Stratford-upon-Avon's all-time luckiest fluke was that the Bard was born here. This little twist of fate has kept a centuries-long steady stream of tourists flowing through town. Stratford-upon-Avon's population is only about 20,000, but during summer high season, it balloons to over 100,000 with all the tourists. Fivefold increase? Whoa, this guy William must've been pretty important or something. His birthplace alone welcomes over a half million visitors each year; while the Royal Shakespeare Company attracts a million patrons annually to its performances. These visitors primarily belong to an older demographic and seem to abide by Shakespeare's words, “There is money; spend it, spend it; spend more.” Never fear, though: the budget traveler can still find free fun for folly in others' foible—while the Shakespeare sites are frequented by throngs of tourists, Stratford's beautiful countryside and riverfront walks often go blissfully ignored. A wander off into the sunset is the perfect way to end your day.
Stratford-upon-Avon's railway station is located to the west side of town, and sends trains to Birmingham ( $ £6.30 h 50min., 1-2 per hr.), London Marylebone ...more
Stratford-upon-Avon is best explored by foot. The train station is located to the west of town but is within easy walking distance of the heart of the downtown. The River Avon runs alongside the town, ...more
Tourist Offices: Bridgefoot (☎ 0870 160 7930) or (62 Henley St.☎ 01789 264 293 www.shakespeare-country.co.uk h Open daily 10am-4pm). Sells maps ( ...more
In Shakespeare's day, visitors to Stratford-upon-Avon probably slept on the floor with the rest of the family. These days, the options are better for visitors to this small part of town. Bed and Breakfasts ...more
Many of the restaurants in town are fairly upscale and aim to please the theater-going crowd. However, there are affordable baguette stores, tea shops, and bakeries scattered around the town center. Cheapest ...more
Stratford's Will-centered sights are best seen before the daytrippers and buses full of schoolchildren arrive at 11am, or after 4pm, when the “Lear-ing” crowds disperse, and the seniors head back for ...more
Sure, setting foot in the room where the Bard was born is a thrill in its own right, but the real reason why so many theater-philes make the pilgrimage to Stratford-upon-Avon every year is this legendary ...more
Dirty Duck Pub, 66 Waterside (☎ 01789 297 312; www.dirtyduck.co.uk), Originally called “The Black Swan” and rechristened by alliterative Americans during WWII. Huge bust of Shakespeare inside. Actors ...more
Stratford’s biggest festival begins on the weekend nearest April 23, Shakespeare’s birthday. The modern, well-respected Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, Henley St., hosts a Poetry Festival every Sunday ...more
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For 52 years, we have published the world’s favorite budget travel guides, written entirely by students and updated every year. With pen and notebook in hand and a few changes of underwear stuffed in our backpacks, we spend months roaming the globe in search of travel bargains.
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