The Luxury Travel Magazine
The Luxury Travel Magazine
Stratford-upon-Avon is perhaps one of England’s most famous towns, for it contains the birthplace, childhood home, and final resting place of William Shakespeare. What’s even more striking is that, today, it’s a town of contrasts; and it’s perhaps this duality that makes it such a dynamic place to visit. One can discover ancient timber-framed hotels set off against redbrick Georgian architecture, or indulge in purpose-built tourism shops like the Shakespeare Distillery. These compete against Pragnell – a designer jewellery outlet where you must pass security guards to enter. Alternatively, dine at Michelin-starred restaurants, or pick up a specially-made picnic box while you explore the town. This Stratford-upon-Avon guide will show you how to enjoy these, and many more, activities during your staycation!
The Arden Hotel is the place to stay for an experience to delight the senses. Taste perfection in their award-winning, double-AA-Rosette restaurant, which is arguably the best in Stratford-upon-Avon. Then feel entirely pampered, like you’re at a private retreat, with their uber-snug bedrooms that are tailormade for their guests’ comfort. Witness theatrical genius at the RSC with the hotel’s overnight stay package, which includes two theatre tickets and dinner.
The French are known for their sophistication and exquisite food, and Hotel du Vin delivers on both, bringing a sliver of France’s culture to a very British town. With only 46 bedrooms, the hotel is an intimate space with a decadent and speakeasy-like interior design. All rooms are uniquely decorated, with some featuring a balcony and separate seating area. Private dining with a personal menu, afternoon tea with a twist, pre-dinner drinks in the Mediterranean-styled courtyard, or a relaxed meal in the French bistro are just some ways guests can spend their time here.
Travelling for business or with children sometimes means convenience takes precedence over luxury. But this is not the case at The Crowne Plaza. There’re over 250 rooms, including executive rooms with exclusive access to the hotel’s Club Lounge, and suites featuring an additional lounge and dining space. The Riverside Restaurant, bar, and terrace have an extensive menu, with the latter also being the docking location for the Bancroft cruise. The Leisure Club contains a swimming pool, sauna, and gym – and there are also over 14 meeting rooms for one to make their next big deal.
Cox’s Yard is a rare combination of café, shop, and restaurant, set on the River Avon. The restaurant serves classic British cuisine in a rustic and earthy atmosphere, while The Pantry Café has the best freshly-baked bread and pastries in Stratford. For something a little more private, Cox’s Yard has a private dining room available for special occasions, seating up to 80 individuals.
Having received Stratford-upon-Avon’s first-ever Michelin star and 3 AA rosettes, Salt is the restaurant to venture to for an evening of fine dining. With a choice between a four- or six-course menu at lunchtime or an eight-course tasting menu in the evening, one could happily spend time sampling the likes of Yorkshire strawberries served with thyme custard, and brown butter pastry. In addition, Salt recently opened its Cookery School, which can also be used for a private dining experience where the chef cooks in front of diners.
When it comes to traditional British cooking, there’s nowhere like Woodsman. At the forefront of their menu is the ‘fork philosophy’, which entails sourcing ingredients from the English countryside. If wild food is a new concept to you, the team at Woodsman are ready with their suggestions, such as wild wood pigeon ‘pastrami’ served with green beans, almonds, pickled pear, and soft herbs.
With Avon Boating, visitors can hire a private river cruise along the Avon on Lily, one of their traditional Edwardian vessels. Taking 40 minutes, guests voyage past the RSC, Holy Trinity Church, the 15th -century Clopton Bridge, and grand secluded houses. For something a little more romantic, rowing boats are available for you to see the sites at leisure.
There’s nowhere like the RSC to watch an immersive theatrical performance like Much Ado About Nothing, Henry VI and the War of the Roses. These are just some of the plays scheduled to grace the RSC’s walls this year! Their Rooftop Restaurant has views across the town, while their private (max 20 people) guided tours take you backstage to explore the private areas – dressing rooms, lighting, and costume departments – of the theatre.
There are plenty of designer outlets for some retail therapy. Pragnell has 16 of the world’s most exclusive watch houses in-store, an extensive collection of luxury and antique jewellery, and even experts at hand to create bespoke jewellery. In town, one can also find designer brands stocked in several shops. These include Chanel, DKNY, Hugo Boss, Giorgio Armani, Max Mara, Armani Jeans, and DVF. At Christmas time, the shops put on a magical display, but you might just find something more luxurious and handmade at the Stratford-upon-Avon Christmas Market.
Hidden within the bucolic landscape around Stratford-upon-Avon, Welcombe Hills Vineyard has been creating award-winning English wine for nearly two decades. Historically farmed by the Shakespeare family, the 2½ acres of vines house nine varieties of grapes, including Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Dornfelder, and Auxerrois. You can discover and sample with one of their ‘tours and tastings’ sessions.
The Shakespeare Distillery has teamed up with Boston Tea Party – voted number one café in Stratford for two years running – to offer exclusive cocktail-making classes. Guests start the evening with a drink upon arrival, before being taught by an expert mixologist how to make three gin cocktails at their very own cocktail station.
The multi-award-winning Stratford Town walk is an eye-opening couple of hours, led by genuinely charismatic and enthusiastic guides. Starting on the RSC green, the walk takes you along the historic streets, pointing out quirky features like The Black Swan/The Dirty Duck, which is the only pub in England licensed under both names. From there, participants follow Shakespeare’s footsteps, all the while being told thrilling stories about the Plague, floods, and medieval medical cures.
This is where it all started for William Shakespeare and his writing. Visitors can learn about the Schoolroom and Guildhall’s history with one-to-one talks with knowledgeable guides. They can also have the once-in-a-lifetime chance to experience private “classes” with Shakespeare’s tutor, Master Thomas Jenkins. Visitors also get lessons on writing with a quill and ink, and an opportunity to dress up in Tudor clothes. The Schoolroom & Guildhall has also recently launched the Hugh Clopton trail so that travellers can discover medieval Stratford.
Overlooking the River Avon, and set within a colony of ancient trees, is the Holy Trinity Church. This is the final resting place of William Shakespeare and has some of the most exquisite stained-glass windows in England. Under the High Alter are five graves, all occupied by members of the Shakespeare family. Among these is Shakespeare’s grave, with a curse written on it to deter thieves. Unfortunately, this was to no avail. Someone did rob the grave, and Shakespeare’s bones now lie without a head.
The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust provides admission to Shakespeare’s Birthplace, New Place, and Anne Hathaway’s Cottage in one combined ticket. The former is the birthplace of William Shakespeare, where experts inform visitors on how William’s father made gloves for the wealthy. New Place is the final home of Shakespeare and has The Knot Garden, with its overwhelming scent of lavender and rosemary. It was designed to mimic the style of garden popular during Shakespeare’s time. The latter was the childhood home of Shakespeare’s wife, Anne. This is where you’ll find the best, quintessentially British cottage in town.
Whether it’s a small-town getaway or exploration into Shakespeare, Stratford-upon-Avon has everything you could possibly need. Its rare blend of preserving the past and showcasing the best of contemporary fashion, cuisine, hospitality, and luxury lifestyle makes Stratford a unique destination – one you couldn’t find elsewhere!
