Stratford-upon-Avon Walking and Cycling Guide
Follow Shakespeare’s footsteps back through time
Synonymous with Shakespeare, Stratford-upon-Avon is a beautiful market town to explore both on foot or two wheels. Following our Stratford-upon-Avon walking and cycling guide you will pass picture-perfect thatched cottages. The River Avon and the Stratford-upon-Avon canal also run through the town. There are many cycle paths which take you out to points of interest. Short walks bring you to viewpoints of panoramic scenes across this historic town. While Shakespeare’s birthplace and final resting place are an important part of this town, the surrounding countryside makes this a beautiful area to explore.
Suggested Stratford-upon-Avon Walks
Follow in the footsteps of Shakespeare as you explore this beautifully cultural and inspiring market town passing historic cottages, the River Avon and the many theatres.
With the River Avon running through the town, it is easy to find a circular walk taking in all the main sites. Starting near Shakespeare’s Birthplace in Henley Street you walk down towards the river and through Bancroft Gardens. Spot the quirky lamppost and stop in to see Shakespeare’s grave at Holy Trinity Church. Continue along the river and cross the bridge to follow the greenway passing a couple of locks. The disused railway bridge, Stannals Bridge, takes you back over the river. Continue your walk back into the town passing the racecourse. You will see Bobby’s Café, a quirky eatery in a converted old train carriage. Enjoy a hot drink and some food before heading into town for shopping or a show.
Heading further out of town walk up to the Welcombe Obelisk passing Clopton House to enjoy the view across the rooftops of the historic buildings of Stratford. Starting from the Tramway footbridge it is an easy route with some off-road walking uphill to reach the obelisk.
Depending on the length of walk you are looking for, you can reach the surrounding villages on foot. A circular route to Clifford Chambers takes just over an hour. You can extend this walk to reach Preston on Stour along a popular trail which is a bit more challenging.
If you would like to join a guided tour, Stratford Town Walk provides a selection of routes including a ghost walk where historic stories and interesting facts are shared with you. Alongside Shakespeare titbits you will hear about plagues, fires and the history of old-fashioned sayings. It is a deep dive into the personality of Stratford and a great way to learn more about the area.
Stratford-upon-Avon Cycling Routes
A very bike-friendly town, Stratford-upon-Avon is a pleasure to explore on two wheels.
The Stratford Greenway provides a gentle five-mile ride to the villages of Milcote and Long Marston. You cross the Stannals Bridge and will pass the Milcote Café set in a converted train carriage. The greenway is lined with wild plants and you need to keep your eyes peeled for any local wildlife. A ride to Long Marston and back can be completed in around an hour, but make sure to plan in a stop for a cup of tea en route.
Following the Stratford-upon-Avon canal you can reach the village of Wilmcote where you’ll find Mary Arden’s Farm, the childhood home of Shakespeare’s mother. Events are held over the summer to allow you to feed the animals. You can also willow weaving or archery. It is about an hour’s ride there and back and well worth it to discover a bit more of the history of Shakespeare.
Stratford-upon-Avon is a very bike-friendly town. There are many cycle lanes through the town making it a more enjoyable and safer place to explore on two wheels. Have a look at all of the national cycle network routes and in town cycle lanes here.
Stratford-upon-Avon Cycle Hire
Based at the greenway, Stratford Bike Hire provide a range of bikes, including Pashley bikes which are hand-built in Stratford, for you to explore the area. Tandem bikes and ebikes are available and there are options for families with children as well.
