Things to do in Stratford-upon-Avon

Stratford-upon-Avon is Shakespeare's birthplace, a market town on the River Avon about 40 minutes by direct train from London Marylebone or roughly two hours by coach.

The main sites are Shakespeare's Birthplace, Anne Hathaway's Cottage (a mile or so outside the centre, best reached on foot or by the hop-on bus) and the Royal Shakespeare Company's theatre on the riverside, where evening tickets run from around £15 to £70 depending on the seat and production.

Most day trips from London pair Stratford with the Cotswolds villages nearby, so allow half a day here rather than a full one if a Cotswolds stop is also planned. The Shakespeare houses operate a joint ticket; check opening times before travelling, since some properties close early in winter.