If you’re in need of an engaging history lesson or if you simply want to chill somewhere quiet and easygoing, then pack your bags and head on over to Stratford-upon-Avon. What makes this place special is the fact that William Shakespeare, the poet and playwright who played a big role in shaping today’s art and literature, used to reside here. Listen to stories of Shakespeare’s life and step into the very home he lived in or watch his pieces at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. Aside from attractions that revolve around the legendary writer, this rural town is also filled with both modern and ancient buildings. Marvel in awe at technological advancements or familiarize yourself with the traditional scene. There are quite a lot of things that you can enjoy here, so we listed down a number of activities for you. Don’t waste any more time and check out our list of the best things to do in Stratford-upon-Avon, United Kingdom.
1. Watch a play at The Swan Theatre and the Royal Shakespeare Theater
Watching a Shakespeare play is a must, especially when you’re in his hometown. Aside from being a significant landmark, the Royal Shakespeare Theatre is the go-to spot for actors and directors who want to bring Shakespeare to life. This modern version of a courtyard theater will make you feel like royalty, with its three levels of seats. Witness, from the balcony, seasoned actors perform in a top-class production, or get a front-row seat for a closer look. Indulge in a classy experience filled with performing arts and literature.
Royal Shakespeare Theatre
Address: Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Waterside, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 6BB, United Kingdom
Website: Royal Shakespeare Theater
Opening hours: (Performance days) Mon - Sat: 10am - 8pm; Sun: 10am - 5pm; (Non-Performance Days) Mon - Sat: 10am - 6pm; Sun: 10am - 5pm.
Price: From 16 GBP ( 21 USD)
2. Live your Harry Potter dreams in Magic Alley
Hop on over to the wizarding world and accompany Harry Potter in his magical adventure. For an hour, you can walk around the Enchanted Manor Museum and talk to witches, wizards, and even fairies. Enjoy the songs and stories of traveling performers, magicians, and other unique folks. Try the Enchanted Manor Virtual Tour and find the answers to your quest by visiting a magic school and exploring its mysterious forest. Learn all about potions and spells through interactive photos and videos. If you want to know what Harry felt like when he was preparing for the new school year, then drop by the Emporium. It’s an extraordinary shop filled with wands, toys, books, and other magical gifts. Don’t forget to add a spellbook to your collection or bring home your own magic kit.
Magic Alley & The Creaky Cauldron
Address: 1st Floor, Bell Court Shopping Centre, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 6EX, United Kingdom
Website: Magic Alley & The Creaky Cauldron
Opening hours: Sun - Mon: 11am - 5pm; Tue - Sat: 10am - 5pm
Price: 10 GBP (13 USD) for adults; 7 GBP (9 USD) for children
3. Stop for an ale at the oldest pub in town, Old Thatch Tavern
Take a break from exploring the streets in this laidback pub located at the heart of Stratford. This family-run beerhouse has been in business for more than 500 years. It’s been customized over time to bring you maximum comfort. Lounge on the leather sofa and choose among their variety of beer. Pair your drink with a savory snack or eat a complete meal to replenish your energy. If you’re up for a surprise, you should give their homemade pie of the day a try. Whatever they’re about to serve you, your taste buds are in for a treat.
Old Thatch Tavern
Address: Greenhill St, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 6LE, United Kingdom
Website: Old Thatch Tavern
Opening hours: Sun: 12pm - 6pm; Tue - Thu: 12pm - 9pm; Fri - Sat: 12pm - 10:30pm (closed on Mon)
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4. Learn how to make ravioli from scratch (from USD 140.0)
If you love Italian food or if you just want to show off your cooking abilities to your family and friends, then you might want to check out this ravioli-making class. You’ll learn how to make two kinds of homemade ravioli from a passionate pasta lover. You’ll even get to prepare your own sauce. Afterward, you will eat your own creation over a bottle of wine while enjoying a conversation. This is a delicious and delightful way of making new friends and acquiring a new skill.
Pasta Making - Cooking Experience
Duration: 3 hours
5. Cruise along River Avon with Avon Boating
Sit back, relax, and watch stunning views while gently rocking over River Avon. There’s a variety of boats that you can hire for you and your friends. Choose a motorboat if you want a smooth and stable ride or go for a rowing boat if you want a romantic and intimate time on the water. You can even bring your furry friend with you. Unwind for 40 minutes and you might even catch a glimpse of the beautiful sunset.
Avon Boating
Address: Swans Nest Boathouse, Swans Nest, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 7LS, United Kingdom
Website: Avon Boating
Opening hours: 10am - 4pm (daily)
6. Bring your kids to MAD Museum
Take your kids to the exciting interactive museum, MAD Museum, also known as Mechanical Art and Design Museum. This is an out-of-this-world exhibition filled with robots, circuits, and eccentric designs. The museum is the perfect destination for curious little kids and young adults. They can learn about old-fashioned and modern technology by watching education modules and trying them out for themselves. Feed their imagination and let them figure out how everything works by pressing buttons and making them build their own machines.
The MAD Museum
Address: 4-5, Henley St, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 6PT, United Kingdom
Website: The MAD Museum
Opening hours: Sat - Sun: 10am - 5:30pm (closed from Mon - Fri)
Price: Adult: 7.80 GBP (10 USD); Children 6 - 15 years old: 5.20 GBP (7 USD); Children under 5 years: Free
7. Tour Shakespeare Distillery in Drayton (from USD 25.0)
Broaden your knowledge of all sorts of alcohol by going on a tour of Shakespeare Distillery. Witness the complete process of creating a bottle of gin, up to how it’s labeled and sealed. Find out the history behind this delicious alcoholic beverage and which ingredients are commonly used to create it before going on a taste test. Create your own gin at Shakespeare Distillery Gin School and conjure your special cocktail while attending a cocktail masterclass. You will end the day with new information about Stratford’s distillery culture, and a new skill.
Stratford Upon Avon Shakespeare Distillery Afternoon Tour
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
8. Explore Stratford's dark side on a ghost walk
If you love a good scary story, then this ghost walk is the perfect activity for you. For an hour and a half, you’ll get to tour Stratford while listening to chilling tales of ghosts and witches, that will surely keep you up at night. Walk past eerie buildings and discover what horrific mystery occurred inside. It’s an easygoing walk around town paired with engaging and exciting storytelling from experienced tour guides. Don’t forget to bring company, just in case your walk home starts to feel spooky.
Stratford Ghost Walk
Address: on Waterside, opposite the junction of, Sheep St, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 6BA, United Kingdom
Website: Stratford Ghost Walk
Opening hours: Sat: 7:30pm - 9pm
Price: Adult: 8 GBP (10 USD); Child: 5 GBP (6 USD)
9. Enjoy an afternoon-tea baking class (from USD 128.0)
Join this traditional afternoon-tea baking class and master how to bake a bunch of scrumptious treats. Gain new techniques that you can use to make your chocolate fudge cake unique. Become a pro at cooking different kinds of scones. Afterward, indulge by having your delicious masterpiece or bring them home for others to try. Now’s the chance for you to impress your friends.
Traditional Afternoon Tea-Baking Class
Duration: 3 hours
10. Take a trip to Shakespeare's Birthplace (from USD 30.0)
Learn about Shakespeare’s life and works by visiting his childhood home. Costumed tour guides will take you through a detailed journey of his life, starting from his family background up to his impact on the world. Enter the rooms the writer once resided in and check out rare preserved artifacts that will give you a personal insight into what life was like during his time. Watch a live performance in the garden and listen to lively tales about this legendary writer. There’s also a multimedia exhibit that depicts just how far and wide Shakespeare’s influence has molded theatre and literature. Who says a history lesson has to be boring?
Shakespeare's Birthplace: Shakespeare's Family Homes Ticket
Duration: 45 to 60 minutes
The past meets the present
Stratford-upon-Avon is where history meets innovation. You can choose to learn about tradition and culture by walking around and seeing famous attractions for yourself. But if you don’t want to tire yourself out, check out virtual tours and online exhibits where everything will be given to you with just a couple of clicks. Whether you prefer being old-fashioned or keeping up with the trends, there’s something fun for you to do in this special town of Stratford-upon-Avon.
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