Warwickshire &amp; West Midlands

<p>A lovely dog-friendly hotel is the Swans Nest and a visit to Magic Alley is a must!! Giggling squid is a really pretty Thai restaurant near The Woodsman, &amp; you must enjoy the Saturday drag entertainment at the Officers Mess- priceless, darling!! xx</p>


<p>The Mad Museum is a haven of mechanical art. Great for kids and grown ups alike that like watching ball bearings travel through different media.<a href="https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction_Review-g186399-d2634311-Reviews-The_MAD_Museum-Stratford_upon_Avon_Warwickshire_England.html" rel="nofollow ugc">https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction_Review-g186399-d2634311-Reviews-The_MAD_Museum-Stratford_upon_Avon_Warwickshire_England.html</a></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-1-meet-the-man-behind-the-quill">1. Meet the man behind the quill</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2023/02/Anne-Hathaway-Cottage-1000x667.jpg" alt="Anne Hathaway’s Cottage" class="wp-image-52682" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2023/02/Anne-Hathaway-Cottage-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2023/02/Anne-Hathaway-Cottage-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2023/02/Anne-Hathaway-Cottage-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2023/02/Anne-Hathaway-Cottage-788x525.jpg 788w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2023/02/Anne-Hathaway-Cottage.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>The first thing most people think of when they head to Stratford is (quite rightly) Shakespeare. But this is your chance to meet the man behind the quill.</p>



<p>Start at his birthplace, where it all began, then wander to Anne Hathaway’s Cottage (the wife, not the Hollywood actor), all timbered charm and Tudor romance. This is where their love story first blossomed – think <em>Hamnet</em>, but IRL.</p>



<p>Finish at New Place, Shakespeare’s home for 19 years. The house itself is no longer standing (visit to find out why), but the gardens are beautiful and feature specially commissioned artworks that bring his world to life.</p>



<p>A joint ticket to all three costs £25 from the <a href="https://www.shakespeare.org.uk/visit/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Shakespeare Birthplace Trust</a> – a full day of literary legend, and a proper peek behind the quill.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-2-catch-a-show-at-the-rsc">2. Catch a show at the RSC</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2026/02/RSC-restaurant-1000x667.jpg" alt="RSC restaurant" class="wp-image-68752" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2026/02/RSC-restaurant-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2026/02/RSC-restaurant-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2026/02/RSC-restaurant-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2026/02/RSC-restaurant.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>You’ve read the books and wandered the rooms where the magic happened – now see the words come alive. Muddy fave the <a href="http://www.rsc.org.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The RSC</a> never disappoints, so book one of Shakespeare’s classics while you’re in town.</p>



<p>Make a night of it with a pre-show supper at the theatre’s <a href="https://www.rsc.org.uk/rooftop-restaurant" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rooftop Restaurant</a> (read our review <a href="https://warks.muddystilettos.co.uk/eat-out/review-rsc-rooftop-restaurant-stratford-upon-avon/">here</a>) – it&#8217;s surprisingly well-priced and seriously good. On a clear day the views over town are glorious, and if the sun’s out, nab a terrace table for peak Stratford smugness.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-3-stay-at-this-luxe-hotel">3. Stay at this luxe hotel</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="598" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2024/10/The-Arden-Hotel-1-1.jpg" alt="The Arden" class="wp-image-64481" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2024/10/The-Arden-Hotel-1-1.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2024/10/The-Arden-Hotel-1-1-800x478.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2024/10/The-Arden-Hotel-1-1-768x459.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Directly opposite the Royal Shakespeare Company theatres, <a href="https://www.theardenhotelstratford.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Arden </a>is Stratford’s go-to for contemporary boutique luxury – and the ultimate base for a theatre break (check the website for packages).</p>



<p>The 2 AA Rosette restaurant makes pre-theatre dining feel like part of the performance, and the afternoon teas are to die for.</p>



<p>Upstairs, rooms are seriously plush, with gloriously squishy beds made for collapsing into after a day pounding cobbled streets. Check out what we thought <a href="https://warks.muddystilettos.co.uk/travel/review-the-arden-hotel-stratford-upon-avon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-4-float-down-the-river-while-sipping-a-g-amp-t">4. Float down the river while sipping a G&amp;T</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2022/06/gin-tasting-1000x667.jpg" alt="Shakespeare Distillery" class="wp-image-68753" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2022/06/gin-tasting-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2022/06/gin-tasting-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2022/06/gin-tasting-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2022/06/gin-tasting.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>What’s better than a G&amp;T on ice? A G&amp;T on the water.</p>



<p>Book an hour-long cruise with <a href="http://Shakespeare Distillery" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Shakespeare Distillery</a> and drift along the River Avon, gliding past the Royal Shakespeare Theatre and Holy Trinity Church – Shakespeare’s final resting place – while sampling their craft gins.</p>



<p>The cruise ends, quite rightly, with a perfectly poured G&amp;T to toast the crew. Then hot-foot it to the distillery itself – if you buy a large bottle and return it empty (purely for sustainability purposes, obv), they’ll refill it at a discounted rate. Hic.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-5-paddleboard-at-sunrise-on-the-river-avon">5. Paddleboard at sunrise on the River Avon</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2026/02/SUP-stratford.jpg" alt="SUP Stratford" class="wp-image-68771" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2026/02/SUP-stratford.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2026/02/SUP-stratford-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2026/02/SUP-stratford-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2026/02/SUP-stratford-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2026/02/SUP-stratford-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>A very different (and altogether more wholesome) way to enjoy the River Avon. Early alarm required, but it’s worth it. We promise. If you&#8217;ve never tried it before before, <a href="https://supstratford.co.uk/river-avon-sup/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SUP Stratford</a> will help you find your river legs for £35, for a 90 minute session. Glide past swans and weeping willows before the day-trippers arrive. The town feels completely different from the water at dawn, plus you will have SERIOUSLY earned your breakfast. Not done it before? No problem </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-6-grab-breakfast-at-this-awesome-bakery">6. Grab breakfast at this awesome bakery</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2022/06/Mor-bakery-1.jpg" alt="Mor Bakery" class="wp-image-68751" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2022/06/Mor-bakery-1.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2022/06/Mor-bakery-1-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2022/06/Mor-bakery-1-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2022/06/Mor-bakery-1-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2022/06/Mor-bakery-1-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Did someone mention breakfast? Muddy Award finalists <a href="https://morbakery.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MOR Bakery</a> have a legion of local fans, and rightly so. Their&nbsp;<em>huge&nbsp;</em>pastries are the perfect morning pick me up and you need to try one of their Cruffins yet (yes, that’s a croissant and a muffin rolled into one ball of fluffy, doughy goodness). You can eat breakfast in, or if it&#8217;s not raining (we live in hope) take out with a coffee and enjoy alfresco along the banks of the Avon. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-7-take-a-ghost-walk-after-dark">7. Take a ghost walk after dark  </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2026/02/ghost-tour.jpg" alt="Ghost tour" class="wp-image-68779" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2026/02/ghost-tour.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2026/02/ghost-tour-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2026/02/ghost-tour-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2026/02/ghost-tour-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2026/02/ghost-tour-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>From 7.30pm every Saturday, you can take a lantern-lit wander through the town’s ‘haunted’ streets.</p>



<p>Expect good old-fashioned storytelling (with proper theatrical flair) as you hear about the slum-dwelling witch, a haunted 17th-century tearoom, a theatre ghost and one very jilted bride. Gulp.</p>



<p>Tickets cost £12 adult, £6 child&nbsp;(not recommended for kids under 8yrs) and booking is essential as places are limited. And maybe don’t walk home alone.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-8-sample-a-slice-of-new-york-pie-in-stratford">8. Sample a slice of New York pie in Stratford </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2026/02/the-cookie-company-1.jpg" alt="The Cookie Cottage" class="wp-image-68768" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2026/02/the-cookie-company-1.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2026/02/the-cookie-company-1-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2026/02/the-cookie-company-1-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2026/02/the-cookie-company-1-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2026/02/the-cookie-company-1-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>There are cookies and then there are <a href="https://www.facebook.com/The-Cookie-Cottage-102990815111772" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Cookie Cottage</a> cookies. Huge, gooey, decadent and ridiculously moreish – and inspired by the legendary bakeries of New York City. Flavours include blueberry cheesecake, lemon swirl, peanut butter and milk or white choc chunk. They also do outrageous cookie pies and pots of cookie doughs. Grab a box and take some home with you (if they last that long). </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-9-go-on-a-shopping-spree">9. Go on a shopping spree</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2026/02/bell-court.jpg" alt="Bell Court" class="wp-image-68782" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2026/02/bell-court.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2026/02/bell-court-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2026/02/bell-court-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2026/02/bell-court-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2026/02/bell-court-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>If you fancy a break from timber-framed tourism, swerve into <a href="https://www.bellcourtstratford.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bell Court</a> – Stratford’s smart lifestyle quarter, just off the main drag.</p>



<p>It’s a buzzy courtyard, with a curated mix of indie shops and restaurants, alongside recognisable favourites. </p>



<p>Need a sit down? Grab a film at the <a href="https://www.bellcourtstratford.com/store/everyman-cinema/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Everyman Cinema</a>. Think velvet sofas, footstools, cocktails brought to your seat and a menu that goes well beyond popcorn.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-10-escape-to-the-country">10. Escape to the country </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2026/02/compton-verney-1000x667.jpg" alt="Compton Verney" class="wp-image-68785" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2026/02/compton-verney-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2026/02/compton-verney-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2026/02/compton-verney-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2026/02/compton-verney.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Need to get your 10,000 steps in? Pop along to <a href="https://www.comptonverney.org.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Compton Verney</a> which combines are art with nature. There are six art galleries in total, set in a stunning Robert Adam mansion (famous for his Neoclassical architecture), surrounded by 130 acres of gorgeous Capability Brown landscape (complete with sculpture park). You can easily make a day of it and there&#8217;s a restaurant on site to grab lunch, or a coffee hut if you want something on the go. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-11-eat-drink-and-be-very-merry">11. Eat, drink and be (very) merry</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2026/02/roast-woodman-1000x667.jpg" alt="The Woodsman roast" class="wp-image-68788" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2026/02/roast-woodman-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2026/02/roast-woodman-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2026/02/roast-woodman-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2026/02/roast-woodman.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>If you’re ready to unwind after ticking off all of the above, make a beeline for <a href="https://thewoodsmanrestaurant.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Woodsman</a>.</p>



<p>Tucked inside Hotel Indigo, it’s one of Stratford’s best-looking dining rooms – think Tudor beams, low lighting and food cooked over an open flame. The vibe is rustic but refined, with a menu rooted in brilliant British produce, seasonal game, seriously good flavours and insane roasts!</p>



<p>There are plenty of nooks and crannies to get cosy in while you sip a pre-dinner aperitif or post-dinner tipple (Rum and Raisin cocktail anyone?). The drinks list is carefully considered – cocktails are clever, seasonal and distinctly British, made using locally foraged ingredients. This is wild, done the Stratford way.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-12-sleep-under-the-stars">12. Sleep under the stars</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2026/02/treehouse-pod-1000x667.jpg" alt="Wootton Park Pods i" class="wp-image-68791" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2026/02/treehouse-pod-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2026/02/treehouse-pod-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2026/02/treehouse-pod-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2026/02/treehouse-pod.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>If you’re happy to venture a little beyond Stratford’s historic streets, <a href="https://www.woottonparkpods.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wootton Park Pods</a> is well worth the detour. Think posh treehouses, beautifully kitted-out glamping pods (some have their own hot tub) and acres of Warwickshire countryside to properly switch off in.</p>



<p>You get all the outdoorsy romance – woodland, wildlife, wide skies – with the comfort of a warm bed and a hot shower. Essential in our opinion.</p>



<p>It’s ideal for a romantic escape, a low-key celebration or simply a night under the stars with a little more style. There’s even a wellness yurt for serious zen vibes.</p>



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-in-the-mood-for-more">In the mood for more? </h2>



<ul>
<li><a href="https://warks.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/arts-culture-things-to-do/bridgerton-stars-whove-performed-shakespeare-in-stratford/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bridgerton stars who’ve performed Shakespeare in Stratford</a></li>



<li><a href="https://warks.muddystilettos.co.uk/eat-out/5-best-restaurants-in-stratford/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">5 best restaurants in Stratford</a></li>



<li><a href="The Boat House, Stratford-upon-Avon" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Review: The Boat House, Stratford-upon-Avon</a></li>
</ul>


The 12 best things to do in Stratford-upon-Avon

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