stratford Brass Rubbing Centre.
Old and young alike will also enjoy a visit to The Falstaffs Experience, a living museum where history is brought to life with theatrical and atmospheric settings.
Further fun can be had at the Creaky Cauldron, Museum of Witchcraft and Wizardology. Situated in one of the most haunted buildings in the country, visit the museum for a fascinating glimpse into the world of the supernatural, or even attend one of the regular guided candlelit tours of the building or ghost walks of the town centre.
There is also the opportunity to take a boat out on the River Avon or to see the town by hop-on, hop-off sightseeing buses. A number of walking tours and trails also operate in the town to help visitors explore all that Stratford has to offer.
Shopping in Stratford is a delight, with a choice ranging from gift shops to department stores, jewellers to antique shops, and boutiques to bookshops. There is a weekly market on Fridays, as well as a regular farmer's market, a craft market in the summer and a Christmas market. You won't go home empty handed!
The town offers a good range of restaurants and food outlets to cater for all visitors, and as a cultural centre the town has a real cosmopolitan feel with lots of plays, shows and festivals throughout the year. In fact there is so much to see and do that most people just have to come back time after time.
For details on how to get to Stratford-upon-Avon, see our Transport pages that include details on the Stratford-upon-Avon Railway Station, travelling from London to Stratford, and further information on travelling within the county.
There are also a number of nearby picturesque villages and hamlets such as Temple Grafton, Welford-on-Avon, Dormston, Clifford Chambers, Snitterfield, Long Marston, Ettington, Alderminster, Aston Cantlow, Loxley, Ashorne and Newbold Pacey, and Hampton Lucy to name a few.
Other local attractions nearby to Stratford include Bungo's Play Barn by Bidford-upon-Avon.
The local Tourist Information Centre within Stratford is located on the junction of Bridgeway and Clopton Bridge.
Stratford Upon Avon Tourist Information Centre
Bridgefoot
Stratford Upon Avon
Warwickshire
CV37 6YY
Tel: (UK) 0870 160 7930
Back to Towns of Warwickshire | |
Useful Links to Information on Stratford upon Avon and organisations within Stratford upon Avon.
Accommodation in Stratford-upon-Avon
Events in Stratford upon Avon
- **All 2008 Festive Season events**
Stratford upon Avon Tourist Information Centre
Street details of Stratford-upon-Avon
Pictures of Stratford-upon-Avon
The Royal Shakespeare Company
www.shakespeare-country.co.uk/stratford-upon-avon
Visit Stratford upon Avon - Town Management website
Useful Links to further information on Stratford-upon-Avon
Weather in Stratford-upon-Avon
Google Map of Stratford upon Avon
Local buses serving Stratford upon Avon
National transport links to Stratford-upon-Avon
*Chiltern Railways 'Stratford Explorer' value ticket*
Stratford upon Avon car park locations and fees |