Guide to Stratford Upon Avon

The birthplace of William Shakespeare, steeped in culture and history. Set in the beautiful Warwickshire countryside, on the banks of the river Avon, it is one of the most important tourist destinations in the UK. With easy road, rail and airport access, it is the perfect place for a holiday. With numerous attractions and pursuits Stratford upon Avon is a perfect holiday base, you can enjoy the delights not only of Shakespeare's hometown, but also the nearby surrounding counties of Oxfordshire, Worcestershire and Gloucestershire. Enjoy Blenheim Palace and the Cotswolds to the south, Worcester and the Malverns to the west, Warwick Castle and Henley in Arden to the north, and all within an hour's journey of Stratford itself.

Getting to Stratford Upon Avon is a breeze with easy road, rail and airport access, it is the perfect place for a holiday. For more information about flights and train travel call 0161 260 2218

Where to stay in Stratford Upon Avon

The choice of accommodation in Stratford upon Avon is huge from small B&Bs right through to large hotel chains, caravan parks and lodges. You can also choose from a vast range of disabled accommodation in Stratford upon Avon and the surrounding areas.

If you would to speak to someone in relation to your stay please call 0161 260 2218

Transport in Stratford Upon Avon

Regular buses with lowered disabled access are the best way to get around the town however if you wish to drive into the town, the disabled parking is good with a number of disabled spaces available on each car park.

Things to see in Stratford Upon Avon

There is so much to see and do in Stratford and many of the attractions are wheelchair accessible. Visit The Shakespeare properties; traditional preserved Tudor houses where Shakespeare and his immediate family lived. Enjoy a performance at the Royal Shakespeare Company Theatre where you will find the finest actors and directors working on great plays in some of the best theatre spaces in the world.

For further information on theatres, events, attractions,leisure and sports activities Stratford’s Tourist Information Office is a great source offering fully disabled accessible office. There is flat access to both entrances of the centre, and the interior. The sprung doors in the entrance open outwards. Ample room for circulation exists between the displays. A dropped counter is available, situated underneath the red “wheelchair users” sign.

Stratford-upon-Avon Tourist Information Centre
Bridgefoot
Stratford-upon-Avon
CV37 6GW
Tel: +44 (0)870 160 7930
Fax: +44 (0)1789 295262

Shakespeare's Birthplace

The half-timbered house where William Shakespeare was born in 1564 is Stratford's most cherished historic place. It is the most frequently visited of all the tourist places. Descendants of the dramatist lived there until the nineteenth century, and it has been a place of pilgrimage for over 250 years.

Nash’s House

Shakespeare's home from 1597 until his death in 1616, it was pulled down in the eighteenth century but its foundations and grounds can be seen, including a beautiful Elizabethan-style knott garden.

Halls Croft

This impressive house is where Shakespeare's eldest daughter (Susanna), lived with her Doctor husband. It is near to Holy Trinity Church, where Shakespeare is buried. On display are outstanding sixteenth and seventeenth-century furniture and paintings, and an exhibition about Dr Hall and the medicine of his time. It has an enchanting garden. Not to be missed. Herbs and perennials are for sale here and refreshments can be enjoyed on secluded seats and in the intimate tea room. The lower level of the house is guided, but visitors are welcome to enjoy the entire house.

Anne Hathaway's Cottage

The second favourite Shakespearian property. Before marrying William Shakespeare in 1582, Anne Hathaway lived in what is justifiably described as one of England's most famous buildings. Parts of the building dates from the mid-fifteenth century, and some of the furniture belonged to the Hathaways and their descendants. The garden is outstanding.

Mary Arden's House

Three and a half miles outside Stratford and still retaining its country setting in Wilmcote, this timbered Tudor farmhouse is the house that Shakespeare's mother, Mary Arden, grew up in before marrying John Shakespeare and moving to Henley Street. It is also home to the Shakespeare countryside museum, two historic farms, displays of farm implements, daily demonstrations by the Heart of England falconry, a blacksmith's forge and a duckpond.

Royal Shakespeare Company Theatre

The Royal Shakespeare Company actively encourages visitors with disabilities, and provides a range of specialised facilities, aiming to positively improve access to its theatres, wherever possible. Groups of people with disabilities are encouraged to go on specially arranged tours (ring us for details). An “in house” access group has been recently set up with the aim of continuously improving facilities for access, and to tackle the problems presented to people with disabilities, by the listed features of the buildings. An “ Access to the Arts” programme has been in action since 1991. This includes the provision of sign language interpretation, and audio described performances. There are Induction Loop Amplification Systems in the theatres. Infra-red headsets are available on request for a £5 deposit (except in The Other Place).

The Front of House staff are pleased to offer whatever assistance is required by visitors. Half price tickets are available for customers with disabilities. Orange Badge holders may reserve car parking spaces in front of the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, and the car park adjacent to The Other Place. A comprehensive “Access Guide” produced by the RSC, is available from the Front of House staff. Contact the Royal Shakespeare Theatre for further details on +44 (0)844 800 1110.

Eating out in Stratford

There is a great selection of food venues and high standard restaurants in Stratford. Choose from wheelchair accessible riverside cafes to lively accessible pubs and restaurants. We recommend The Garrick, the oldest pub in Stratford which is accessible for the disabled, assistance dogs are allowed in the wonderful bar where you can also eat food. The real ale is superb and the food is also very good, find The Garrick at: 25 High Street, Stratford upon Avon, Warwickshire, CV37 6AU.