Attractions Nearby Stratford upon Avon, Day Trips and Excursions

(Stratford upon Avon, Warwickshire, England, UK)

Many alluring attractions surround Stratford upon Avon, being spread around the south Warwickshire area, Worcestershire and beyond. Broadway is especially nearby, as is the market town of Banbury, Kenilworth, Leamington Spa, the university town of Warwick and the popular waterfront attractions of Wootton Wawen, lining the banks of the Stratford upon Avon Canal.

The biggest of all the towns within Warwickshire County, Nuneaton is less than an hour from Stratford upon Avon and has a strong association with acclaimed author George Eliot, who was actually born on the very outskirts of the town. Further neighbouring attractions include some of England's biggest and most-visited cities, such as Birmingham, Coventry, Leicester and Oxford, as well as Gloucestershire's county town, Gloucester.

Birmingham

The modern metropolis that is Birmingham stands just over 60 km / 37 miles to the north-west of Stratford upon Avon and really does offer something for all of the family, and then some. Shoppers will marvel at the Bullring shopping complex and its flagship stores, while sightseers will be sure to enjoy spending an afternoon at the National Sea Life Centre or the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Others may prefer to explore the spreading outdoor attractions at the Black Country Living Museum, or pop to nearby Dudley Zoo.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free

Banbury

Banbury is a vibrant town and lies alongside the River Cherwell, 43 km / 27 miles to the south-east of Stratford upon Avon. Famous for its tasty 'Banbury Cakes' and nursery rhyme 'Ride a cock horse, to Banbury Cross', this town offers visitors a number of attractions, including its Castle Quay Shopping Centre, Banbury Cross Retail Park, canal, museum, golf club, regular markets and grand town hall.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free

Broadway

A much-visited town in Worcestershire, Broadway is only 24 km / 15 miles to the south-west of Stratford upon Avon and therefore a very popular day trip destination. Broadway is a beautiful place to visit, with its Church of St. Eadburgha being worth a look and just a 30-minute stroll from the actual town centre. The 18th-century Broadway Tower is another fine sight, while others may prefer the shopping arcade on the northern end of the High Street.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free

Cheltenham

An elegant spa town with a distinctive Regency feel, Cheltenham is situated some 50 km / 31 miles to the south-west of Stratford upon Avon. Cheltenham's attractive architecture and layout ensures that visitor numbers are deservedly high. The Cheltenham Racecourse remains one of the town's biggest attractions and stands on the northerly outskirts, where its is amongst England's leading horse racing courses. Also of note is the Pittville Pump Room, the Gustav Holst Birthplace Museum, and the Promenade, which forms the heart of Cheltenham and is also overflowing with colourful floral displays in the summer months.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free

Coventry

Coventry is a large and very busy city with a small selection of Georgian town houses and small cottages, and a large central shopping precinct. Located just 30 km / 19 miles from Stratford upon Avon, the attractions of Coventry do justify a day trip and its 12th-century cathedral ruins are a firm reminder of the bombing damage that the city suffered during WWII. Coventry's modern St. Michael's Cathedral truly is a masterpiece of the 20th century and boasts a striking etched glass wall. The Herbert Art Gallery and Museum of British Road Transport (Coventry Transport Museum) are also likely to be of interest.

Gloucester

The county capital of Gloucester lies some 67 km / 42 miles to the south-west of Stratford upon Avon and was established by the Romans as a retirement town. Today, this city is full of life and attractions, with Gloucester Cathedral being its crowning glory and standing on the College Green. The recently redeveloped Gloucester Docks should also make an appearance on any sightseeing itinerary.

Kenilworth

Kenilworth Castle tends to be the most likely reason day trippers would venture to this adjacent town from Stratford upon Avon. This magnificent red-sandstone fortress is owned and managed by the English Heritage and although now sadly in ruins, is still a spectacular sight, as are its beautiful Elizabethan Gardens. The Georgian mansion known as Stoneleigh Abbey is a further attraction in Kenilworth and was founded in the middle of the 12th century.

Leamington Spa

Although Leamington Spa may not be flooded with tempting attractions, it is only a 20-minute drive from Stratford upon Avon and its close proximity certainly makes it all the more attractive. Those taking a mini-excursion to Leamington Spa may be interested to see the programme of shows at the Royal Spa Centre, before relaxing in the tranquil Jephson Gardens and enjoying afternoon tea at the Royal Pump Rooms.

Leicester

Leicester remains amongst the largest cities within the East Midlands area and is simple to get to by road, being little more than an hour away from Stratford upon Avon. Leicester's tourist attractions are in good supply, with the most popular including its National Space Centre, City Gallery, Guildhall, Gas Museum and Abbey Park, the latter of which features a pets corner and playground areas.

Nuneaton

Roughly 45 km / 28 miles to the north-east of Stratford upon Avon, Nuneaton has grown up around the River Anker and regularly receives awards for its spectacular floral displays in the summer months. Each June, Nuneaton plays hosts to Warwickshire's premier carnival, which is certainly worthy of a mention.

Oxford

Oxford University is known the world over for excellence and its various colleges are spread all around the city, a number of which are extremely historic and date back more than 600 years. Situated just over an hour from Stratford upon Avon and to the south-west, Oxford is overflowing with attractions, with punting along the rivers and canals featuring highly on any list of 'must dos'. The Oxford Story Exhibition is also likely to be of interest, as is the neighbouring Cotswold Wildlife Park.

Solihull

Located approximately 38 km / 24 miles north of Stratford upon Avon and particularly close to Birmingham International Airport, Solihull's number one attraction is the National Exhibition Centre (NEC), where huge events and concerts are staged throughout the year. Another good reason to pay a visit to Solihull is to check out its new Touchwood Shopping Centre and surrounding shops lining the High Street and Mell Square. The rich Land Rover heritage of the town is celebrated at its Land Rover Experience 'Home of the Legend'.

Warwick

Warwick is a mere 14 km / 9 miles from Stratford upon Avon and as such, can be reached in around 15 minutes, making day trips to this university town simple and quite painless. One of this country town's main attractions is Warwick Castle, which enjoys a strategic position and has origins in the 10th century. Now owned by Madame Tussauds, Warwick Castle is a fun place to explore and comes complete with its very own dungeons and haunted tower.