Stratford upon Avon is without a doubt one of the most romantic places to visit in England. We spent a couple of days wandering around this beautiful, picturesque town and uncovered all the best tourist attractions and of course it wouldn’t be right to write about Stratford upon Avon without mentioning the icon that is William Shakespeare. It is an idyllic location for couples wanting a weekend away in the UK and these are the best things to do for couples in Stratford upon Avon.
For a full day private Shakespeare tour of Stratford upon avon book here.
Table of Contents
Visit Shakespeare’s birthplace
William Shakespeare the famous playwright was born in Stratford upon Avon in April 1564. His birthplace is now a museum dedicated to his childhood and upbringing including his father’s work as a glove maker. There is also an exhibit dedicated to Shakespeare’s life’s work as a playwright. Shakespeare’s birthplace can be found on the main shopping street Henley Street.
Due to the type of property this activity is not wheelchair accessible.
Address: The Shakespeare Centre, Henley Street, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 6QW
Opening times: 10am-4pm daily
Price: Starting from £18 for adults and £9 for children and tickets are for a select time slot only.
Visit Shakespeare’s grave
Not only was Shakespeare born in Stratford upon Avon, but he returned to his hometown after he had made his fortune in London, and it is also where he lived and died. Shakespeare’s grave is located inside the Holy Trinity church, which is still an active church today and can be seen at select times when the church isn’t in service. Shakespeare had his final resting place engraved with a warning that whoever removes his bones will be cursed.
“Good frend for Jesus sake forbeare, to digg the dust encloased heare. Bleste be the man that spares thes stones, and curst be he that moves my bones,”
Alongside his grave you can also see his wife Anne Hathaway’s grave and that of his, supposedly favourite daughter Susanne Hall, Suzanne’s husband John Hall and Thomas Nash who was the first husband of Susanne and John’s daughter Elizabeth Hall (Shakespeare’s granddaughter). The Holy trinity church is also where Shakespeare was baptised, and you can see the baptism entry at the altar in the church.
Address: Holy Trinity Church, 1 Old Town, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 6BG
Opening times: Times vary according to services and private events, check this link for up-to-date times to visit.
Price: Free
Visit the Royal Shakespeare Theatre
A visit to Stratford wouldn’t be complete without getting into the swing of all things Shakespeare by going to the theatre to watch a re-enactment of one of his famous plays. The Royal Shakespeare Theatre is a Grade II listed building which retains many of the art deco features of the 1932 Shakespeare Memorial Theatre. The inside of the theatre was remodelled in 2010 making it nice and modern and Shakespeare’s works can be seen all year round.
Address: Waterside, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 6BB
Opening times: Monday to Saturday 10am-11pm or show end time, and Sundays 10am-5pm
Price: Starting from £16 per person.
Buy tickets here.
Visit Anne Hathaway’s cottage
Anne Hathaway’s cottage formerly known as Hewland Farm can be found a 5 minute drive from Stratford upon Avon in the nearby village of Shottery. Anne Hathaway was William Shakespeare’s wife and although 8 years his senior they remained married until his death. It is known that Anne was pregnant by Shakespeare at the time of their marriage and once married she moved to his family home on Henley Street. The Hathaway family however continued to live at Hewland Farm for over 400 years with thirteen generations of descendants living in the cottage until 1917 when it was acquired by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust.
Address: 22 Cottage Lane, Shottery, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 9HH,
Opening times: 10am – 5pm daily (closed during the winter months)
Price: £14.50 for adults, £12 for concessions and £7.25 for children under 15.
Buy tickets here.
Visit Shakespeare’s home New Place
Shakespeare’s New Place was his family home for only 19 years until his death and has since been demolished. On the site where New Place stood is now a commemorative garden outlining the works of Shakespeare and visitors can still see how large the house was in relation to the surrounding buildings as it was one of the largest houses in Stratford upon Avon at the time. The house next door to New Place, which is still standing, was owned by Thomas Nash, the first husband of Shakespeare’s granddaughter Elizabeth Hall. The site of New Place is accessible through the Nash’s House Museum.
Address: 22 Chapel Street, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 6EP.
Opening times: 10am-5pm daily (closed during the winter months)
Price: £14.50 for adults, £12 for concessions and £7.25 for children under 15.
Buy tickets here.
Visit Halls Croft
Halls Croft is the former home of Doctor John Hall and his wife Susanne, the first daughter of Shakespeare. Susanne is widely regarded as Shakespeare’s favourite daughter due to her being married to the highly respected town doctor. Halls croft is now a museum showcasing paintings and furniture from the 16th and 17th centuries and is currently only open to schools for visits.
Address: Old Town, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 6BG
Visit Shakespeare’s Schoolroom & Guild Hall
Back in Shakespeare’s day only boys were allowed to attend school and receive the privilege of an education. The old school house which Shakespeare attended can be seen today and during term time classes are still taught inside for the children of the local King Edward VI School until 11am daily. Therefore visitors can only enter after this time. Once inside you can learn to write with a quill and ink and take replica lessons from the era from an actor playing Master Thomas Jenkins who was Shakespeare’s teacher.
Address: Church Street, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 6HB
Opening times: 11am to 5pm daily.
Price: Starting from £12.50 for adults, £10 for concessions and £7.50 for children.
Strolls the quaint streets and admire the old buildings
Stratford upon Avon has some of the most instagrammable streets in the UK and it’s worth taking the time to wander up and down the streets admiring the old buildings and architecture. Many buildings have been made to match the original styling of the town with wooden beams and it can be fun to try and work out which are the old original buildings and which are the new replicas.
Fun fact: Stratford has one of the most picturesque Starbucks in the world!
Indulge in afternoon tea at Hobson’s Patisserie on the high street
Treat yourselves to a romantic afternoon tea in Stratford with all the trimmings at Hobson’s. Widely regarded by locals as the best café in town, it makes a nice break from all the sightseeing around town, and we can certainly vouch for the delicious homemade scones and tea.
Address: Henley Street, Stratford-upon-Avon, Stratford, CV37 6QW
Opening times: 9am-4pm daily except Saturday when they open 9am-5pm.
Take a romantic river cruise
Cruising down the river Avon glass with a glass of prosecco in hand, wind in your hair, not a care in the world. Can you picture anything better for a couples date in Stratford? I think not! There are many different cruises you can take, some are adult only, some are dinner cruises with a meal included and some cater to everyone.
Check availability and prices for different cruises here.
Hire a rowing boat
If you picture yourself as a ‘Noah and Allie from the Notebook’ type couple, then you will want to hire a rowing boat to see the delights of the river Avon. Row amongst the ducks and swans swimming on the calm waters and if the mood takes you recite poetry to your significant other. Hopefully you won’t get rained on either!
Wander along the riverside
What could be more romantic than a wander down the riverside? The river Avon has a clear path alongside the river which winds through parks and by church yards. It is also one of the many free things for couples to do in Stratford.
Have a pint of ale at the oldest pub
In a picturesque town like Stratford, you must visit the oldest pub, The Old Thatch Tavern and soak up the historic atmosphere with a nice cold pint of ale (or whatever you drink) or enjoy some of the homemade traditional British food from the kitchen. Imagine yourself back in time when Shakespeare was alive and may have sat in the very same place while dreaming up one of his works of art.
This family run pub is a Grade II listed building, and is the only remaining thatched building in Stratford dating back to the 1470’s. You may even catch a glimpse of the resident ghost of Joseph Pinfield who was murdered here in 1795.
Address: Old Thatch Tavern, Greenhill Street, Stratford Upon Avon, CV37 6LE
Opening times: 12pm-11pm daily except Sunday 12pm-6pm
Take a walking tour (and earn secret discounts)
Walking tours are a great way to visit a new place if you are short on time. The walking tour we did in Stratford went to all the best tourist spots and the guide was very informative about the local area and the attractions, particularly surrounding Shakespeare. Walking tours can sometimes be free however we have always found them to be worth the price if they are paid for.
We did this one which cost £10 per adult and took around 2.5 hours, it also came with some discount codes and offers for local businesses which was a nice perk.
You can also book tickets here.
Afternoon Tea Baking Class
One of the best things to do on a day out with your partner is to enjoy afternoon tea. If you’re looking for a unique and enjoyable way to spend an afternoon together in Stratford-upon-Avon, why not take part in a traditional afternoon tea baking class? Located near the town centre, this charming cottage is the perfect spot to learn to bake delicious scones and other treats.
During the class you’ll be provided with all the ingredients necessary to make a variety of sweet and savoury snacks, such as brownies, scones, and jams from organic ingredients. And of course, to top it all off you’ll receive an afternoon tea featuring scones, clotted cream, jams, cakes, and more accompanied by tea, coffee, or sparkling wine.
Plus, you’ll be given recipes and a mini jar of jam and an antique piece of crockery as a souvenir to take home with you. So if you want something unique and hands on to do in Stratford upon Avon then an afternoon of baking and tea is the perfect activity for couples!
Opening times: Classes start from 3pm
Visit the MAD museum
MAD museum is the mechanical art and design museum and is a fun thing to do in Stratford for couples. This interactive museum is literally full of bells and whistles, think Wallace and Gromit inventions meets scrapheap challenge! Located in the heart of Stratford-upon-Avon, this museum is home to a variety of interactive displays that are sure to entertain both children and adults alike. Fiddle with buttons, knobs and gears until your heart’s content, there’s something inside for the mathematical, curious and eccentric of us all at MAD. Plus, the museum is constantly updating its exhibits, so you’re sure to find something new every time you visit.
Address: 4-5 Henley Street, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 6PT
Opening times:
April-September: 10am-5pm Monday to Friday
October- March: 10.30am-4.30pm Monday to Friday
Weekends and bank holidays: 10am-5.30pm year round
Price: £8.80 for adults, £7 for concessions, and £6 for children under 15
Stroll around The Butterfly farm
The Butterfly Farm in Stratford upon Avon is the UK’s largest tropical butterfly paradise and one of the best things to do for couples. This unique attraction provides the perfect romantic experience, allowing couples to explore the exotic environment of the butterfly farm in a one-way self-guided route with timed visits taking around 60-90 minutes to fully explore.
To ensure the butterflies come close enough to admire, visitors are recommended to wear brightly coloured clothes, preferably blue, and floral scented perfumes. If you are lucky the butterflies may land on you but visitors cannot touch them because it can damage their delicate wings.
Temperatures inside the flight area are always kept high and humid at 27 degrees, so no matter what the weather is like outside, you can always enjoy a pleasant experience. Once inside, couples can take their time exploring the tropical blossom, splashing waterfalls and fish-filled pools, discovering hundreds of beautiful butterflies. Reception provides visitor guides for £4.75 and butterfly ID sheets for £1 to help visitors identify each butterfly species they encounter. With its romantic atmosphere, the Butterfly Farm is a must-visit for couples when visiting Stratford upon Avon.
Address: Swan’s Nest Lane, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 7LS
Opening times: 10am-5pm daily and 10am-6pm March-September
Price: £8.95 for adults, £8.45 for concessions and £7.95 for children under 16.
Visit Magic alley
Magic alley in Stratford is not only a shop for all your witchcraft and wizardry supplies, it’s also a magical attraction where you can find themed quests and events throughout the year. At times there are also shows and performances from magicians, clairvoyants, cabaret acts and storytellers to enthral visitors of any age.
Even if there are no events on when you visit it’s still worth browsing the magical emporium shop for unique and interesting gifts either for yourself or your partner.
Address: Unit 23a Bell Court, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 6EX.
Opening times: 10am-5pm daily
Visit Bancroft gardens and sit on Shakespeare’s knee
Bancroft gardens are next to the river Avon in front of the Royal Shakespeare theatre and feature several Shakespeare statues amongst others. The gardens are beautiful and peaceful with multiple benches but for a real treat find the statue of Shakespeare and have a picture taken sitting on his knee, you will immediately notice how shiny the leg is from all the tourists taking this exact picture.
Have a spin on The Big Wheel
The 40 foot high ferris wheel is a great fun and unique attraction in Stratford upon Avon. Couples can snuggle up in the 6 seater carriage and admire views over the entire town. The ride takes around 15-20 minutes and the ferris wheel goes around multiple times at a relatively fast pace, however it is perfect for taking pictures of the town and the river Avon or even for a unique proposal at the top.
During cold or windy weather we recommend wearing a coat as it can be very chilly at the top. For the best views visit during the summer months for clear sunny far reaching views.
Address: National Cycle Route 41, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 7LS
Opening times: 10am-7pm daily from March to September.
Price: £7 per person
Stratford Armouries Museum
The Stratford Armouries Museum is free to visit and is a must-see for any British military history enthusiast. Situated in the village of Pathlow just 3.5 miles outside Stratford-upon-Avon town centre, this incredible museum is full of military artefacts and memorabilia from different eras. The museum houses a fascinating exhibition dedicated to Sir Winston Churchill and his political and personal story. Here you can experience personal accounts and artefacts from the famous D-Day landings in 1944, as well as a reconstruction of a WWI trench and even part of a Vickers Wellington Bomber plane. With so much to see and learn, the Stratford Armouries Museum is definitely worth a visit for couples interested in military history.
Address: Hawkeswood, Gospel Oak Lane, Pathlow, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 0JA
Opening times: 9am-5pm daily
The Other Place Theatre and Costume Gallery
The Other Place began life as a tin shed rehearsal room and was used as a costume storage area for the main theatre but in recent times it has become a small 200-seat studio theatre in itself.
It is owned and operated by the Royal Shakespeare Company and still houses costumes, over 30,000 mostly for Shakespeare’s works. The costumes are available for the public to view through pre-organised theatre tours.
If you’re a fan of the theatre, especially intimate performances then this is definitely worth a visit to see new and upcoming plays and writers here along with music, poetry recitals and family friendly events.
Address: 22 Southern Lane, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 6BH.
Tudor world
Step back in time and visit the family owned interactive museum at Tudor world. This fascinating era is well documented and will take you back to your school days with live actors replaying key moments and recreating daily life under the rule of Henry VIII.
Located in the town centre in a historic 16th century grade 2 listed building there is no better setting to learn all about everyday life during Shakespeare’s lifetime. The museum also hosts ghost tours after hours for brave couples starting at 6pm and costing £8.50 per person and a historic town tour lasting 90-120 minutes at 2pm on Saturday’s lead by Shakespeare himself* for an additional cost.
Address: Sheep Street, Stratford upon Avon, CV37 6EE
Opening times: 10.30am-5.30pm daily
Price: £7 for adults, £6 for concessions, £4 for children under 15.
*Not the actual William Shakespeare (obviously, because he is dead)
Mary Arden’s Farm
Mary Arden was the mother of William Shakespeare and lived on a farmstead in Wilmcote, a village near Stratford-upon-Avon. This historic building is essentially Victorian/Edwardian but still has some vestiges of Robert Arden’s original home from the early 16th century.
Due to some confusion the site comprises two farm houses known as Glebe Farm And Palmers farm. Mary Arden’s House AKA Glebe Farm was lived in with little modification until 1968 and is now one of the popular Stratford-upon-Avon attractions.
Visitors can experience a working Tudor farm and see some rare breed farm animals including Cotswold sheep, Tamworth pigs and golden Guernsey goats. This building, along with other historic buildings in Stratford-upon-Avon, gives an amazing glimpse into the past and provides a memorable Shakespeare experience for all visitors of all ages.
Address: Station Road, Wilmcote, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 9UN
Shakespeare gin distillery and tasting tour
Visiting the Shakespeare Distillery is a great activity for couples and to learn more about the history of gin and if you are looking to explore the gin culture of Stratford-upon-Avon the Shakespeare Distillery tour is one of the best things to do! Visit the award-winning distillery and learn about the influence of the Tudor period on gin production. Enjoy a guided tour to get a behind-the-scenes look at the operations of the distillery and sample at least three of their in-house gins. End your experience with a gin and tonic and take home a newfound appreciation for gin.
Book your tickets now for a chance to explore Shakespeare Distillery and enrich your knowledge of local gin!
Dark chronicles horror walk
This is not your average ghost walk, if you are looking for unique things to do in Stratford upon Avon at night this is it. Be prepared for chilling tales of murder, torture and terror! After dark is the best time to experience the dark secrets hidden underneath the picturesque exterior of this 2000 year old town.
Hop on hop off bus tour
Get the most out of your trip by joining the hop on hop off bus tour which will drop you off at all the most famous sites in Stratford upon Avon so you don’t miss out on any of the best things to do. Stops along the bus tour include Halls Croft, Anne Hathaway’s cottage, Shakespeare’s birthplace, Mary Arden’s farm, market square and the visitors information Centre to name a few.
You can buy a 24 or 48 hour bus ticket which allows you to get on and off as many times as you like for the duration. The hop on hop off bus runs from April to November and runs from 9am-5pm daily.
Private Shakespeare Escape Room
Escape rooms are always fun things to do for couples but this one has a twist. The whole room is Shakespeare themed so you can wow your partner with your knowledge of the playwright and with your ability to solve clues and crack the code to escape within the 60 minute timer. We love escape rooms because they are a great way to work together and it really gets the adrenaline pumping when you’re on a timer. So if you’re looking for an exciting couple’s activity in Stratford upon Avon then this is the thing to do.
Address: Escape Live, 31 Greenhill Street, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 6LE
Price: Start from £19 per person depending on group size.
So there you have it the best things to do in Stratford upon Avon for couples. Did anything on our list surprise you or is there anything we missed that you think should have made the list, send us an email and let us know!
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