What NOT to Do on a Trip to Shakespeare’s Stratford Upon Avon
Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re sharing some of the don’ts of visiting Stratford Upon Avon, the birthplace of Shakespeare. While many travel blogs will tell you the best things to do on a trip to Stratford upon Avon, we also want to share what you should NOT do!
Don’t Be Anti-Shakespeare
While you may not have enjoyed Shakespeare back in high school or college when it was forced upon you, there’s no reason to hate on him now! After all, you’re visiting Shakespeare’s Stratford Upon Avon, so it’s best to keep an open mind. In fact, you might even come to appreciate the Bard of Avon.
There’s even a fountain called the American Fountain that is dedicated to Shakespeare. The money was donated by an American during Queen Victoria’s Jubilee, hence the nickname.
Don’t Miss Shakespeare’s Birthplace
This is one of the top tourist attractions for good reason! It’s a well-done museum with lots of period pieces to give you an idea of what it was like to live here when Shakespeare was growing up. Flash photography and videos are not allowed, but you can take photos. Don’t be afraid to talk to the staff as well, as they are very knowledgeable and happy to answer your questions.
Don’t forget to pre-book your tickets, especially in summer! There are several options depending on how many sites you want to visit.
Don’t Forget the Other Attractions in Town!
Shakespeare’s Birthplace isn’t the only attraction in town. Make sure you don’t miss these attractions as well:
- Shakespeare’s New Place is where he lived later in life and eventually died. While the home has been torn down, there is a beautiful garden and commissioned art.
- Anne Hathaway’s Cottage is just outside of town. See where Shakespeare’s wife grew up, but don’t let the term cottage fool you. It’s quite large.
- You might expect to find Shakespeare buried in the Poet’s Corner of Westminster Abbey, but he’s actually buried at the Holy Trinity Church in Stratford.
- The Royal Shakespeare Company holds regular performances and special holiday activities. If you can catch a show, don’t miss it! It’s more than just Shakespeare, though. They feature work by many playwrights and artists.
- The Stratford Big Wheel is a fun way to get a bird’s eye view of the village. Thankfully, the carriages are mostly enclosed so you won’t feel too much wind or rain.
- Tudor World is definitely a tourist trap, but it can be fun if you’ve got kids traveling with you. Actors dress up in Tudor period garb, and while it’s from the same era as Shakespeare, it’s not just about him.
- The Mechanical Art Design Museum is super fun if you’re with kids. It’s like a museum of old-school futuristic mechanical designs.
Don’t Forget to Venture Off Henley Street
Wander down some side streets and take in the architecture that spans at least 4 centuries. But there’s more to see beyond the downtown area. There’s the boat basin, and on the other side of the river, you can visit a butterfly farm.
The Rother Street Market is a fun place to visit on Friday and Saturday, and Sheep Street is a good spot to find a lot of restaurants.
Stratford Upon Avon also makes a great home base for exploring the nearby Cotswolds.
Don’t Expect Solitude
Stratford is a very popular tourist destination, so you can expect to be surrounded by other tourists most of the time. It’s also very popular with school trips and field trips.
Don’t Be Afraid to Rent a Car
The easiest way to reach Stratford Upon Avon is by car. It’s about two hours from Heathrow and less than 30 minutes from Birmingham. Surprisingly, parking isn’t even an issue; you’ll find plenty. You just have to be comfortable driving on the left.
Don’t Worry About Eating Well
There’s a thriving pub and restaurant scene in Stratford. With so many visitors, there are lots of types of restaurants and all kinds of cuisines. The Old Thatch Tavern is touristy, but also a really great pub experience.
For some restaurants, you will need advance reservations, so be sure to do some research first and choose some restaurants you’d like to visit.
Stratford Upon Avon is one of a few places that is both very touristy and very educational. Between historic sites and souvenir shops and sweets shops, there’s something for everyone. Just don’t expect those shops to be open late…this is England, after all! Whether you visit for a day trip or stay overnight, Stratford is easily experienced in 1-2 days, making it a perfect layover stop on your UK road trip.
Want more tips for traveling in the United Kingdom? Check out these blog posts: