Summary: Things to Do in Stratford-upon-Avon – Walking Route Guide
Stratford-upon-Avon is best explored on foot, not just for its famous Shakespeare landmarks, but for the quieter streets and riverside paths that give the town its character. This walk takes you through both: the well-known and the overlooked.
Distance: 3-5 miles;
Time: 2-3 hours.
A place where stories are told
“We are such stuff as dreams are made on.” This is a famous line from Prospero in Shakespeare’s The Tempest (link to The Tempest and other plays), and its message feels just as relevant today as when it was first written. We are, in many ways, the sum of the stories we tell and the experiences we gather. It therefore seemed fitting to visit the birthplace of the writer himself and catch a glimpse of the world that inspired so many of his works.
Stratford-upon-Avon is a small town just south of Birmingham, but for its size, it has many stories to tell.
A riverside stroll into the town
I began my journey at the Fisherman’s Car Park just outside the town centre. From there, a pleasant 10–15 minute walk runs through a nature reserve and along the River Avon into the heart of Stratford.
The first landmark to greet me was the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. This 1,000-seat venue, located on the banks of the river, was redeveloped in 2010 and now hosts a variety of plays and performances. It also includes a shop and a viewing tower. Unfortunately, the tower was closed due to an event on the day of my visit, something to look forward to next time.
Anne Hathaway (no, not the modern celebrity)
I wanted to begin my trip with a longer walk, so I decided to escape the crowds and head towards Anne Hathaway’s Cottage. And no, I do not mean the modern-day actress, before giving the impression that I move in celebrity circles. I am referring to the wife of the famous English playwright and poet William Shakespeare.
Anne Hathaway came from a successful farming family and is believed to have grown up in the cottage. It is therefore likely that she was living there when she first met Shakespeare. Their relationship has been the subject of considerable historical debate. They married in 1582, when Hathaway was twenty-six and Shakespeare just eighteen.
At the time, she was already pregnant, which has led some historians to suggest it was a “shotgun wedding”, although this interpretation is not universally accepted (see book by Germaine Greer). Meanwhile, Shakespeare’s family had experienced financial difficulties, which may have made Hathaway, given her relatively comfortable background, an attractive match.
Shakespeare’s wife’s cottage – A journey into Tudor, England
The walk to the cottage is peaceful and largely off-road, passing through parks and open spaces, making it particularly suitable for families. It can be slightly difficult to locate at first, but once you find the route, it is well signposted and straightforward to follow. A small path opposite the railway station marks the beginning of the walk.
The journey takes around 30–40 minutes, but it is well worth the effort. The cottage itself was originally built in 1463 as a farmhouse, and many of its original features remain intact, making it nearly 600 years old. The stone floor, for example, is believed to be unchanged from the time Anne Hathaway and Shakespeare would have known it. Meaning that they are both are likely to have walked on it frequently!
The cottage offers more than just a connection to Shakespeare’s life; it provides a glimpse into rural life in Tudor England. While some aspects feel familiar, particularly the themes reflected in Shakespeare’s plays, much has changed in terms of lifestyle and daily comforts. It is a reminder that not so long ago, people lived without many of the conveniences we now take for granted.
The surrounding grounds include a working orchard, a Tudor-style medicinal garden, and a sculpture garden celebrating Shakespeare. It is a peaceful place to relax and reflect.
The house where it all began
After spending an hour exploring the grounds and imagining life in Tudor England, it was time to return to the present and head back towards the town centre.
My first stop was one of the many charming local cafés, where I enjoyed a lemonade and a brownie. Shortly afterwards, I made my way to Shakespeare’s birthplace home. I did not go into the house itself, but I am reliable informed it is interesting and worth a visit. The outside is certainly impressive and provides a glimpse of what a Tudor town house would have looked like.
Moving back onto Shakespeare himself. He was born here in 1564 to John Shakespeare, a glove maker by trade. John later attempted to enter the highly regulated wool trade without the necessary licence, for which he was penalised. This contributed to the family’s financial struggles and their declining social standing. Following his marriage and the birth of his children, Shakespeare moved to London to pursue his career as a writer and actor, before eventually returning to Stratford-upon-Avon later in life.
The house has gone, but the stories remain
My final Shakespeare-related stop was New Place, the site of Shakespeare’s family home from around 1597 until his death in 1616. While the house itself no longer stands, the carefully designed grounds offer a sense of its former grandeur and its connection to nearby landmarks such as Guild Chapel. It is a peaceful space, ideal for sitting quietly, reading a few lines of Shakespeare, and watching the world pass by.
By this point, I was ready to head back. Before leaving, however, I took a short walk along the banks of the River Avon near the Royal Shakespeare Company’s theatre.
The river was particularly lively that day, as it coincided with Shakespeare’s Birthday celebrations. Families and visitors of all ages had gathered to enjoy the festivities, and many people could be seen relaxing on the water in hired boats, soaking up the atmosphere.
Reflections
Although Stratford-upon-Avon is a small town, its connection to one of the world’s greatest writers and to Tudor England makes it a place of considerable interest.
Despite its popularity with tourists, the town retains a relaxed charm. With its parks, independent cafés, and historic buildings, it is an ideal place to slow down, reflect, read (preferably Shakespeare) and enjoy the surroundings. Oxford offers another nearby historical experience (see post).
If you’ve enjoyed reading,
you can support the site with a coffee, helps keep the walks going. buymeacoffee.com/walkcuriously. Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you make a purchase through them. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support the site at no extra cost to you
Things to do in Stratford upon Avon
- Anne Hathaway’s Cottage
- Shakespeare’s birthplace
- Shakespeare’s New Place
- Royal Shakespeare Company
- Walk along the River Avon or hire a boat