to ask if you've ever been to Stratford upon Avon

[PinkStarAtNight]

I would appreciate tips please!

We are planning a weekend there first August Bank Holiday. We will be there two and a half days. We want to see all the main things; Shakespeare's birthplace and associated houses, tour of the RSC, river boat tour etc

We have booked to see a play at 2pm on the Monday. Nothing else booked so far - I'm wondering how far in advance do we need to book tickets for things like Shakespeare's House? Do they usually get fully booked very soon, could we leave it until the week before we go?

Also, any tips for how to maximise our time or just anything you think we need to know about Stratford upon Avon before going...would really appreciate the experience of mumsnet 😊

Thank you in advance!!

I was there last week. Just for a an afternoon though. We did the open top bus tour and the sinister stratford walking tour, both of which I would recommend. I would have loved to visit some of the museums and Shakespeare's house.
I can't really help with your questions but I loved it. It's a really pretty town and the river area especially is beautiful.

I hope you like queuing

Yes! Many times - it’s a huge favourite in my family.

it is worth booking the birthplace in advance in busy periods . That said, the slots are for an hour, which leaves you some room for manoeuvre. And I reckon that a week or so in advance should do it. It’s also worth seeing Anne Hathaway’s cottage (his wife’s family home) if you have time (although that is in a village outside Stratford, so easier if you have a car).

if you’re interested in theatre, would highly recommend an RSC tour as well. They are fun and informative. We’ve done it several times and it’s been different each time.

The Dirty Duck (a bit further on from the Swan theatre) has an actors’ bar with lots of signed photos of actors through the years. Apparently they used to pop in for a pint in the interval in days gone by. (Last time we were there, so was Dame. Judi Dench!)

Hope you have a great trip!

We enjoyed the Butterfly place as a couple of hours time slot filler. Used Tesco clubcard vouchers too so it wasn't costly either.

Just walking along/ sitting by the river is lovely. Take a boat trip.

Two and a half DAYS?! You can honestly see all you need to in an afternoon.

👆this

Watch “Shakespeare and Hathaway”, a superb cozy mystery series based in Stratford.

I agree with @StripedTomatoes , it’s not a huge place.

We went to the church where he was buried.

We did it all in an afternoon on a May bank holiday weekend. You don’t need more than that.

I disagree. The Shakespeare Story places, sitting by the river with an ice cream / going on a boat seeing a play, going on a guided walking tour, going to pubs and cafes...2 and a half days will easily go

The current season at the RSC, under new leadership, has been fantastic so far. I would try to see two plays if you can.

DD and I went for a day and saw the birthplace, New Place (which was knocked down! but the garden is lovely), Shakespeare's grave in the parish church (interesting bc it features one of only two (?) images painted from life, and also watched a great production of Much Ado in the park for free.

I can't find the open-air play (it was part of a season but t was a few years ago tbh) but this might be interesting: https://www.rsc.org.uk/open-stage

It’s quite a fun trip. (If you don’t find the Shakespeare premium added to the price of Every Single Thing irritating!)

Definitely try to do both Shakespeare’s house and Anne Hathaway’s cottage. (A fun way to travel to the latter is on the tour bus, then pick the bus up later for the rest of the tour.)

Outside Stratford upon Avon it’s worth making the short journey to Compton Verney. Rewarding country house art gallery set in glorious grounds where you can picnic.

But obviously the main event will be seeing a play.

The theatre tour is fabulous, highly recommended.
Book lunch or dinner in the RSC Rooftop Restaurant - great food, and beautiful views of the river.
Lambs in Sheep Street is also a nice restaurant (book in advance).
I agree that the Dirty Duck is great fun.
They also usually have a free exhibition at the theatre.
Go to the parish church and pay your respects at the grave of The Bard.
Two and a half days is perfect timing.

Agree with others tho it is a very small town so doesn;t take much walking round tbh.

The Rooftop restaurant at the RSC is nice.

Visit the church where Shakespeare was baptised and buried. There are two trees planted there to commemorate his children who died (we went to see them after watching Hamnet).

Depends whether you want to get more out of it than a series of selfies for social media.

I've not been, but keep an eye out for my friends memorial plaque please. I think it's near Tudor World. If you see it tell him I said Hi.
Thank you.

I would have recommended the Forties for afternoon tea but on a recent thread about afternoon tea (sorry no idea how to find and link) was told it had gone downhill so maybe avoid there

There are some interesting little shops around but the theatre and the river are the main focus. The church is worth a visit and Ann Hathaways house if you can get there

If you have a car Coughton Court (NT) is about 10 miles away. Has links to the Gunpowder Plot

Warwick and the famous castle are also only 10 miles away

You've made me homesick for my stomping ground, I need to go back for a visit

Hope you enjoy

If you tire of the cultural things the Maybird retail park is within walking distance. They have a fish and chip cafe, a Subway, a small M&S/food hall. Also a large Smiths, Next and a quite large Tesco. Parking is free and there are public toilets.
https://maybirdshopping.co.uk/map. I missed a few places so copied and pasted this map.

If you have the budget, book a table at Salt, I’ve been twice and loved it both times.

You ll have a smashing time.Things we did
Ann Hathaways cottage just a few train stops away, brilliant!
River cruise.
loads of Shakespeare attractions and you can get a family ticket that covers most got s year.
Shakespeare’s grave in the local church
the Chain river crossing in the park ,amazing
evening ghost walk
RSC book ahead
Everyman cinema
Fab

Lambs restaurant in Sheep Street is gorgeous. The butterfly farm is nice. The Mad Museum is worth a visit. You can go to the top of the RSC building for free (or a small donation) worth a visit as you can see for miles. Enjoy!

Don't miss the quirky little musuem about moving objects Google it.

Mad museum!!