Non Shakespeare things in Stratford Upon Avon

The Stratford-upon-Avon Canal was built in the 18th century and runs north from Stratford towards Birmingham linking with the British waterways network. Narrowboat holidays are a popular holiday with the British and the canal basin in the centre of Stratford is a natural focus for visitors.

The canal basin is a magnet for visitors, where the canal meets the River Avon in the very centre of town. There is plenty of space and grass. Some canal boats have been converted into shops, even art galleries.

Many simply sit by the side of the river watching all the activities with an ice cream.

Recreation Ground

The Recreation Ground is right by the river (southern bank) and offers picnic tables, paddling pool, outdoor gym, bowling club, mini golf, play equipment for children, a bandstand, the Stratford Big Wheel, toilets and a sports club.

Bancroft Gardens

Bancroft Gardens is adjacent to the Royal Shakespeare Theatre on the northern bank. It has wide grass lawns and gardens with views of the river. Here you can enjoy open air performances. The popular Stratford Town Walk and Ghost Walk also leaves from here.

You can even hire boats here for a bit of relaxing boating down the River Avon.

Like so many tourist towns and cities, a hop on, hop off open top sightseeing bus operates in Stratford.

At Stratford it is particularly useful as a couple of Shakespeare attractions, Anne Hathaway's Cottage and Mary Arden's House are well outside walking distance from the town centre.

The bus has ticketing options which includes admissions to the Shakespeare properties. The main starting point of the buses is by the bridge next to the main Tourist Information Centre. For independent visitors there is also a stop very close to the train station.

There are 12 stops including all 5 Shakespeare properties, Holy Trinity Church and the RSC theatres.

You can also purchase a ticket that combines the Ho Ho service with a river cruise on the River Avon.

Frequencies are broadly every 30 minutes with increased frequencies, every 15/20 minutes at the peak times in summer and weekends. During the summer months live guides are available, at other times audio guides are provided (English, French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Japanese, German and Kid's Commentary).