Trains to Stratford-upon-Avon

Take a train to Stratford-upon-Avon and discover a charming market town with more than 800 years of history. The birthplace of William Shakespeare is adorned by fascinating museums, canal rides, and a whole lot more.

Culture and heritage

Nestled on the banks of the River Avon, this medieval market town is synonymous with the life and works of William Shakespeare. The 16th century birthplace of the great English poet and playwright is even to this day lined with historic buildings that would have been familiar to Shakespeare during his lifetime. Brimming with history on every turn, the quaint streets offer plenty to see and do.

Make the most of your visit to Shakespeare’s Stratford upon Avon by joining Stratford Town Walk’s daily, entertaining, guided town walks. Available 365 days a year, even Christmas Day!

Attractions

The Bard’s story began on Henley Street, home to Shakespeare’s Birthplace . Costumed guides tell tales of his childhood world and ancestry while bringing some of his finest works to life through speech and song.

Lying slightly out of town in Shottery is Anne Hathaway’s Cottage . Dating back more than 500 years, this is the place where Shakespeare courted his wife to be. It’s now a time capsule that cherishes original furniture and the stories of 13 generations of family who lived there. You can catch a bus to Shottery from the town centre.

Shakespeare’s New Place , his home for 19 years and the final chapter of his life, lies on Chapel Street. Step into what the day-to-day routine was like during Shakespeare’s creative peak.

It doesn’t end there. Other captivating Shakespeare locations include Hall’s Croft , the home of his daughter, and Mary Arden’s Farm , where his mother lived and worked.

The Tudor World museum serves as yet another journey through history. It’s the only museum in the country dedicated to the lives and times of the Tudors and you’ll find it right in the heart of the town, set within a gorgeous 16th century building. There’s even a ghost tour for those who are brave enough to explore the building after dark.

It’s not all about Shakespeare and times gone by. Stratford-upon-Avon is also home to the UK’s largest tropical butterfly farm ! Marvel at hundreds of the world’s most dazzling butterflies in an exotic paradise complete with waterfalls and fish pools. It’s just a five-minute walk from the town centre.

Henley Street is where you’ll find The MAD Museum . This quirky family destination is the only permanent venue for mechanical art in the country. With plenty of interactive displays to enjoy, the museum promises to engage and inspire kids (and adults too!) in ways that are both fun and educational.

Food and drink

History seeps into pretty much every nook and cranny of Stratford. Take the Thai restaurant, Giggling Squid , located on the High Street. As well as serving tasty dishes, the eatery’s Tudor home hosts an old stage upstairs that was once part of one of the town’s old theatres.

Old Thatch Tavern is one of the town’s oldest landmarks, dating back to 1470. The picture-postcard thatched pub lies just 300 yards from Shakespeare’s birthplace and is known for its carvery and real ales.

For scrumptious stone-baked pizzas, pastas and grills, head to Wildwood on Sheep Street. Bensons Restaurant and Tea Rooms on Henley Street is perfect for daytime meals and afternoon teas.

Sports and outdoors

A statue of Shakespeare can be found in Bancroft Gardens . Lying adjacent to the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, along the River Avon, this beautiful green space is perfect for relaxing in the sun while enjoying a waterside view. You’ll find further statues dotted about the gardens, as well as a swan fountain and outdoor performance area.

Canals form a key part of Stratford-upon-Avon’s makeup. What better way to take in the outdoors here than on a 45-minute boat tour? Canal and River Tours operate from the town centre with regular departures throughout the day. You’ll find the historic canal basin between the Royal Shakespeare Theatre and the main shopping areas.

Music and nightlife

The Royal Shakespeare Company brings legendary works to life across three venues: the historic Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Swan Theatre, and the Studio Theatre. Everything you see is designed and crafted in Stratford-upon-Avon, making for a truly authentic experience.

Cox’s Yard on Bridge Foot is a fine spot for a cocktail or two, not to mention a bite to eat. The venue also stages regular live events in its outdoor theatre. Other popular places to drink include the Stratford Ale House on Greenhill Street, The Dirty Duck on Waterside, and All Bar One at Bell Court.

Shopping

The town centre is lined with a diverse collection of shops. You’ll find big high street names together with smaller independent outlets. Maybird Shopping Park is a 10-minute walk north of the town centre and houses a further roster of national chains, coffee shops, and restaurants.

Explore more of the West Midlands and Warwickshire with free, downloadable Rail Trail Walks .

Where do WMR trains to Stratford-upon-Avon arrive and depart?

WMR trains arrive and depart from both of Stratford-upon-Avon’s train stations: Stratford-upon-Avon, located centrally on Brunel Way; and Stratford-upon-Avon Parkway, located on the northern outskirts of the town, off the A46 and along Bishopton Lane.

Which train services run direct to Stratford-upon-Avon?

We operate up to two direct trains per hour from Birmingham to Stratford-upon-Avon. Our fastest train takes just 47 minutes, with the cheapest ticket a mere £10.20 one-way.

When is the best time to travel to Stratford-upon-Avon by train?

It’s wonderfully cheap and easy to travel to Stratford-upon-Avon by train. By opting for off-peak times to travel, you’ll enjoy less-crowded trains and cheaper ticket prices too.