Location: Stratford-upon-Avon
Top Things to do in Stratford-upon-Avon
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10 Museums in Stratford-upon-Avon That You Shouldn't Miss
Stratford-upon-Avon is steeped in the history of its most famous resident, William Shakespeare. This Warwickshire country town contains the home where Shakespeare was born, the cottage where Anne Hathaway resided before their marriage and the church where the couple is buried. Need a break from the Bard? The town also boasts Europe's largest butterfly farm.
Restaurants in Stratford-upon-Avon
1. Pottery Dottery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
Mobile Pottery Painting Parties / Workshops and Events for all ages from 3-100! In the Stratford Upon Avon area. (10 Mile radius). Price range from £10.00 Per person.
2. The Old Slaughterhouse Heritage and Arts Centre
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 7 reviews
Closed 21st Dec - February 2019. Located on the site of an 18th Century rope-walk, The Old Slaughterhouse is now the home of Escape Arts, a Stratford based Arts Charity. Entry is free. We host regular exhibitions, visual arts projects and manage an ongoing process of digital archiving, celebrating the town's history, it's people and their stories. Whether you are interested in local history, the arts or simply want to explore Stratford's past, we've got something for everyone. Our cafe offers hot and cold drinks plus a range of delicious home-made cakes and snacks. Baby changing facilities and high chairs are also available. Our gift shop sells a range of heritage souvenirs, local artists' work and unique gifts. Please note, there is no public parking on site. The building is equipped with ramps, stair-lift, accessible toilet and is situated next to a Disability Car Park. We are also dog friendly.
Reviewed By ragiansanti34 - Staffordshire, United Kingdom
The Old Slaughterhouse Heritage and Arts Centre showcases local artists and sells unique handmade gifts and artwork. There is plenty of informational displays and memorabilia pertaining to Stratford’s history. They also have a cafe that serves homemade desserts, hot and cold beverages.
3. Montpellier Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11 reviews
Montpellier Gallery is one of England’s longest established independent retail craft galleries, first opening in 1989. We have built a strong reputation for our individuality, varied choice and careful selection, and now exhibit some of the finest Studio Glass, Contemporary Jewellery and Ceramics alongside Fine Art and Sculpture by established and emerging artist/makers. Set in a 400 year old building opposite the Shakespeare Hotel, Montpellier gallery comprises three adjoining rooms, opening to a delightful courtyard which floods the rooms with natural light. We like to think we offer a welcoming and friendly atmosphere together with a knowledgeable staff and attentive service.
4. Compton Verney Art Gallery and Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 721 reviews
This award winning art gallery near Stratford-upon-Avon offers enjoyable ways to experience art and natural beauty of it's stunning landscape. Housed in a Grade I listed Robert Adam mansion set in Capability Brown landscaped parkland, Compton Verney is home to a growing collection of works of art from around the world including Naples 1600-1800, Germanic art 1450-1650, British portraits including Reynolds, exceptional collection of Chinese bronzes, unique collection of British Folk Art, the Marx-Lambert collection, plus an exciting program of changing exhibitions.
Reviewed By 546julesb
The art gallery here houses a mixed collection of art ranging from Ancient Chinese bronzes through Naples to British Folk Art - the latter uniquely fascinating. It is a truly eclectic mix, beautifully arranged although for such splendid premises, the paintings - all in immaculate condition - almost too clean! - are not well lit and you need to adjust your position to see them properly.
5. Shakespeare's Schoolroom & Guildhall
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 599 reviews
Discover where William Shakespeare was educated and inspired to become the world's greatest playwright. Learn how he spent his early school days and first experienced theatre. Take part in a Tudor lesson with Master Thomas Jenkins and brush up on your Latin! More than just a museum, Schoolroom & Guildhall provides a truly immersive experience for all. Marvel at our medieval wall paintings, dress up Tudor-style, play Tudor games and get messy with quill and ink. Stratford-upon-Avon's Guildhall, in the heart of the town, is a fine example of one of a few remaining medieval Guildhalls in the country. Our knowledgeable, enthusiastic and welcoming guides will share with you the many stories the building has to tell. If you're coming to Stratford don't miss out on what many are saying is the best attraction in town!
Reviewed By IndianaJane
I decided to visit it last Tuesday with my husband and two daughters aged 9+11. We were not disappointed! From the moment we arrived, we were met by enthusiastic and knowledgeable staff, in particular, Verity and Peter who went out of their way to bring the history of this remarkable building alive for us all. We took part in the recreation of a typical Tudor school day, complete with Latin lesson within Shakespeare's actual classroom. The room next door has been preserved as a Georgian classroom, with its original features and the chance to dress up and try your hand at writing with a quill pen. We had a fantastic few hours there and each one of us came away with interesting facts and stories. The School Room is not part of any set tour of Stratford, but is well worth a visit to a spectacular building steeped in history.
6. The MAD Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,509 reviews
Stratford upon Avon is most famous for being the birthplace of poet and play writer William Shakespeare, but why not try something completely outside of the box and visit the towns newest most exciting attraction- The MAD (Mechanical Art & Design) Museum.As soon as you step into this quirky attraction you'll be greeted with whirling robotics, churning clogs, rolling ball circuits, ingenious design and crazy sounds! The MAD Museum does what it says on the tin, showcasing an absolutely MAD assortment of Kinetic Art, Automata and Steampunk contraptions, gadgets and gismos. Venture into an eccentric world of moving art; The MAD Museum is a wonderful place to watch and interact with an astonishing assortment of both modern and old fashioned, yet highly innovative and elaborate machines! For the young ones: Dancing lasers, rolling ball machines, roaring mechanical dinosaur heads and whirligigs all with lots of buttons to press! The MAD Museum offers an exciting visit with an educational bias, relevant to curriculum modules such as Design & Technology and Science. We give children an experience that is worthwhile, educationally beneficial and also a lot of fun!
Reviewed By MandT61 - Leicestershire, United Kingdom
We took our granddaughter along based on a google search of things to do locally. We thoroughly recommend the Mad Museum to spend a great couple of hours viewing the many amazing contraptions and getting hands on with virtually everything, including making your own marble runs. The entry price is good value for money and the staff were very attentive , giving us an initial talk on how to get most enjoyment from the machines. Many thanks for a great time, we will be back soon.
7. The Battle of Edgehill Exhibition
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 10 reviews
8. Tudor World
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,025 reviews
This award winning living history museum is situated right in the heart of the historic town of Stratford upon Avon within a Grade 2* listed historically significant building. The museum depicts historical settings to simulate the Tudor time period, providing visitors with an experiential interpretation of history. The museum also runs the Walking tour with William Shakespeare; museum ghost tours and is popular with school groups.
Reviewed By saintsfcmark - Southampton, United Kingdom
staycation ideas attractions Due to our Staycation cut short due to lockdown the next day... We spent our last day wondering around Stratford Upon Avon.. We found a few museums and attractions already shut due to lockdown. ???? But set back in a little alley way underneath an arch of an old building in Sheep Street you can Step back in time at Tudor world A wonderful little Tudor museum that is great value for money Tudor World museum is situated right in the centre of the beautiful Town of Stratford upon Avon, just metres from the world famous RSC. Set within an historic 16th century grade 2* building once occupied by William Shrieve an archer. Discover the secret lives of the Tudors and what life was really like during the time of William Shakespeare; Francis Drake; Elizabeth I and Henry VIII. The museum has no funding or grants and relies completely on you the visitor to help in the upkeep of the historic building. Despite limited resources, this plucky museum tries to put in as much 'punch' as possible. The museum is suitable for all ages, but you might wish to warn children there are figures in some of the exhibits to enhance the experience and atmospheric lighting. There are lots of interactive elements: from a touchscreen; videos to choose from; a feast to sit out; a thrown perch on and a four poster bed to lie on. You can take part in a written witch trial; go in the stocks as a drunk or try your hand at quill writing in the school room. The museum is very old (more than 400 years) with low beams, uneven floors and stairs. The tour is by the light of a lantern. For this reason it may not suitable for those with mobility problems, impaired vision or those that are claustrophobic or nervous. Dogs are not permitted. And if you have some time to kill in the evening why not take in one of there #ghosttours ???? Ghost tours take place after the museum is closed and the lights switched off! The guide will relate stories and sightings within the building by lantern light. The tours have been running since 2002 and the only tour to take place within one of the historic buildings of Stratford.. There is also a wonderful little gift shop for a few souvenirs. So why not step back in time... We highly recommend a visit to this museum. #supportyourlocal Attractions #shops #restaurants #bars #cafes #hotels and #pubs #theyneedyou
9. Magic Alley Stratford upon Avon
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 103 reviews
Magical Attraction and Emporium based in Stratford upon Avon. Everything from magic spells and antique prints, to incense, candles, puzzles, quirky books, board games and curious gifts. There are fairies and fairy houses, unicorns and dragons; vintage toys and games; and books that you never knew you wanted. And then there’s the ‘obje de strange’ selection! You can browse the packed shelves of a dedicated magical and mystical section. As well as a ‘supreme’ collection of magic spell kits and spell books, we also have crystals, incense, smudge stick, books on many magical subjects, crystal balls and Halloween all year round! Naturally, the rest of Magic Alley is generously stocked with Doctor Who, Sherlock Holmes, Game of Thrones, Harry Potter and a classic toy shop You can also visit our Enchanted Manor - complete the quest and encounter the magical folk within. We also have a very magical Christmas experience.
Reviewed By robbC2662NS
Such a magic place! The shop is lovely and full of cool stuff! The staff and charming and kind and helpful. The Christmas experience was amazing from the snow room to the wish chamber and a brilliant Father Christmas too. Can’t wait to see what they come up with next!
10. Foster Frames
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