13 Best things to see & do in Stratford-upon-Avon

New Place, the home Shakespeare retired to, no longer stands, but a traditional knot garden has been created in the space where the kitchen garden would have been. Adjoining Nash’s House has a permanent exhibition on New Place.

The UK’s only permanent museum dedicated to mechanical art, the halls are filled with complex moving installations, kinetic sculpture and contraptions straight out of Wallace & Gromit.

This daily two-hour guided walk delves into the history of both the town and its most famous son. Tours run Monday to Wednesday at 11am, Thursday to Sunday at 2pm. Meet at the Swan fountain, no pre-booking required.

Just 100 yards from the theatre, the Dirty Duck has been a pub since the 1700s. Popular with cast members from the Royal Shakespeare Company, it’s the place to go for a pre- or post-performance drink.

The world’s pre-eminent Shakespearian theatre, with world-class actors bringing new life to the Bard’s words, alongside works by other renowned playwrights.

The Rooftop Restaurant & Bar at the Royal Shakespeare Company Theatre boasts panoramic views across the river, create British cooking and an excellent wine and cocktail list.

The elegant Jacobean home of Shakespeare’s’ daughter, Susanna Hall and her husband. The house has an impressive collection of 17th- and 18th-century art, with a delightful garden.

Glide along the river Avon as the sunsets, on a dinner cruise that takes in the lush countryside surrounding Stratford.

The UK’s largest butterfly collection, hundreds of brightly-coloured butterflies live freely in an exotic environment of lush foliage and tropical blossom, housed in large greenhouses.

Housed in Trinity Church, alongside four other family plots, the grave is set into the floor. Church staff are usually on hand to answer questions and give information.