This medieval market town presents many opportunities for a day out in the fresh air.
Exploring the heritage of Shakespeare may be the main tourist activities here, but there are plenty of other things to do in Stratford-upon-Avon. Shakespeare country extends far out of the city centre itself, and as you take in the beauty of the local nature, you’ll find it easy to see where Shakespeare got much of the inspiration for the most famous prose and poetry ever written.
Stratford-upon-Avon Butterfly Farm
Stratford Butterfly Farm is the largest of its kind in the UK and is home to hundreds of the world’s most stunning butterflies. Rain or shine, you can enjoy seeing them taking flight alongside budgies and parakeets in the tropical conditions of their Flight Zone. The zone is also home to exotic flowers, fish-filled ponds and pretty waterfalls which add to the lush atmosphere. In the Discovery Zone you can explore the butterfly’s life cycle by looking at the cocoons and caterpillars on display. Finally, the Mini Beast Metropolis is home to all manner of creepy crawlies, including a large variety of spiders. As well as providing entertainment, the conservation work that goes on here makes a valuable difference to many of these endangered species.
The River Avon Trail
The River Avon Trail runs the 23-mile route from Pill in North Somerset all the way to Pulteney Bridge in Bath. As well as being a much-loved walking route, it’s also a very popular excursion for cyclists and horse riders. If you’ve got the time and energy for the whole route, you’ll find most of the terrain very easy to walk along. For a much shorter Stratford-only version of the walk, start at the bandstand, taking the footpath along the river, turning left and following the path as you pass the Royal Shakespeare Theatre on the other side of the Avon. As you progress you’ll pass through Shakespeare’s burial site, the Holy Trinity Church and many more lovely sights until the route takes you back to the bandstand.
Mary Arden’s Farm
A popular tourist attraction on the Shakespeare trail, Mary Arden’s Farm provides a fantastic opportunity to spend a day on a Tudor Farm. Mary Arden was Shakespeare’s mother, and her father Robert built the family farm in 1514, improving and enlarging it in 1584. It was here that Mary and her seven sisters grew up amongst the sights, smells and sounds of a 16th century farm. Today, visitors can watch Tudor-style farming in action and enjoy craft activities and falconry demonstrations. Children will be kept happy with the modern addition of an excellent adventure playground. There’s also are plenty of farm animals, many of which can be traced back to Shakespeare’s time, including Norfolk Horn sheep and Berkshire pigs.
Compton Verney Art Gallery & Park
It’s well worth making the short journey from Stratford-upon-Avon to visit Compton Verney. This striking 18th century mansion is now home to an impressive art collection from Britain, Europe and China, and frequently welcomes visiting exhibitions. However, for many people the real attraction of Compton Verney is its stunning gardens, designed by Britain’s greatest ever garden designer, Capability Brown. Wandering these lovely gardens is entertainment enough for many, but there is a great programme of special events. These include forest school events, orienteering courses, dog shows and outdoor art exhibits. There’s also an adventure playground complete with zip wire.
Stratford-upon-Avon Canal
This stretch of waterway connects the hustle and bustle of Birmingham with the tranquillity of Stratford-upon-Avon, where it meets the River Avon. Walking along the banks of the canal as the pretty boats navigate the locks is a lovely way to spend a sunny hour. However, if you would like to go on a canal trip yourself, there are plenty of opportunities to do so. Canal & River Tours operates a lovely itinerary that takes in the canal lock before cruising the Avon. As the canal basin is located in the town centre close to the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, it’s also a lovely place to just sit and rest as you admire the scenery.
