Considering a Stratford-upon-Avon weekend? Despite its sleepy appearance for any first time visitor, there are many things to do in Stratford-upon-Avon to keep you entertained for days. Despite my own concern that an entire weekend might be ambitious with kids, a weekend in Stratford-upon-Avon turns out to be a favorite one.
As swans everywhere suggest, this romantic medieval town in England’s West Midlands has far more to offer than simply Shakespeare’s birthplace and the theatre. In this post, discover where to stay and the best things to do in Stratford-upon-Avon with kids, especially in the fall.
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Table of Contents
Getting To Stratford-upon-Avon
Stratford-upon-Avon is an easy 2-hour drive from London or just under a 3-hour train ride from St Pancras.
Best Place To Stay In Stratford
It seemed only fitting to stay at The White Swan Hotel, as a symbol of Shakespeare’s birthplace. The hotel is perfectly located, making it central to a walk that we found ourselves doing daily. Our first impression of the hotel was so lovely that we decided to stay for lunch before setting off for the day.
The White Swan Hotel is centrally located
Things To Do In Stratford-upon-Avon Day 1
Shop the Saturday Market
The Saturday market in Stratford-upon-Avon is located immediately across the street from The White Swan Hotel.
Despite the weather, we looked around at the different antiques and goodies in pursuit of another umbrella. ☔️
Explore Henley Street
Henley Street isn’t just home to Shakespeare’s birthplace, but to loads of little shops and cafes to try. We found ourselves returning to Henley multiple times to take it all in and ensure we didn’t miss a thing!
Tour Shakespeare’s Birthplace
It doesn’t take long to spot Shakespeare’s birthplace. And because of the weather, we get to take pictures with no one standing in front of it. Then we head inside to learn all things Shakespeare and for the kids to partake in a Shakespeare activity worksheet.
Shakespeare’s Birthplace
From Shakespeare’s birthplace, pop in and out of all the cute shops that line the streets. Or find something Harry Potter fitting for Halloween at Alohomora.
Visit Magic Alley
Without even realizing it, we had chosen a perfectly decorated and spirited town to enjoy the lead up to Halloween. Every window shop seemed decorated.
Magic Alley and the human-sized chess board in Bell’s Court made us feel like we were either in Diagon Alley or celebrating Halloween back in America. Either way, the magic of theatre and Halloween was pleasantly everywhere for our weekend in Stratford-upon-Avon.
Magic Alley is an epic shop in Stratford-upon-Avon
Tea at Hathaway Tea Room
For afternoon tea it seemed only prudent to experience Hathaway Tea Room. We settled in on the second floor and ordered Hathaway’s Tea and Cream for 2, hot chocolates, and chocolate cake for the kids.
Other tea locations to add to your list of things to do in Stratford-upon-Avon include Boston Tea Party and the Box Brownie on Henley Street.
Explore Sheep Street
After tea, take in Sheep Street. Just walking up and down the streets to take in all the architecture and restaurants this town has to offer is something special.
Check out Garrick Inn, the oldest pub, during your weekend in Stratford-upon-Avon.
Go On A Tudor Ghost Tour
As darkness settled in, we were tempted to sign up for the Tudor World Ghost Tour on Sheep Street. Perhaps when the kids get older!
Dine at The Townhouse
Since it was a theatre evening, reservations are required in advance if you want to eat at a decent hour with kids. We chose The Townhouse on Church Street. Although we were extremely skeptical from our view on the outside, once inside we knew we were in the right place.
The perception outside gave The Townhouse an air of quiet sophistication. So much so in fact that we walked back and forth trying to decide if we should try getting into another restaurant. We were shocked once within to hear chatter from the bar, piano tunes throughout, and a menu that the kids were immensely satisfied with. Even dinner was a surprise!
Attend a Show at the Royal Shakespeare Company
In order to attend a show, activity, or RSC event that’s also suitable for kids under 10, be sure to book tickets far in advance. You can find what’s on in Stratford at RSC here.
Enjoy Late Night Music at The Lamplighter, Queen’s Head & The White Swan
Though The Lamplighter and Queen’s Head were bustling with jaw-dropping decorations, singing, and Halloween parties as we walked by, we returned to The White Swan for a game of Skipbo and music from local guitarist, Matt Bates. It was an evening to remember!
Things To Do In Stratford-upon-Avon Day 2
Observe the owls at the Sunday Market
With bright blue skies upon us, we set off for the RSC Tower but instead stumbled upon a Sunday Market that lined Bridge Street. Though more stalls than the Saturday one, we immediately discover the owls.
At first, we thought the owls were fake because they were so mechanical in movement. Their eyes as clear as a Ty beanie boo. Our kids pet every one of them. They were gorgeous and a great way to kick off day 2 of our weekend in Stratford-upon-Avon.
Owls are on display at Stratford’s Sunday Market
Climb the RSC Tower
Since we arrived near opening time, the RSC tower was all to ourselves. The kids participated in a Shakespeare tower activity hunt while we experienced the best panoramic views of the city and River Avon below.
Explore Shakespeare’s New Place
From the tower, we made our way to Shakespeare’s New Place. We enjoyed the gardens and the chance to make a line for our own family sonnet while outside. Then we had a go at Shakespeare dress-up and Halloween potion-making. This is a favorite thing to do in Stratford-upon-Avon with kids.
Make a family sonnet at Shakespeare’s New Place
After a quick stop at Havilands Tea Room for warm Cornish pasties to go, we headed to Warwick Castle.
Visit Warwick Castle
Warwick Castle is incredible. Though it’s a castle that would be impressive to visit at any time of year, it’s most fitting for Halloween. In fact, it’s one of my top UK castles to visit during Halloween.
Warwick Castle is a must-do – especially with a Stratford visit
We kicked off our time at Warwick Castle with a family escape room experience. We made it out with only 1 minute to spare. Despite my fear it might be too scary or mature for my 6 and 9-year-olds, they absolutely loved the Warwick Castle Escape Room.
More Warwick Castle highlights:
- A condor the size of a helicopter during Birds of Prey was most impressive
- The world’s largest trebuchet
- Horrible Histories Maze
- Haunted Hollows
Though we wanted to see the fire jousting staying till 8:30 wasn’t an option for us with kids but is something we’ll try another year. Warwick Castle is amazing. Even as we left the Castle around 6:30 there were still loads of people arriving to partake in 18+ Halloween venues. A popular Halloween destination for sure! And the perfect addition for things to do around Stratford-upon-Avon.
Dine at the Loxley’s
We managed to get into the Loxley’s with a late reservation and seated at the quaint window table for 4, peering out over Sheep Street. We couldn’t have been happier! The food was amazing and the atmosphere charming.
Loxley’s is the perfect venue to complete a Stratford-upon-Avon weekend.
Loxley’s on Sheep Street
Things To Do In Stratford-upon-Avon Day 3
Shop at Vinegar Hill
With a few hours to spare before our return journey home, I have my mind set on finding a memento or two to remind us of our amazing weekend in Shakespeare land. There are so many options to consider and trust me that we went into a lot of them. But one stood out: Vinegar Hill.
Vinegar Hill is where both children found ornaments they needed to have that I simply couldn’t argue. Sparkly unicorns and nutcracker ornaments of every color made it hard to decide! If we hadn’t been on a time crunch I could have stayed in this shop for hours. Although there are other Vinegar Hill locations in the UK, this shop is a fun thing to do while in Stratford-upon-Avon!
Shop Vinegar Hill in Stratford for sparkly ornaments & gifts
Visit Anne Hathaway’s Cottage
A popular thing to do around Stratford-upon-Avon is Anne Hathaway’s Cottage.
Though completely in awe of the incredible thatched roof, the grand garden and romantic display of what might have been between William and Anne are what make the Anne Hathaway Cottage visit totally worth it.
The garden at Anne Hathaway’s House
Final Tips On Things To Do In Stratford-upon-Avon
Though initially not sure if a weekend in Stratford-upon-Avon would be enough for our busy family of four, I can honestly say it delivered beyond expectation. As Shakespeare once said, ‘There is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so.’
Be sure to book the theatre far in advance (kid’s shows sell out fast!). And if you’re a gin fan, try a Shakespeare gin tasting at the Sunday market. They offer rhubarb, Stratford, and mulberry gin flavours.
Have you been? What are your favorite Stratford-upon-Avon things to do? Share in the comments.
