Top 10 Non- Shakespeare things to do in Stratford-Upon-Avon

Finally, we are slowly coming to the end of the pandemic, all restrictions are easing up and we can travel around the country. Being a truly Holiday Addict, at the first opportunity, I jump into my car and just over 3 hours drive from Weymouth takes me to this charming town. Stratford-upon-Avon is a medieval market town with more than 800 years of history in England’s West Midlands and it's situated 22 miles South East of Birmingham and 8 Miles South West of Warwisck and is close at hand to the North Cotswolds villages. Stratford-Upon-Avon is the 16th-century birthplace of William Shakespeare, possibly the most famous writer in the English language and all over the world. The city fully exploits the name of Shakespeare, but if you are not in to the English literature, this beautiful town can offer so much more. Many of Stratford-upon-Avon’s striking Tudor timber-framed houses still stand, river Avon banks have a most loveliest walks. Whilst towns across the UK race to become the next ‘hipster hotspot’, Stratford-upon-Avon strives to preserve its character and its culture. While this medieval market town may be the home of William Shakespeare and there’s plenty of Shakespeare related activities to get your teeth stuck into, there’s so much more to this picturesque town than just that, so 
Here are non-Shakespeare, I mean not a Shakespeare in sight things to do in Stratford-upon-Avon:



1. Experience Stratford from the River Avon

Okay, okay, so Stratford-upon-Avon is a far cry from Venice, but if we can't go to Italy now due to Covid restrictions, the River Avon is your next best thing.  Stratford Riverside Walk is a 1.5 mile out and back trail. Stratford very preatty and very green town. Walk along the river bank give you a chance to get away from crowded main streets, sit down on one of the benches and watch narrowboats passing by. Rent a boat or take a river cruise to enjoy the scenery. Boating established in 1898 and there is a fleet of different boats to choose, from motor boats to punts available to hire by the hour. Be prepared to wait for at least an hour  in a long queue, we decided not to wait and settle for a river cruise on the other side. Boats depart every 15 mins, cost £7 for an adult and £5 for a child (under 5 are free) and no queues. A half hour cruise is a lovely trip to enhance your tour of Stratford. You can rent a rowing boat for £15 an hour on the same side of the river. 

2. Butterfly Farm

Despite English weather, butterfly farm is a tropical paradise across a number of greenhouses, water displays and ponds. There are numerous free flying butterflies, a pool containing large fish and also a large selection of tropical plants. Plants not only look beautiful, more importantly, they feed the butterflies. Some of the butterflies breed within the Butterfly Farm, the rest are imported from butterfly farmers in the tropics. We spend about an hour walk around the farm and I highly recommend if you are in Stratford. Entrance £7.95 adult, £6.95 child (under 3's free).

3. Explore and do some shopping on Henley Street

Just a short walk across the roundabout from old town centre home to an array of shops- Henley Street. From the Beatrix Potter gift shop, Timeless Tales, to various souvenir shops where you can buy yet another fridge magnet, sweet shop with a beautifly wraped chocolates, or are you just Christmas crazy? The Nutcracker Christmas Shop is open all year around, and is home to everything from handmade wooden nativity figures and German nutcrackers through to simple tree decorations and stockings to hang on your fireplace. Take a photo with a Tudor Knight or have a lunch in of the cafés and restaurants on this straight run of historic buildings.

4. Magic Alley


After a quirky souvenir from your trip to Stratford-upon-Avon, then this most magical shop is a must-visit. There’s plenty to satisfy your curiosity. Magic Alley is packed with books, toys, dragons, magic tricks, historic art prints and magical objects and things you never knew you needed. Are you after crystal balls, spells or magic potions? Are you mad about Harry Potter and want a mug or wand. You will find all here. This place is fun for kids and adults alike.

5. Enjoy views from the RSC Tower


Let’s be honest, no trip here would be complete without a visit to the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC). If plays aren’t your thing, why not try a bird's eye view of Stratford-Upon-Avon. You can get the lift all the way up from the Royal Shakespeare Theatre for for panoramic views of the River Avon and beyond. On a clear day you can see views for up to twenty miles across. Have dinner at the swanky RSC Rooftop Restaurant after.

6. The Stratford big wheel by the river


The Stratford big wheel is a 40-metre Ferris wheel on the banks of the River Avon with six-seater viewing pods, offering views across Stratford-upon-Avon and beyond. Look out for The RSC theatres, the River Avon, Holy Trinity Church and, in the opposite direction from the town, the Welcombe Hills, topped by the unmistakable Obelisk. It costs £6 for every rider over the age of 1 and as a one-off the Stratford big wheel price is reasonable value for such amazing views.

7. Walk around the Stratford-Upon-Avon's old town


Stratford-Upon-Avon super pretty and very picturesque. Most of the important and beautiful buildings located here. The beautiful HSBC building, built in 1883. Hathaway Tea Room, occupying a Grade II-listed building dating back to 1610, some of Hathaway Tea Rooms’s illustrious past lives include a bookshop and a shoe shop, before becoming the tea rooms in 1931. Unfortunately Hathaway Tea Room closed down, I just hope someone will take over and continue to run the most historical cafe in town. The Guild Chapel, located at the corner of Chapel Lane and Church Street, towers over the old and crouching houses of Stratford,  was founded in the middle of the 13th century. If you want to learn more about town, I recommend you book a  guided tour of Stratford-upon-Avon. Have an experienced tour guide bring the history of the town to life as you walk past all the major sights of the city. There are tales on the way about pubs, secret tunnels, myths, skirmishes, and even the Teletubbies, which is filmed near Stratford-upon-Avon.

8. MAD Museum


Another activity perfect for a family day out, the MAD Museum (Mechanical Art  Design).  It’s the UK’s only permanent museum that explores all forms of mechanical art and design. This interactive centre stimulates the senses and inspires kids to learn about science, tech, engineering, art and maths while having fun at the same time, good fun for old and young.


9. Tudor World


This is a small independent museum located in the original Tudor building. When you stroll around the Stratford, you can't miss the small lovely courtyard, entrance to the museum. Don't walk past, pop in and see how they recreates historical settings to simulate the Tudor period. You can spend about an hour or less, and it's been fun, you also can take some fun pictures there too. They are a few tours you can take, but unfortunately, due to Covid restrictions, all of them was cancelled, still very worth to visit.  Hopefully they are will be running very soon. Ticket adult £6.75, child £3.50.


10. Enjoy a Pub Life


No trip to Stratfor Upon Avon would be complete without checking out some of its oldest architecture – and The Garric Inn pub is on of them. Believed to have been constructed in 1596, this Grade II-listed, Elizabethan, timber-framed building has been an inn since the early 18th century and has been called  after the actor David Garrick, since 1795. We started one of our day with a lovely cup of coffee there or you can try some of the oldest ale. Another great place to visit is the Old Thatch Tavern. They serve really nice traditional pub food with very affordable prices. Another great place to have lunch in is Cox's Yard. This rustic-chic restaurant has a riverside terrace and serves Josper-oven steaks and cocktails. Explore the town and enjoy the food.

SO TO VISIT OR NOT TO VISIT? THAT IS THE QUESTION

Our visit to Stratford-upon-Avon certainly exceeded our expectations. I initially thought it was a town for Shakespeare lovers and everything related. If you are like me and plays aren’t your thing and you are not into his creations (thank you school for that), Stratford Upon Avon has so much more to offer. A romantic weekend, trip with children or a day trip to get away from the house, it has everything. You definitely won't get bored here.

I’d really recommend a visit to Shakespeare’s hometown to discover a new love for him and the English towns.



                                  Where we stayed


Mercure Stratford upon Avon Shakespeare Hotel


Chapel St, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 6ER




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