A three-hour drive from London will take you to the birthplace of William Shakespeare, which today has a lot to offer as the literary lifeblood of England. But beyond its artsy side, get ready to also discover antique shops, contemporary restaurants, its picturesque countryside and more.

The best part is that most of these attractions are within a 20-minute stroll from Hotel du Vin, Stratford-upon-Avon. So if you’re staying there, travelling by foot is a great option too!

Take our quiz to get you started on building an itinerary for things to do in Stratford, recommended according to your interests.  

1. How do you relax when under stress?

1. Hit the gym and work up a sweat
2. Listen to music or curl up with a book
3. Buy that pair of shoes that you know will lift your mood
4. Order a delicious meal and catch a movie at home

2. While out with your friends, what do you always find yourself talking about?

1. The photos you took from your latest adventure
2. A recent concert or movie that impressed you
3. That new purchase that your friend recently splurged on
4. A hidden food gem you discovered 

3. Which of these activities would you most enjoy?

1. Making a terrarium
2. Visiting the gallery or museum
3. Checking out that shop that recently opened
4. Trying out the cool café in town

4. What is your choice for an ideal date?

1. Doesn’t matter, as long as we go outdoors
2. Something that stimulates the mind
3. There should be a memorable gift involved
4. A romantic dinner for two

5. When arriving in a new city, what’s one of the first things you’d like to do?

1. Wander about for a bit and take in some fresh air
2. Figure how to get to the must-see attractions
3. Change into a new outfit that’s not airplane wear  
4. Taste some popular local food

Here’s your personalised guide to Stratford-upon-Avon:

If you’ve answered mostly As, you’re a nature lover. We recommend Monarch’s Way, a river cruise and the butterfly farm.

Stratford-upon-Avon is situated amid pretty Warwickshire countryside, on the edge of the Cotswolds, making it a great starting point for hikes, whether you fancy a short, circular stroll around a country park, a longer canal walk or something more challenging ─ a stretch of the 990km Monarch’s Way, perhaps?

Starting from Worcester, Monarch’s Way follows the approximate escape route of King Charles II after the defeat at the Battle of Worcester in 1651. The full route snakes through 11 counties in England, before ending at Shoreham-by-Sea in West Sussex. Enjoy the scenic sights such as the Cotswolds and Mendip Hills and the South Downs National Park along the way.

Or rent a boat to explore the town on water with Avon Boating. Be it a no-frills guided 40-minute public river cruise or private cruise-and-dine options such as fish-and-chips trips, there’s bound to be something that caters to everyone.

Address: Swan’s Nest Lane, Stratford-upon-Avon
Opening hours: 9am – 7pm, daily (March to October)

You can also get up close with nature at the nearby Stratford-upon-Avon Butterfly Farm. Here you’ll find featured zones such as the Flight Area where you can watch hundreds of colourful butterflies feeding and flying in a landscaped tropical greenhouse, as well as the Discovery Zone, which is home to the world’s largest and hairiest camouflaged caterpillars.

Address: Swan’s Nest Lane, Stratford-upon-Avon
Opening hours: 10am – 5pm (November-February), 10am – 5.30pm (March & October), 10am – 6pm (April-September)

If you’ve answered mostly Bs, you’re an arts lover or history buff. We recommend Shakespeare’s Family Homes, Shakespeare’s Schoolroom & Guildhall, Royal Shakespeare’s Theatre.

Get to know the world’s most famous playwright at all five of the Shakespeare’s Family Homes. Whether it’s his daughter’s home at Hall’s Croft, his wife’s at Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, Shakespeare’s own Birthplace, the family home at Shakespeare’s New Place or his mother’s Tudor farm at Mary Arden’s Farm, each will give you a glimpse into the life of England’s literary genius.

Note: It’s best to start with Shakespeare’s Birthplace, Hall’s Croft and Shakespeare’s New Place – they’re all within walking distance. Once you’re done with them, head to Anne Hathaway’s Cottage. Mary Arden’s Farm is the farthest from town so save that for the end. For the last two places, you can either drive or take an open bus.   

Addresses & Opening Hours:
Shakespeare’s Birthplace: Henley St, Stratford-upon-Avon | 9am – 4:30pm daily
Hall’s Croft: Old Town, Stratford-upon-Avon | 10am – 4:30pm daily
Shakespeare’s New Place: 22 Chapel St, Stratford-upon-Avon | 10am – 4:30pm daily
Mary Arden’s Farm: Station Rd, Wilmcote | 10am – 4:30pm daily
Anne Hathaway’s Cottage: Cottage Ln, Stratford-upon-Avon | 9am – 4:30pm daily

Venture out and visit Shakespeare’s Schoolroom & Guildhall too. Discover the journey of William Shakespeare, right at the place where the gifted young wordsmith first learned his art.

Address: Church Street, Stratford-upon-Avon
Opening hours: 11am – 5 pm (Mon-Sun)

Now that you’re in Stratford, there’s nothing better than a full theatrical performance of William Shakespeare’s beloved works at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. Experience incredible productions such as Romeo and Juliet and King Lear. If you wish, you could also ascend the theatre tower for wonderful views.

Address: Waterside, Stratford-upon-Avon
Opening hours: 12pm – 6pm (Mon-Sat)

If you’ve answered mostly Cs, you believe in retail therapy. We recommend Henley Street Antiques Centre, Chaucer Head Bookshop and Nutcracker Christmas Shop.

Rummage through the curios at Henley Street Antiques Centre. From collectable vinyl records to vintage jewelleries and more, this two-storey building is the perfect haven for all antique lovers!

Address: 50 Henley Street, Stratford-upon-Avon
Opening hours: 10am – 5pm (Mon-Sat)

Poke your head into Chaucer Head Bookshop, an antiquarian bookseller that stocks titles from country lore and humour to stagecraft and anthropology. Whether it’s an inexpensive holiday read or a special present you’re looking for, this place is definitely worth a visit.

Address: 21 Chapel Street, Stratford-upon-Avon
Opening hours: 11am – 5.30pm (Mon-Fri), 10am – 5pm, (Sat-Sun)

Head to the Nutcracker Christmas Shop for fun festive trinkets that spell Christmas year-round. Be awed by the intricate displays, from German wooden nutcrackers to exquisite nativity figures. It’s never too early to start shopping for your Christmas decorations!

Address: 44-45 Henley Street, Stratford-upon-Avon
Opening hours: 10am – 5pm, daily

If you’ve answered mostly Ds, you’re a food enthusiast. We recommend 33 The Scullery, Lambs and Bardia’s.

Have a taste of quintessentially English cuisine at the family-run 33 The Scullery, where fresh, seasonal food meets modern British cooking. Make sure to try their pan-fried guinea fowl or crispy cauliflower cheesecakes with warm beetroot and plums!

Address: 33A Greenhill Street, Stratford-upon-Avon
Opening hours: 5pm – 11pm (Tue-Thu); 12pm – 2pm, 5pm – 11pm (Fri); 12pm – 11pm (Sat)

Head to Lambs for fine European fare at one of the oldest buildings in Stratford. This place dates from the early 16th century, as evident from its timber-framed facade. Now a stylish and cosy restaurant, sit in for starters such as asparagus with polenta and poached egg, or the chocolate chip bread and butter puddings for dessert.

Address: 12 Sheep Street, Stratford-upon-Avon
Opening hours: 5pm – 9pm (Mon); 12pm – 2pm, 5pm – 9pm (Tue-Sat); 12pm – 2pm, 6pm – 9pm (Sun)

For coffee, try Bardia’s. Their iced coffee and Persian lemon cake are highly recommended. While you’re here, pick up a fresh floral bouquet and a few gifts such as candles, potted plants and some beautiful home decor.

Address: High Street, Stratford-upon-Avon
Opening hours: 7am – 7pm daily

For a stylish boutique experience in Stratford-upon-Avon, consider a stay at Hotel du Vin Stratford-upon-Avon. Located on Rother Street right in the heart of the historic Shakespearean town, enjoy the convenience of having all the main attractions just a stone’s throw away. Each of the 46 stunning bedrooms feature the traditional Hotel du Vin touches but with an updated contemporary feel, giving you the perfect marry of comfort and style.

Know of other great finds in Stratford? Let us know in the comments!

This is also an ideal time to plan your year-end getaway with Frasers Hospitality’s Holiday Extravaganza! Book now to enjoy up to 30% off your stay between 1 November 2018 and 17 February 2019. Backed by our Best Rate Guarantee, this offer runs until 31 October 2018.

Adapted from Fraser Cachet Issue #31 © Frasers Hospitality and SPH Magazines