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Last updated: 05 October, 2022
Expert travel writer: Annabelle Thorpe

Wood-panelled walls, beamed ceilings and roaring fires – the White Swan has been welcoming guests since 1560, although the building dates back to the mid-15th century.  Step through the door and you could almost be in one of Shakespeare’s plays; much of the Tudor touches and furniture styles have been kept in the bar, along with the ‘character’ bedrooms – those housed in the oldest part of the building.

Newer rooms are less remarkable, although still extremely comfortable; after a day’s sightseeing, being able to just walk up to bed after dinner can be the biggest luxury of all.

Situated right in the heart of town (which can make parking something of a challenge), the White Swan is walking distance from the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust and the Royal Shakespeare Company. It’s a great choice for those wanting to immerse themselves in Stratford’s history, with a buzzy, informal pub feel.

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Key facilities

Airport transfers: Not available
Beach: None
Fitness centre
Fitness classes
Golf course
Hot tub
Kids club
Parking: On-site (free)
Pool (adults only)
Pool (indoor)
Pool (outdoor)
Pool (kids)
Spa
Tennis courts
WiFi: Free
Yoga

Food & drink

All inclusive
Kids menu
Restaurant on-site
Self catering
*
Additional charge

Room types

Apartments
Bedrooms
Cabins
Suites
Tents
Villas
Yurts

Room facilities

Air conditioning
Flat screen TV
Jacuzzi (private)
Pool (private)
Tea & coffee making facilities
WiFi

Bedding options

2+ bedrooms
3+ beds
Connecting rooms
Rollaway/sofa bed

Bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first

Warwick Castle

Warwick, Warwickshire, United Kingdom (UK)[12.8 miles]

History comes alive at this spectacular 11th-century castle. Fascinating, accessible and educational for kids.

Best for ages: 4+ | £16

Other worthwhile experiences in this destination if you have the time or the interest, closest first

A photo of the portrait of William Shakespeare with three small gremlins doodling on Shakespeare's portrait. Titled Gremlins Vandalise Shakespeare, on 2nd March 2017.
Experience

MAD Museum

Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, United Kingdom (UK)[0.2 miles]

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.

Best for ages: 13+ | £8

Website >
Overview >
View of the New Place in Stratford upon Avon where William Shakespeare lived. Tall brick building with a small garden on around the front entrance
Experience

Nash’s House & New Place

Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, United Kingdom (UK)[0.3 miles]

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.

Best for ages: 18+ | £10

Website >
Overview >
Touristic boats settled beside the river Anon with villagers sitting on benches in the foreground and people biking on the roads in town on the background in Stratford upon Avon
Experience

Stratford Town Walk

Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, United Kingdom (UK)[0.4 miles]

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.

Best for ages: 13+ | £10 | 2 hours

Website >
Overview >
exterior view from the street. people sitting outside
Experience

The Dirty Duck

Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, United Kingdom (UK)[0.5 miles]

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.

Best for ages: 18+ | Free

Website >
Overview >

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