Hotels in Stratford-upon-Avon

The Shakespeare theatres are a focal point for the town and no trip would be complete without going to a play. We saw Love for love in the Swan theatre and really enjoyed it. On the first night we ate a pre-theatre meal at Lambs restaurant, which was pleasant and spent the following evening having a meal at the Waterside Brasserie - part of the Arden hotel, located right opposite the theatres. I have to say it was one of the best meals we've had in ages and we will definitely eat there again when we next visit Stratford-upon-Avon. The town is compact and everything is really easy to get to on foot. We walked around the main shopping centre, which was looking very festive in the run up to Christmas and had tea in one of the many small tea and coffee shops. We stayed at a hotel right in the centre of the town with its own ample parking facilities, which was a plus. Providing that you make proper arrangements for parking beforehand, it's much better to stay in town than on the outskirts, which we did previously. We were too far away to walk into town, so we always had to drive and hunt for parking, which is not a good idea, as it gets very busy.

I love how quiet Stratford is on a evening! !. Can be very busy during the peak season days. But go out for the evening and it's a different place! ;-). Would recommend " The View " restaurant, for the best fish and chips around by far !!. " El Greco " - for outstanding Greek food! !. " Keys and Kitchen " - for its beautiful beer garden at the rear !!. And for a proper local pub, with excellent live music ( Fridays, Saturdays and every other Sunday night! ) , I can recommend " The Lamplighter " on the corner of Rother street and Bridge Street. All in all, Stratford is a beautiful place!. Csn get busy with ttourist trade during the days. But the evenings are quiet and the restaurants and bars are excellent! ! .

Our trip was based on The Shakespeare experience and buying a year's worth of entry tickets from The Shakespeare's Trust is a must, it's so easy and you can visit all of Shakespeares houses as many times as you want for a whole year. Getting around Stratford-on-Avon is so easy you can walk everywhere but you do need a car to get to Mary Arden's Farm (which we found closed in November so check before you go). Also the shopping in Stratford-on-Avon is very good with a mixture of everyday shops along with small designer boutiques. I found our 3 day stay just right, enough time to do everything without rushing. There are plenty of good restaurants but you must visit The Garrick Inn for the experience of the oldest Inn and excellent food and service, especially from Emma, James and Lee. I would recommend a stay here and a visit to Warwick Castle to complete your trip.

We go to Stratford-upon-Avon every December to stay for a weekend and to do some Christmas Shopping. Although at home we live in a large city with a large shopping Centre we like the smaller shops in Stratford and especially their lovely christmas lights. We have been visiting Stratford upon Avon in December for the last 15 years so know most of the B & B's and hotels having stayed in a variety of places. Its easy to see most of the shops in a day and if you do visit make sure that you visit 'The Nutcracker" which is a Christmas Shop in Henley Street. It sells christmas decorations all year round and they are amazing! There are a variety of places to eat to suit all tastes and pockets with the majority either being in Sheep Street or Church Street.

The best so often brings out the worst. Shakespeare and his history provide the tourist attractions -which are many - and so the tourists come in droves... And this was December! But the RSC always put on highly professional and memorable performances at the theatre (which is why we came - and will come again and again). Shopping is nothing special unless you love eating, drinking, charity shops and hairdressers. As everywhere these days, the independent shops have been squeezed out by uniform chain stores. But still a few survive and worth seeking out and make wandering around on foot worth while.

Our visit this time was to see a show in the RSC Theatre which didn't disappoint. Afterwards we ate in an Indian Restaurant just across the road which was also very good. We thought the Christmas lights in Stratford Town Centre were very impressive. There is a good selection of interesting shops & lovely pubs & eating places. Previously we have visited most of the Shakespear sites but would never tire of doing them again & again. Would imagine there is a lot more going on along the river in the Summer with all the barges & pleasure boats that can be seen.