Holiday rentals and lettings in Stratford-Upon-Avon

Table of Contents

• At a glance: what should you know about renting a holiday letting in Stratford-upon-Avon?
• Holiday rentals and lettings in Stratford-upon-Avon: find your perfect retreat
• Exploring Stratford-upon-Avon: our top recommendations
• Activities: what are the top things to do and see in Stratford-upon-Avon?

• Stratford-upon-Avon is the birthplace of William Shakespeare and one of England's most visited market towns, so it makes a characterful and central base.
• Self-catering holiday lettings range from compact town-centre flats to spacious family houses, many within a short walk of the main sights.
• The town sits on the River Avon in Warwickshire, with riverside gardens, historic streets and the Royal Shakespeare Company's theatres close at hand.
• It is easy to reach by car via the M40 and by direct train from London Marylebone and Birmingham.
• The wider area is ideal for days out, with Warwick Castle and the Cotswolds all within easy reach.

From cosy boltholes for two to roomy houses for a group, Stratford-upon-Avon offers a wide choice of self-catering accommodation. Browse holiday cottages tucked along historic lanes, bright self-catering apartments within walking distance of the theatres, or a spacious holiday home with room for the whole family.

• Wi-Fi for easy planning and remote working
• A private garden for warm summer evenings
• A balcony or terrace to relax on after a day out
• Free or nearby parking for the town centre
• A fully equipped kitchen for relaxed self-catering

Prefer a little extra character? Consider a welcoming bed and breakfast stay or a rustic log cabin on the edge of town for a peaceful countryside base.

What are the best areas to stay in Stratford-upon-Avon?

Where you stay shapes your trip. The town centre keeps you steps from the Shakespeare sights and shops, while a base by the River Avon or in the Old Town offers a quieter, more scenic feel. Head towards Shottery or the surrounding countryside for village charm and easy days out.

What do our guests say?

Guests regularly praise how central and comfortable their holiday lettings feel, with many highlighting the short strolls to the theatres, the river and the restaurants. Well-equipped kitchens, cosy living spaces and thoughtful touches from hosts come up time and again, and travellers often mention how easy it is to combine a relaxed self-catering stay with days out into the surrounding Warwickshire countryside.

Stratford-upon-Avon, in Warwickshire, is the birthplace of William Shakespeare and a handsome market town on the River Avon. Timber-framed houses, riverside gardens and centuries of history sit alongside the world-famous stages of the Royal Shakespeare Company, making it one of England's most rewarding places for a short break or a longer stay.

✈️What is the best way to get to Stratford-upon-Avon?

Stratford-upon-Avon is well connected and easy to reach whether you travel by road or rail.

• By car: The town is just off the M40, close to Warwick and on the doorstep of the Cotswolds, making it a natural stop on a wider Midlands trip.
• By train: Direct services run from London Marylebone and from Birmingham, with the station a short walk from the town centre.

🥗Where to eat in Stratford-upon-Avon?

According to Google Maps reviews, The Opposition is one of the best rated restaurants in Stratford-upon-Avon. Below is a table showing top highly-rated spots hand-picked by our travel experts.

⭐Our guests' recommendation: Our guest traveller Charlotte rates Red Hot Mamma, a lively independent restaurant on the High Street: a friendly, great-value spot for hearty Mediterranean cooking before an evening at the theatre.

☀️When is the best time to visit?

Stratford-upon-Avon rewards a visit all year round, but the experience changes with the seasons. Summer is lively and warm, spring and autumn are quieter and colourful, and winter brings a cosy, festive charm.

Summer (June–August)

• Long, warm days perfect for riverside walks and boat trips.
• A full programme of plays and events at the theatres.
• Busy streets and gardens, so book your holiday letting early.

Spring & Autumn (April–May, September–October)

• Mild weather and fewer crowds at the main sights.
• Beautiful colours in the parks and along the Avon.
• Great value and a relaxed pace for sightseeing.

Winter (November–March)

• A cosy, atmospheric town with festive lights and markets.
• Quieter museums and easy last-minute theatre tickets.
• The perfect excuse for a snug self-catering retreat.

⭐Our Hosts' recommendation: Make the most of a central base by starting early with a quiet morning stroll along the river before the day-trippers arrive, then booking an evening performance and rounding off the night with dinner in town.

1. Visit Shakespeare's Birthplace
2. See a play at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre
3. Explore Anne Hathaway's Cottage
4. Stroll the River Avon and Bancroft Gardens
5. Pay a visit to Holy Trinity Church

1. Visit Shakespeare's Birthplace

   Step inside the timber-framed house on Henley Street where William Shakespeare was born in 1564 and grew up. Carefully restored to reflect its 16th-century appearance, the rooms bring the playwright's early family life vividly to life. Costumed guides, live performances and hands-on displays help all ages connect with the story, and the visitor centre sets the scene beautifully. It is the natural first stop for anyone exploring Shakespeare's Stratford and understanding why the town remains a place of pilgrimage.

2. See a play at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre

   No visit is complete without an evening at the Royal Shakespeare Company. Its riverside theatres stage acclaimed productions of Shakespeare's plays alongside new work, performed by some of the finest actors in the country. The auditorium's thrust stage puts you close to the action, and the rooftop restaurant and tower offer wonderful views over the Avon. Booking ahead is well worth it, and matinees are a great choice for families wanting to experience world-class theatre in the town that inspired it.

3. Explore Anne Hathaway's Cottage

   A short walk or stroll to nearby Shottery brings you to the picture-perfect thatched cottage that was the childhood home of Anne Hathaway, Shakespeare's wife. Surrounded by beautiful gardens, orchards and woodland walks, it is one of the most photographed houses in England. Inside, original furnishings and family stories reveal what rural Tudor life was like. The willow sculptures, sweeping borders and quiet paths make it a lovely spot to slow down, and it pairs perfectly with a day exploring the town's Shakespeare sights.

4. Stroll the River Avon and Bancroft Gardens

   The River Avon is the heart of Stratford, and Bancroft Gardens is the perfect place to enjoy it. Watch narrowboats pass through the canal basin, admire the Gower Memorial to Shakespeare, and relax on the lawns with an ice cream. You can hire a rowing boat, take a gentle river cruise, or simply follow the riverside paths past the theatres and the old tramway bridge. It is a relaxed, free way to soak up the town's atmosphere at any time of year.

5. Pay a visit to Holy Trinity Church

   Set among trees on the banks of the Avon, the beautiful medieval Holy Trinity Church is where Shakespeare was baptised and later buried. His grave, marked with its famous curse against anyone who moves his bones, lies in the chancel alongside members of his family. Beyond the Shakespeare connection, the church is a serene and atmospheric place with fine stained glass and centuries of history. The tree-lined avenue leading to the door makes the short walk from the town centre especially memorable.