Destination Overview

Set in rural south Warwickshire, the picturesque town of Stratford-upon-Avon is the home of the world's most famous writer, William Shakespeare. Swans glide along the River Avon, willow trees overhang the water's edge, barges move slowly around the canal basin and the distant spire of Holy Trinity Church completes the perfect quintessential English landscape. Holy Trinity Church is where Shakespeare was once baptised and buried and is a quiet place to end or begin your Stratford journey. Lying along the banks of the River Avon, the church is just a short journey from the multi-million pound re-developed Royal Shakespeare Theatre, home to the Royal Shakespeare Company. Discover everything you wanted to know about Shakespeare by visiting the five historic Shakespeare Houses in and around the town, carefully preserved by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust. Plus there are plenty of family attractions to enjoy including the Stratford Butterfly Farm, The Creaky Cauldron and The Falstaff Experience.

Immerse yourself in the culture and arts of Stratford which has a wide range of festivals, theatre, live music and art galleries. The town also has a great range of quality shops, from antique centres, speciality cheese shops and boutiques to contemporary jewellers and popular high street stores. Its excellent selection of shopping and superb restaurants combined with first class culture makes Stratford-upon-Avon the perfect destination for a short break or longer holiday.

Although Stratford is well known for its connections to Shakespeare, there are plenty of other attractions to visit in the surrounding Stratford District. These include the famous castles in Warwick and Kenilworth, the award-winning Compton Verney art gallery and the Heritage Motor Centre, home to the world's greatest collection of British Cars.

Events for 2012

To assist with the planning of your next visit we have a forward events diary covering events that happen throughout the destination over the next 12 months. Events are added to this diary as soon as we become aware of them, therefore the diary is constantly changing. When an event is on more than one month it will be listed in each month.

Visitor and Accommodation guide 2012

The new Visitor and Accommodation guide for 2012 is now available. To get your copy either click on the link to download or email tic@discover-stratford.com with your details.

List of Towns and Villages