Stratford-upon-Avon is a popular day trip from London, and it’s easy to see why. It’s the birthplace of William Shakespeare, so a lot of the town is tied to his life, with well-preserved houses, museums, and quiet streets that show a bit of what England looked like centuries ago.
It’s a straightforward trip from London and has a relaxed pace compared to the city. You get Tudor-style buildings, riverside views, and a walkable town center - all of which make it a nice change of scenery for a day. Whether you’re into literature or just want a change of scenery, it’s worth the trip.
How to Get to Stratford-upon-Avon from London
The easiest and most straightforward way to reach Stratford-upon-Avon is by train. When traveling from London Marylebone Station, there are direct trains that take around 2 hours, dropping you at Stratford-upon-Avon Station, which is only about a 10 to 15 minute walk from the town center. It’s comfortable, simple, and ideal if you want the flexibility to explore at your own pace.
Stratford-upon-Avon is very walkable, which is one of the best things about visiting. Most of the main attractions are clustered close together, so it’s easy to go from one place to another without needing public transport. The town layout is simple to follow, and the scenic streets make the walk enjoyable.
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| one of the many Shakespeare statues in Stratford-Upon-Avon |
Another option is joining a guided day tour. Many tours combine Stratford-upon-Avon with nearby destinations like the Cotswolds or Oxford, making it a convenient choice if you want a full itinerary planned for you. It’s pricier, but good if you’re short on time and prefer everything arranged in one package.
What to See in Stratford-upon-Avon
Below are the places I visited during my day trip, all within walking distance and easy to fit into a single day.
Shakespeare’s Birthplace
Shakespeare’s Birthplace is one of the most popular stops in Stratford, and it’s easy to see why. You walk through the rooms where he grew up, complete with period furnishings and displays explaining what life looked like in the 1500s. It’s a compact house but full of interesting details.
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| Shakespeare’s Birthplace |
There’s an entrance fee - £25 for adults - and it’s best to book ahead because slots tend to fill up during peak season. It’s not cheap, but if it’s your first time in Stratford, it gives you a good starting point before exploring the rest of the town.
Shakespeare’s New Place
New Place was Shakespeare’s final home, and while the original house is gone, the site has been turned into a large garden with sculptures and installations inspired by his works. It’s quieter and more open compared to the Birthplace, and nice to wander around if you like spaces where you can take your time.
Admission is £17.50, but you can also get combination tickets that include multiple Shakespeare sites if you’re planning to visit more than one.
Stratford Guildhall & Shakespeare’s Schoolroom
If you're interested in history, this is one of the best places to visit in Stratford-upon-Avon. This is the actual 16th-century building where Shakespeare studied as a boy - the real classroom, not a replica. You can sit at the old wooden desks, look around the room where he learned Latin, and even listen to short talks from guides who explain how school life worked back then. It’s a small place but surprisingly immersive, and you immediately get why this is one of the most recommended stops in town.
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| Stratford Guildhall & Shakespeare’s Schoolroom |
The ticket also gives you access to the Guildhall downstairs, which has preserved medieval wall paintings and a short film about the building’s history. It’s compact but very well-presented, and you can go through everything at your own pace. Admission is £14.50 for adults, and you can either book online or walk in.
If you only visit one paid Shakespeare site, I’d say this one is worth the fee because you actually experience the space rather than just look at it from the outside.
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| inside the schoolroom |
Holy Trinity Church
Holy Trinity Church is where Shakespeare was baptized and where he’s buried. You can enter the church for free, and the interior is beautiful on its own. If you want to view Shakespeare’s grave in the chancel area, there’s a small fee of £4. It’s a peaceful place, and the riverside walk leading to the church is one of the nicest parts of Stratford.
Town Center
The town center doesn’t require any entry fee - just walk around and enjoy it. It’s small and full of Tudor-style buildings, cafés, bakeries, and independent shops that make the area fun to explore. Since Stratford-Upon-Avon is very walkable, you’ll pass through the town center multiple times without even trying. It’s also where most people stop for lunch or coffee during their visit.
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| Shakespeare statue at the town center |
River Avon & Bancroft Gardens
This entire area is free to explore, and it’s one of the liveliest parts of Stratford. You’ll see boats along the river, swans, families having picnics, and performers during the busier months.
It’s a nice spot to slow down, take photos, or rest your feet before moving on to the next attraction. If you want to do a short river cruise, there are also boats you can pay for separately.
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| River Avon |
Stratford-upon-Avon is an easy and rewarding day trip from London, especially if you want a break from the city. The history, riverside scenery, and pace of the town make it a pleasant change. If you enjoy exploring places with charm and character, with a bit of literary history added in, this is a great choice for your UK itinerary.
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