13 Best things to see & do in Stratford-upon-Avon

There has been a theatre in Stratford dedicated to Shakespeare’s works since 1873, when the Shakespeare Memorial Theatre opened its doors on the site of what is now the Royal Shakespeare Theatre.

Director Peter Hall formed the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) in 1961, and for four decades it has housed the world’s pre-eminent productions of Shakespeare’s plays, with actors from Laurence Olivier to Judy Dench.

The childhood home of Anne Hathaway, Shakespeare’s wife, the house dates back 500 years and still has some of the Hathaways’ original furniture. Outside, the beautiful cottage gardens stretch for several acres.

This daily two-hour guided walk delves into the history of both the town and its most famous son. Tours run Monday to Wednesday at 11am, Thursday to Sunday at 2pm. Meet at the Swan fountain, no pre-booking required.

The home of William Shakespeare’s mother, Mary Arden’s Farm is a great family option; with hands-on activities for younger children, including archery and the chance to interact with rare breeds, along with nature trails to explore.

New Place, the home Shakespeare retired to, no longer stands, but a traditional knot garden has been created in the space where the kitchen garden would have been. Adjoining Nash’s House has a permanent exhibition on New Place.

The elegant Jacobean home of Shakespeare’s’ daughter, Susanna Hall and her husband. The house has an impressive collection of 17th- and 18th-century art, with a delightful garden.

Housed in Trinity Church, alongside four other family plots, the grave is set into the floor. Church staff are usually on hand to answer questions and give information.

One of the most sustainable, organic farms in the UK, Daylesford has an award-winning farm shop, café, wellness spa and cookery school – the ultimate hub for foodies.

The UK’s largest butterfly collection, hundreds of brightly-coloured butterflies live freely in an exotic environment of lush foliage and tropical blossom, housed in large greenhouses.

The UK’s only permanent museum dedicated to mechanical art, the halls are filled with complex moving installations, kinetic sculpture and contraptions straight out of Wallace & Gromit.

Just 100 yards from the theatre, the Dirty Duck has been a pub since the 1700s. Popular with cast members from the Royal Shakespeare Company, it’s the place to go for a pre- or post-performance drink.

Glide along the river Avon as the sunsets, on a dinner cruise that takes in the lush countryside surrounding Stratford.

The Rooftop Restaurant & Bar at the Royal Shakespeare Company Theatre boasts panoramic views across the river, create British cooking and an excellent wine and cocktail list.