A Visit to William Shakespeare’s Birthplace Stratford-upon-Avon

by | Last updated Jun 10, 2024 | London and UK Live Work and Play

Steeped in history, Stratford-upon-Avon is a gorgeous Medieval town in the heartland of England. Around a 2-hour drive from London, it’s the perfect place to visit for a weekend stay – especially with all the best things to do in Stratford-upon-Avon that are sprawled across the town

We’ve all heard of William Shakespeare, the playwright, poet and actor, as we have been made to read his works while in high school – well I have! But it is one thing to read his plays, and it is another to visit his birthplace to see where much of the inspiration for the plays came from. So even if you don’t have much interest in Shakespeare’s works, it is interesting to visit the birthplace of Shakespeare in Stratford-upon-Avon to discover more about his life.

In this post I am taking you on a day trip to visit the birthplace of Shakespeare in Stratford-upon-Avon. I was living in London at the time and another Aussie also on a UK working holiday and I decided to hire a car and head to the interesting town of Stratford-upon-Avon. And if you aren’t sure whether or not to include it in your travels in the UK, this guide will give you an idea of why you should. Are you ready for a day trip to the birthplace of Shakespeare in Stratford-upon-Avon?

 

About Stratford-upon-Avon

 

  • Apparently the then-village was founded after the Anglo Saxons invaded Warwickshire in 7AD. It was them who gave it the name ‘Stratford Upon Avon’. Strat meaning road or street. Ford meaning a crossing place on a river. Upon meaning a settlement on a river and Avon is the name of the river Stratford is upon. Put all this together and you have Stratford-upon-Avon. 
  • Even though Stratford-upon-Avon has been around for over 800 years, it was William Shakespeare that put it on the map.

 

What to See and Do on a day trip to the Birthplace of Shakespeare

 

Surprisingly, there is a lot to see and do in Stratford-upon-Avon. Before you head straight to Shakespeare’s birthplace it is a good idea to go on a walking tour of the town and learn about the history of Stratford-upon-Avon. Plus, you will walk in Shakespeare’s footsteps visiting and learning about the places he frequented.

 

Stratford-upon-Avon Walking Tour

 

A street in Stratford-upon-Avon looking towards Trinity Church.

Looking towards Holy Trinity Church

 

A great thing to do in Stratford-upon-Avon is to go on a walking tour. I found the local guide conducting my tour was so knowledgable and made everything sound so interesting. Some of the main local sights we saw on the walking tour included:

 

  • Holy Trinity Church – see the graveyard where both William Shakespeare and his wife, Anne Hathaway are buried
  • Town Hall
  • Royal Shakespeare Theatre
  • Henley Street is the street William Shakespeare was born in 1564
  • Harvard House – the ancestral home of John Harvard, founder of America’s Harvard University

 

I would suggest going on a walking tour before visiting William Shakespeare birthplace. This is because you get to learn lots of interesting information about him. This knowledge helps you understand and appreciate William Shakespeare and Stratford-upon-Avon much more than relying on memory. Check out this historical walking tour of Stratford-upon-Avon.

 

Hop-on Hop-off Stratford-upon-Avon Bus

 

Don’t fancy walking! No problem, get a ticket to ride the Stratford-upon-Avon Hop-on Hop-off bus. It will take you to best things to see and do in Stratford-upon-Avon including William Shakespeare’s birthplace. Get your ticket here.

 

Birthplace of William Shakespeare

 

William Shakespeare's Birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon.
back of William Shakespeare's home in Stratford-upon-Avon.

front and back of Shakespeare’s home

 

After the walking tour of Stratford-upon-Avon head to the birthplace of William Shakespeare. It is the largest house on Henley Street, so you cannot miss it. This is the house he was born and grew up in and also spent the first few years of his marriage to Anne Hathaway living in the house. 

There is quite a lot to see inside. It is set up like it was when William lived there, so it is like stepping back in time to the 16th century. You will get to see:

  • The ground floor parlour, central hall and the service/work area. Watch your head as you enter as doorways were lower in those days.
  • Upstairs you’ll see a window panel that used to be on the top floor but had to be removed because people scribbled over years including many famous people – I won’t tell you who, you can find out when you see it! Also visit the bedroom where William and his siblings were born.
  • The workshop where Shakespeare’s father, John, ran his glove making business.
  • Ensure not to miss seeing the First Folio. This is Mr. William Shakespeare’s Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies collection of plays. Pretty cool that this still exists and you get to see it.
  • Exit the house into Shakespeare’s garden. Depending on the time of year, plants may be in bloom.

 

Just want to see Shakespeare’s home? Get your entrance ticket in advance.

 

Anne Hathaway’s Cottage

 

Anne Hathaway's thatched roof house in Stratford-upon-Avon

thatched roof home of Anne Hathaway

 

Located a mile and a half outside of Statford-upon-Avon in Shottery, is Anne Hathaway’s Cottage. This thatched roof house nestled within a cottage garden is the childhood home of Anne Hathaway, William Shakespeare’s wife. The house dates back to 1463 and Anne lived there with her family until her marriage to William. It is set up just like when Anne lived there. If you want to go inside get your ticket in advance here.

 

Ramble through the Town Centre & along the Avon River

 

One of my favourite things about Stratford-upon-Avon is that you can easily explore the streets on foot. Make time, after discovering all about William Shakespeare to discover many of the boutiques and cafes and soak in the atmosphere.

 

Organise your day to Shakespeare’s Birthplace

 

Whether you are visiting on a day trip or including a visit on a 1 month Britain itinerary, you can reach Stratford-upon-Avon a number of ways:

By train: Stratford-upon-Avon has a train station so you can reach it from a number of starting points. If coming from London, services leave from Marylebone Station and take 2.5 hours. And the station is about a 5 minute walk from the centre of town.

By bus: You can catch a NationalExpress Bus from London Victoria Station.

Hire a car and drive yourself. If you need a car rental, check out DiscoverCars where you can compare and book a car.

Go on a tour. There are a number of tours taking you to Shakespeare’s birthday. They are mostly from London. Check this one out taking you to William Shakespeare birthplace in the Cotswolds that includes lunch.

 

Extend your stay in Stratford-upon-Avon so you can see what else is in the area. Perhaps visit Oxford or Blenheim Palace, family home of the former prime minister Sir Winston Churchill. See what accommodation options are available in Stratford-upon-Avon and surrounds to extend your stay overnight or more.

 

Are you ready to visit Stratford-upon-Avon?

 

To anyone visiting England, add visiting the birthplace of William Shakespeare. You don’t have to be a history nerd or lover of his plays and other works to appreciate one of the best play writes the world has known. Have you been to Shakespeare’s birthplace?

 

William Shakespeare's birthplace PIN.

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Sharyn McCullum Sailing Through The Panama Canal With Storm Chasing Boat.

Sharyn McCullum – Travel Writer / Blogger, Remote On-line Worker, sometime Digital Nomad and Travel, Live and Work Abroad Expert. Is a chocoholic, coffee connoisseur and lover of ’80s music. Been travelling all her life thanks to her dad who worked for an airline. Lived in London 4 years on a working holiday. Has holidayed in Hawaii over 15 times and currently calls Melbourne, Australia home. Is inspiring others to get the live work play travel lifestyle with this blog. Read more about Sharyn here.

8 Comments

  1. Shweta

    I have only been to London, but there are all these cute towns all over in England to be explored. Your post covers this delightful town quite well. Are there plays screened here as well?

    Reply
    • Sharyn McCullum

      That’s right. London is wonderful to visit, but getting out of London on day trips will reveal some wonderful British places. If you visit Stratford-upon-Avon they do have plays in the playhouse there.

      Reply
  2. Shaf

    this looks like such an awesome itinerary! i absolutely LOVEEEE medieval towns, i can totally picture me coming and never wanting to leave

    Reply
    • Sharyn McCullum

      I love medieval towns too, and I can say, this one is one of my favourites.

      Reply
  3. Amanda

    This is on my must visit list! Thank you for all the tips.

    Reply
    • Sharyn McCullum

      I agree, you should make time to visit Stratford-upon-Avon if you can. It is such an interesting place.

      Reply
  4. Amanda

    What a great day trip from London!

    Reply
    • Sharyn McCullum

      Oh it is a great London day trip. Have you done it?

      Reply

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