Caroline Mills

If you aren’t already aware, get ready to become well-acquainted with the life and times of William Shakespeare. The Bard was born in Stratford-upon-Avon, and this charming town in the West Midlands isn’t about to ignore its most famous citizen. Quite the opposite, in fact, and young Billy understandably takes top billing for most visitors. Shakespeare is one of history’s most famous and influential writers, so that makes sense. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is no one trick pony. Its quaint streets shimmer with historic buildings housing friendly cafes and delicious restaurants, while the river of the town’s name holds up its end of the bargain with scenic walks and, well, more cafes. The best things to do in Stratford-upon-Avon are a well-rounded collection of experiences straddling the line between modern life and the history of England’s national poet. Oh, and if you like gin, you are in for a treat. RECOMMENDED:🏰 The best things to do in Birmingham🌾 The best things to do in the Cotswolds🚂 The best places to visit in the UK This guide was recently updated by Caroline Mills, a writer from Stratford-upon-Avon. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.