Stratford-upon-Avon

Shop

Get even more with a Lonely Planet guide.

Shop Book
Whichford Church in the Cotswolds near Long Compton - England

Overview

The author of some of the most quoted lines ever written in the English language, William Shakespeare was born in Stratford in 1564 and died here in 1616. Experiences linked to his life in this unmistakably Tudor town range from the touristy (medieval recreations and Bard-themed tearooms) to the humbling (Shakespeare's modest grave in Holy Trinity Church) and the sublime (taking in a play by the world-famous Royal Shakespeare Company).

01 / Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • New Place garden, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, England; Shutterstock ID 138746273; Your name (First / Last): Emma Sparks; GL account no.: 65050; Netsuite department name: Online Editorial; Full Product or Project name including edition: Best in Europe POI updates

    Shakespeare's New Place

    Stratford-upon-Avon

    When Shakespeare retired, he swapped the bright lights of London for a comfortable town house at New Place, where he died of unknown causes in April 1616…

  • The Stratford shakespeares birthplace in England; Shutterstock ID 52158487; Your name (First / Last): Emma Sparks; GL account no.: 65050; Netsuite department name: Online Editorial; Full Product or Project name including edition: Best in Europe POI updates

    Shakespeare's Birthplace

    Stratford-upon-Avon

    Start your Shakespeare quest at the house where the renowned playwright was born in 1564 and spent his childhood days. John Shakespeare owned the house…

  • Ancient historic home and farm of Mary Arden, mother of William Shakespeare, built around the 15th century in the village of Wilmcote - UK

    Mary Arden's Farm

    Stratford-upon-Avon

    Shakespeare genealogists can trace the family tree to the childhood home of the Bard's mother at Wilmcote, 3 miles west of Stratford. Aimed squarely at…

  • Shakespeare Memorial, donated by Lord Ronald Gower, in the Bancroft Gardens next to the River Avon, Stratford upon Avon, Warwickshire, England, UK

    Gower Memorial

    Stratford-upon-Avon

    Aristocratic sculptor Lord Ronald Gower is the master behind this multisculpture homage to Shakespeare, which features the characters of Hamlet …

  • The American Memorial Fountain, Stratford upon Avon, Warwickshire, England

    American Fountain

    Stratford-upon-Avon

    Gifted by American publisher George W Childs in 1887 to mark Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee, and designed by Birmingham architect Jethro Cossins, this…

  • Anne Hathaway's (William Shakespeare's wife) famous thatched cottage and garden at Shottery, just outside Stratford upon Avon, England.

    Anne Hathaway's Cottage

    Stratford-upon-Avon

    Before tying the knot with Shakespeare, Anne Hathaway lived in Shottery, 1 mile west of the centre of Stratford, in this delightful thatched farmhouse. As…

  • Holy Trinity Church on the banks of the river Avon in Stratford upon Avon, UK. The grave of playright William Shakespeare is in the church.

    Holy Trinity Church

    Stratford-upon-Avon

    The final resting place of the Bard, where he was also baptised and where he worshipped, is said to be the most visited parish church in England. Inside…

  • Stratford-upon-Avon is a famous town in England, known as Shakespeare's birthplace. This is house and garden of Hall's Croft, one of 3 historical houses connected with his life - place where his daughter and her family had lived.

    Hall's Croft

    Stratford-upon-Avon

    The handsome Jacobean town house belonging to Shakespeare's daughter Susanna and her husband, respected doctor John Hall, stands south of Stratford's…

View more attractions

02 / Plan with a local

Build a memorable collection

Get to the heart of Stratford-upon-Avon with one of our in-depth, award-winning guidebooks, covering maps, itineraries, and expert guidance.

in partnership with getyourguide

Book popular activities in Stratford-upon-Avon