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A Day Trip to Stratford-upon-Avon from London

A solo traveller’s wander through Shakespeare’s town

Monday, September 22, 2025

Stratford-upon-Avon is a small town that feels like stepping back in time. It’s where Shakespeare was born, but it’s also full of old houses, pretty gardens, and a river that runs through the centre. I went there on my own for the day, and it felt like a mix of history and small adventures. Here’s how my day went.

Getting there
The train leaves from London Marylebone and takes just over two hours. It was an early start, but the journey was easy. One of the little things I enjoyed was listening to people chatting around me, the smell of coffee, and enjoying my own cup. From my window seat, I watched the city disappear as the countryside rolled past. At one point, we passed the Dashwood Mausoleum near High Wycombe, which I’d visited years ago; it made me smile to see it again. By the time we arrived, it felt like I’d travelled much further than just a couple of hours.

Image: Each street murmurs his name.

First stop: Shakespeare’s birthplace

The train station is only a short walk from the centre of town. The streets are lined with little shops and half-timbered houses that look like something out of a storybook. My first stop was Shakespeare’s Birthplace. Walking through those rooms gave me goosebumps. I kept picturing him as a boy, sitting by the fire or running through the hall, not yet “Shakespeare,” just a kid growing up in Stratford.

His school and the Guild Chapel
Not far away is King Edward VI School, where Shakespeare studied. You can actually sit in one of the old classrooms; there are wooden benches worn smooth from hundreds of students who sat there long before us. It felt strange to think that this was where he first learned words that would later shape the world.
Next door is the Guild Chapel, often missed by tourists. Inside, you can still see faded paintings on the walls showing heaven and hell, pictures that Shakespeare himself would have grown up seeing. Across the road is Shakespeare’s New Place, now a garden with sculptures and little paths. It’s a calm spot right in the middle of the town.

The Royal Shakespeare Theatre

By the river stands the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. It looks modern from the outside. Even if you don’t watch a play, it’s worth stepping inside. The café has lovely views of the river, and you can feel the buzz of people getting ready for a performance. I promised myself that next time I visit, I’ll stay late and watch a play there.

By the river
After the theatre, I walked along the River Avon. At one point, I stopped because I heard a young woman singing and playing her guitar. Her music floated across the water, and people gathered to listen. Moments like that make travelling alone feel so rich, you’re part of something small but special, even if only for a few minutes.

Image: Where words live and stages breathe.

Image: Step into a time bygone

Places I missed this time

There were two places I really wanted to see but didn’t manage this time. One was Holy Trinity Church, where Shakespeare is buried. It’s known for being peaceful and simple, and his grave is marked with a short inscription. I felt a little sad not to step inside.
The other was Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, where Shakespeare’s wife grew up. It’s a little further away from the town centre, and I just ran out of time. I’ve heard the gardens are beautiful in spring, so it’s on my list for my next visit.

Heading home
By late afternoon, it was time to catch the train back. My feet were tired, but in the best way. On the ride home, I kept thinking about the music by the river, the painted walls in the chapel, and the wooden floorboards in the schoolroom.

Why Stratford-upon-Avon is perfect for a day trip
For someone travelling alone, Stratford is ideal. It’s small, safe, and easy to walk around. You can see a lot in one day, but you’ll leave feeling like you’ve touched a piece of history that still feels alive.

If you have more time

This was actually my second visit to Stratford-upon-Avon. The last time I came, it was for the Christmas Market, when the whole town sparkled with lights, stalls, and music. Each time I come, I find myself missing something, which just gives me a reason to return.
If you can stay longer, here are a few extra spots worth adding:

Anne Hathaway’s Cottage: Beautiful gardens and a house full of history.
Mary Arden’s Farm: A working Tudor farm that shows how people lived in Shakespeare’s time.
Stratford Christmas Market: The streets are filled with festive stalls and the air smells of mulled wine.

Have you ever been to Stratford-upon-Avon, or is it on your list? Drop a comment below, I’d love to hear your thoughts. And if you know someone planning a trip from London, share this with them to give them a little inspiration.