Stratford-upon-Avon is perfect for a weekend break at any time of year, and there’s plenty to keep you busy on a short break!
In 2020 the opening times, requirements to book and whether places are open at all are, of course, subject to change, so check with the venue or attraction first!
Shakespeare’s House
Of course this is Shakespeare country so no trip would be complete without a visit to Shakespeare’s House. Here you can find out where it all began at Shakespeare’s birthplace on Henley Street. A grand house that befitted Williams father, John Shakespeare, who became Mayor of Stratford in 1568. The house remained in the Shakespeare family right up until 1847 when it was purchased by the Birthplace Trust. You can buy tickets that cover all 5 sites of the trust and include 12 months of unlimited visits – so there’s no rush – you can keep coming back throughout the year!
Anne Hathaway’s Cottage & Gardens
This is where the young playwright courted his future bride, Anne. This is a beautiful thatched cottage with many of the original features and it is set in stunning gardens.
RSC Theatre Stratford
The Royal Shakespeare Company has 3 theatres in Stratford so there is always plenty of choice, and if you fancy a break from the bard it isn’t even all Shakespeare!
The Swan theatre features spectacular wooden galleries that are reminiscent of the style of theatres from the time of Shakespeare, like the Globe.
Of course to enjoy your theatre break there is no better place to stay than at the Swan’s Nest Hotel which is just a 5-7 minute walk from the theatre, perfect for a pre-dinner meal and then just a short riverside stroll back after the performance.
The programme is very varied and should provide more than enough excuses to plan a return visit!
Find out more at: https://www.rsc.org.uk
The Dirty Duck
Why not do a little celeb spotting at this famous pub which is frequented by actors from the theatre just across the road.
Stratford-upon-Avon Butterfly Farm
Just a 2 minute walk from the hotel, the Butterfly Farm offers the UK’s largest tropical butterfly paradise.
Kids will probably make a beeline for the insect room to see the creepy crawleys before moving on to ‘Arachnoland!’ for those that are not too scared of spiders.
Walking Tours
An excellent way to get to know the town is to join one of the many walking tours, and perhaps the best known and organised is Stratford Town Walk. There is a tour every day (yes, even Christmas Day!) and if you prefer they can arrange a private tour for couples or families. Tours at 11:00 am every day, and 2pm on Saturdays.
They also offer a Ghost Walk every Saturday at 7:30pm to explore the haunted streets and hear the stories of ghosts, witches and murders. After this you might want to restorative drink in the Bear public house before bed!
The Chain Ferry
Instead of strolling over the bridge back to the hotel why not take the chain ferry for a change. Built in 1937, and thought to be the last of its kind in Britain, the old chain ferry in Stratford-upon-Avon is an institution loved by locals and tourists alike. It will gently take you from one side of the River Avon to the other with a journey time of just a couple of minutes. Manually operated by the ferryman (or woman) it runs daily from mid March to late October. Children and dogs welcome.
Explore on Water
Just next to the Swan’s Nest hotel is Avon Boating who offer a whole range of boating options from mid March through to late October. You can hire rowing boats, punts, canoes, motor boats and even an electric launch!
You can hire a punt from just £7 per hour (2020) – so you don’t have to splash out too much to get a unique perspective on Stratford.
Take a Cruise
Step out from the hotel and just across the road is the base for some of the best river cruises. Take some time out of your 48 hour break to try out the 40 minute gentle cruise past the sights of Stratford and out through the peaceful river banks of the Avon. An audio guide is included and available in 5 languages. Trips runs every 20-30 minutes from March to October and are just £7 for adults, £5 for children (2020)
Book your Weekend Break in Stratford now!
A weekend break in Stratford-upon-Avon offers so much to do that one visit is never enough, and since the Swan’s Nest hotel offers you the perfect base from which to explore you really should start planning your next visit now!
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