If you’re looking for a destination that combines history, culture, and fun for the whole family, look no further than 2 days in Stratford-upon-Avon. I had the pleasure of visiting this charming English town last August with my family, and I must admit, it was a very pleasant surprise. Although I have been in England for three years and have visited various places, including Oxford with kids and Stamford, I didn’t have high expectations for Stratford-upon-Avon, as it’s often considered overly touristy (which it is, but not in the way you might expect).
In case you didn’t already know, Stratford-upon-Avon is world-famous as the birthplace of William Shakespeare, the greatest playwright in the English language. But there’s much more to do and see here, especially if you’re travelling with children. In this three day itinerary, I’ll guide you through the most iconic sights and engaging activities Stratford-upon-Avon and its surroundings have to offer, whether you’re travelling solo or with family.
Day 1: Immerse Yourself in Shakespeare’s World
Shakespeare’s Birthplace and Iconic Sites
Start your first day of the 2 days in Stratford-upon-Avon with a visit to Shakespeare’s Birthplace, a beautifully preserved timber-framed house where the playwright was born and spent his early years. Children will be fascinated by the authentic atmosphere and historical artefacts telling the story of the Shakespeare family. Though the tickets are not cheap, it’s well worth a visit.
Here some info:
Opening Hours:
- 1st March – 31st October: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- 1st November – 28th February: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Ticket Prices:
- Adults: £19.30
- Children (5–15 years): £14.50
- Under 5s: Free
- Students: £14.50
- Family Ticket (2 adults, 2 children): £44.90
Important Tips:
- Book tickets online or at the box office.
- It’s recommended to book in advance, especially during peak season.
- Guided tours are available, offering enriching details and anecdotes.
Expect to travel back in time as you explore rooms filled with period furniture and fascinating historical insights into Shakespeare’s early life and family.
Besides Shakespeare’s Birthplace, there are other important sites in Stratford-upon-Avon, so you might want to consider purchasing a pass, such as the Shakespeare’s England Explorer Pass (£45 for adults), to gain access to multiple attractions.
After visiting Shakespeare’s house, don’t miss Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, the beautiful, thatched home of Shakespeare’s wife. It offers a glimpse into the domestic life of the time and provides another layer of insight into Shakespeare’s personal history.

Shakespeare’s Schoolroom & Guildhall
Next, head to Shakespeare’s Schoolroom & Guildhall, where the young Shakespeare was educated. While it’s a relatively small museum with only a few rooms, it’s still a fascinating step into the past.
Opening Times & Prices:
Generally open daily during the tourist season, typically from 10:30 am to 5:00 pm.
Ticket Prices:
- Adults: £12.50
- Children (5–16 years): £8.00
- Family Ticket: £44.00
- Concessions available for seniors, students, and disabled visitors.
The site provides an engaging educational experience. Your children can try:
- Writing with quill and ink in a 16th-century classroom.
- Dressing in period costumes and participating in traditional activities.
- Attending a street theatre performance in the summer.
Afterwards, explore the Guildhall itself, an historic building with a rich administrative and educational past. Consider pre-booking tickets online, especially during busy periods, to save time.

Shakespeare’s New Place
For those particularly interested in Shakespeare, Shakespeare’s New Place is also worth a visit. While the original house was demolished in the 1700s, the gardens and a modern recreation are still worth exploring, especially if you have the Shakespeare’s England Explorer Pass. However, the experience might not be as impressive as other sites since there isn’t much left of the original house.


Holy Trinity Church
After lunch at one of the many pubs or restaurants in town, visit the Holy Trinity Church, where Shakespeare is buried. This 13th-century Gothic church is free to enter, though a small donation (£5) is requested to access Shakespeare’s grave.

Relax at Bancroft Gardens
End your first day of the 2 days in Stratford-upon-Avonin with a relaxing stroll through Bancroft Gardens, a lovely riverside park perfect for a picnic or simply enjoying a summer’s day while children play freely.

Day 2: Nature and Butterflie
Butterfly Farm
Begin your second day with a visit to the Butterfly Farm, an unforgettable experience for the whole family. Children will be mesmerised by the beautiful, free-flying butterflies in this tropical setting.
- Opening Hours: 10:00 am – 4:30 pm daily.
- Ticket Prices: Adults £10.95; Children (2–15 years) £7.95; Under 2s go free.
I recommend purchasing tickets online to save on family admission prices.
The Butterfly Farm offers a range of activities for visitors, including:
- Free-flying butterflies: As mentioned, visitors can observe butterflies flying freely in a natural environment.
- Butterfly garden: Both children and adults can learn about the butterfly life cycle.
- Tropical greenhouses: Explore the tropical greenhouses and see a variety of plants and animals.
- Discovery Zone: Children can learn about different types of butterflies and insects.
Here are some additional details about the Butterfly Farm in Stratford-upon-Avon:
- The Butterfly Farm is home to over 2,000 butterflies from more than 100 different species.
- The butterflies come from all over the world, including Asia, Latin America, Africa, and Australia.
- The farm also houses a variety of other animals, such as frogs, snakes, birds, and insects.
- The Butterfly Farm is a sustainable attraction, committed to wildlife conservation.

Afternoon Tea at The Fourteas Tea-Room Brasserie
If you’re looking for a charming and delightful spot for lunch in Stratford-upon-Avon, I highly recommend The Fourteas Tea-Room Brasserie. This captivating restaurant takes you back to the 1940s, creating an authentic and cosy atmosphere, perfect for a relaxing lunch break.
The Fourteas Tea-Room Brasserie is renowned for its traditional British menu, featuring delicious options like sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, homemade cakes, and a wide selection of teas.
The interior decor is a tribute to the wartime era, with vintage objects and period clothing that enhance the authentic experience. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a tasty meal in a unique setting, leaving a lasting impression during your visit to Stratford-upon-Avon.
I recommend, as we did, ordering the afternoon tea for lunch: you’ll be served a variety of sandwiches and sweets, accompanied by coffee (or tea) and a glass of prosecco.


Boat Trip on the River Avon
In the afternoon, enjoy a peaceful boat ride along the River Avon. This is a wonderful way to take in the city from a different perspective, while little sailors will have fun watching the water flow and spotting the birds along the riverbanks, including swans. In fact, if you wish, you can even feed the swans—just ask the boat staff for food.
Where to buy tickets? You can purchase them directly on-site. Head to the river in the town centre, where you’ll find two companies offering this service. You can’t miss it.

Panoramic Views from the Royal Shakespeare Theatre Tower
An experience you absolutely can’t miss in 2 days in Stratford-upon-Avon is the climb to the tower of the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. This is an extraordinary opportunity to enjoy breathtaking views of the town and the River Avon. What makes this experience even more special is that access to the tower is completely free. Not only will you be able to admire the stunning panoramic views, but you’ll also get to soak in the atmosphere of the theatre and capture the essence of Shakespeare’s legacy. It’s a magical moment that I highly recommend including in your itinerary while in Stratford-upon-Avon.
Oh, and don’t forget: the tower is accessible by elevator, making it convenient for families with young children!

Where to sleep in Stratford-upon-Avon
I highly recommend the Macdonald Alveston Manor Hotel for families visiting Stratford-upon-Avon. This charming hotel offers spacious family rooms, ensuring everyone has enough space to relax after a day of exploring. Its beautiful gardens provide a lovely backdrop for outdoor fun, while the on-site restaurant serves delicious meals made with locally sourced ingredients, catering to all tastes. Located just a short walk from key attractions like Shakespeare’s Birthplace, it’s perfect for families wanting to immerse themselves in the town’s rich history. Plus, the leisure facilities, including a swimming pool, make it a great place to unwind together after a day of adventure.





Lived in England since 1998 and travelled the world since 2005, visiting over 100 countries on 5 continents. Writer, blogger, photographer with a passion for adventure and travel, discovering those off beat places not yet on the tourist trail. Marco contributes the very best in independent travel tips and lifestyle articles.