A guide to Stratford

A Guide to Stratford

Welcome to our Stratford Guide, a useful guide that will introduce an insight into the unique visitor attractions,

extensive shopping opportunities and nightlife this historic town has to offer. Famed around the world as the birth place

of Shakespeare, Stratford is blessed with a rich heritage, varied culture and stunning architecture - an ideal destination

for any short break!

Getting thereSet in the heart of England, Stratford is easily accessible situated close to excellent road links, including the M40, M42 and M5 motorways and is just an hour and a half from London and Bath and 30mins from Birmingham.

Stratford railway station is set in the heart of the town centre and is serviced by Chiltern Railways and CrossCountry trains. Visitors can even arrive in style on the Shakespeare Express. By car, Stratford is surrounded by a great network of major and minor roads. Travelling via the M40 head onto the A46, alternatively the A3400 leads directly into Stratford-upon-Avon.

Alternatively, with Coventry and Birmingham airports close by, Stratford is well connected for those travelling by air. Birmingham Airport has over 50 airlines and over 500 destinations available connecting Stratford to the rest of the world.

Getting around

With a compact town centre and simple layout it’s easy to get around the centre of Stratford. Plus with great public transport network and a Park and Ride scheme in operation it’s easy to leave the car at home.

Buses are run by Warwickshire County Council and there are plenty of routes to get you through the town and further afield. With the Park and Ride service providing direct access to the centre without the hassle of finding somewhere to park. Stratford also has a number of taxi services, including a rank at the railway stations. Avoid unreliable services by using your hotel's preferred taxi service.

The picturesque town and surrounding countryside is ideal to explore on bike, so why not hire a bike and enjoy the 5 miles of traffic free cycle path at Stratford Greenway. Bikes can be hired from the Cycle Hire Centre at the Stratford Greenway and in Stratford town centre.

Top 10 Things to Do in Stratford

Stratford is drenched in rich history and heritage and offers much to explore both within the town centre and further afield.

1. Visit the world's most famous playwright at the Shakespeare's Birthplace2. See a production at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre3. Discover this history of the town with a guided walk around Stratford town centre4. Take in the main sights with a hop-on, hop-off open air bus tour5. Visit the world famous Anne Hathaways Cottage, set in Shottery just 1 mile away6. Enjoy a romantic afternoon sailing along the River Avon on one of the many boat tours7. Shop 'til you drop in the charming town centre8. Explore Mary Arden's House in Wilmcote, with its countryside museum, 2 historic farms & more!9. For something different, head to the Falstaff's Experience; a 16th century living museum home to some remarkable tales!10. Enjoy a family day out at the legendary Warwick Castle

Stratford Shopping

With a great selection of antiques shops, curiosity shops and the big-name high street stores there is plenty of shopping to be had in Stratford! Whether your start at the River Avon or on the bustling High Street you're sure to find a bargain or two for your wardrobe, as a gift or for the home.

Start your day taking in the big name brands along the High Street, before exploring the array of shops around Shakespeares House. The Stratford Antiques Centre is definitely worth a visit! For something special, be sure to visit the exquisite jewellery shops located on Wood Street, such as George Pragnell and Howards Jewellers. No visit to Stratford-upon-Avon would be complete without visiting the many bookshops from the Chaucer Head Bookshop on Chapel Street to Shakespeare's Bookshop on Henley Street.

Outside the Stratford centre, is the Maybird Shopping Park open 7 days a week and home to several famous brands, including Boots, Game, Asda Living and more.

Stratford Nightlife, Bars & Restaurants

With a great range of restaurants, pubs and theatres there is a huge selection of evening entertainment for you to enjoy. With an abundance of restaurants and eateries on offer, you're sure to find a sumptuous meal for any occasion in Stratford-upon-Avon. Choose from stylish pubs and chic bars to delicious Italian dishes and fine three course dining. The One Elm Pub/Bistro, Othello's Bar Brasserie, the Georgetown Colonian Malaysian Restaurant, Thai Kingdom Restaurant and the Malbec Restaurant, serving British dishes, are just a taster of what's on offer.

Afterwards, take your pick from the many chic bars, traditional public houses and nightlife hotspots within the town centre. Start your evening in one of the many town bars, from the quaint and traditional, such as the Old Thatch Tavern and the Garrick Inn, to the more modern bars of No. 1 Shakespeare Street & The Chapel, Bamboodle Bar and Bar Room Bar. From the London-style boutique Saint Nightclub on Henley Street to the lavish Caz Moroccan Bar on Union Street, Stratford has something to entertain you long into the evening.

Annual Events in Stratford

Stratford plays host to an array of colourful and lively events and festivals throughout the year. From new productions by the Royal Shakespeare Company and annual Shakespeare Birthday Celebrations to Stratford Race Meetings and festivals at the Civic Hall, there's something to entertain just about everyone in Stratford!

Top 5 Unmissable Annual Events:Stratford Literary Festival - AprilShakespeare’s Birthday Celebrations - April - MayStratford Fringe Festival - June Stratford River Festival - June - JulyStratford Poetry Festival - June - July

Unmissable in 2012, is the World Shakespeare Festival (part of the London 2012 Festival), which will bring together thousands of artists from around the world who will perform almost 70 productions.

Stratford Hotels

Stratford offers a variety of hotels to suit most budgets, from budget 2* in the town centre to more up-market luxury properties a little further afield. Take a look at our selection of budget to luxury hotels in Stratford below - ideal for your next short break.

3* Travelodge Stratford-upon-Avon - Birmingham Road, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 0HS

Shakespeare country is bursting with fantastic attractions, lush countryside and historic landmarks, all of which are just a stone’s throw from the Travelodge Stratford-upon-Avon.

3* Best Western Grosvenor Hotel - Warwick Road, Stratford-upon-Avon, , CV37 6YT

The delightful Best Western Grosvenor Hotel Stratford-upon-Avon is a traditional hotel, located just 3mins from Stratford-upon-Avon's main attractions, shopping areas and restaurants.

4* Macdonald Alveston Manor - Clopton Bridge, Stratford-upon-Avon, , CV37 7HP

The Macdonald Alveston Manor hotel is a magnificent Tudor building, situated within its own landscaped grounds and located just 5mins walk to the centre of Stratford-Upon-Avon.

4* Arden Hotel - 44 Water Side, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 6BA

Shakespeare's Stratford boasts the beautiful Arden Hotel, with stunning views over the River Avon, located in the centre of town. This Stratford gem is directly opposite the world renowned Shakespeare Theatre

4* The Stratford - A QHotel - Arden Street, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 6QQ

The chic an indulgent Stratford Hotel is set right in the heart of popular Stratford-upon-Avon. The hotel is just a mere hop from the train station and Stratford's many tourist attractions.

Top 5 Luxury Hotels in Stratford

If you're looking for a touch of luxury for a special occasion or simply searching for a luxurious retreat on Stratford's doorstep, look no further than our top 5 recommended luxury hotels below.

4* Barcelo Walton Hall - Walton, Wellesbourne, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV35 9HU

Set in 65 acres of beautiful English countryside, the Barcelo Walton Hall offers a tranquil retreat for your short break. Some parts of this stunning hotel date back to the 1500’s and many traditional features such as crystal chandeliers and open fireplaces still remain.

4* Barcelo Billesley Manor Hotel - Billesley, Alcester, Stratford-upon-Avon, B49 6NF

Set within a magnificent 16th Century Elizabethan Manor and 11 acres of beautifully tended grounds, this stunning hotel offers a secluded retreat deep in the Warwickshire countryside.

4* Ettington Park Hotel – Alderminster, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 8BU,

Located in a Verdant Valley with the River Stour running past, the Ettington Park Hotel is a stunning neo-Gothic mansion that sits within 40 acres of stunning Warwickshire countryside just seven miles from Stratford.

4* Menzies Welcombe Hotel Spa & Golf Course - Warwick Road, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 0NR Set amidst the lush Warwickshire countryside, 157 acres of beautiful parkland and a stunning Jacobean style house is the glorious setting that awaits visitors.

4* Legacy Falcon Hotel - Chapel Street, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 6HA

The historic Legacy Falcon Hotel is a dramatic Tudor hotel set at the heart of Stratford-Upon-Avon. Once a 16th century inn, this exceptional hotel offers the best in luxury accommodation.

Have a browse on Superbreak’s website to book your cheap hotels in Stratford and pick up some top tips and inspiration with our

Stratford Guide.