Hotels in Stratford’s Shakespeare Country

Stratford-upon-Avon in Warwickshire is the heart of England’s Shakespeare Country, with plenty of hotels to cater to the many visitors the town attracts. There are cheap hotels for the traveler on a budget, more luxurious accommodation including country house hotels, and lots of kid-friendly places to cater to families too.

Stratford-upon-Avon or Stratford-on-Avon?

Stratford-upon-Avon is the name of the Warwickshire town where Shakespeare was born. Stratford-on-Avon is the name of the larger district in southern Warwickshire which includes Stratford-upon-Avon but several other towns and villages too.

Where to Stay in Stratford?

The first decision when visiting Stratford is whether to stay in the town or outside it. One factor is that Stratford is a comparatively small place which attracts lots of visitors, especially in the summer. There are several Pay-and-Display car parks in the town centre, for both long stay and short stay parking, but in the summer these can be full to overflowing. Visitors might prefer to book accommodation in the town itself, with a hotel or guesthouse which has its own free car parking. At quieter times, one of the nearby luxury country house hotels may be preferable.

Visiting Stratford-upon-Avon

All the major sights can be visited on foot, the furthest from the town centre being Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, which is a walk of about one mile. The house of Shakespeare’s mother, Mary Arden’s House, is about 3 miles outside the town centre. Other attractions such as the Royal Shakespeare Company and the Shakespeare Birthplace Museum are all in the middle of town.

Cheap and Budget Hotels in Stratford

As well as hotels there are lots of affordable guesthouses and b&bs right in the town, offering good value for money. Recommended places to stay include the Moonraker Guesthouse, the Woodstock Guesthouse not far from Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, and the family-friendly Salamander Guesthouse.

Visitors preferring a hotel base might consider:

The Best Western Grosvenor Hotel, on Warwick Road
The Holiday Inn Stratford, at Bridgefoot
The Mercure Stratford-upon-Avon Shakespeare Hotel on Chapel Street

Luxury Hotels in and near Stratford-upon-Avon

Visitors wanting to stay in Stratford itself might consider the Macdonald Alveston Manor Hotel. This is right by the Royal Shakespeare Theatre and the River Avon, and has free car parking for guests.

Less than 3 miles north of the town centre on Warwick Road is the Menzies Welcombe Hotel Spa and Golf Club. This award-winning hotel was built in 1866 and is set in 157 acres of its own grounds. It has a Championship Golf Course, all-weather tennis courts, and a luxury spa complete with indoor pool.