Stratford Upon Avon Walks
The Warwickshire town of Stratford Upon Avon is famously associated with William Shakespeare. It's a very attractive place with a fascinating history and a number of great walks to try. This short circular walk takes you along the River Avon to the Stratford Upon Avon race course. It's about 1.5 mile walk along the river to the course with the option of returning on the opposite side by crossing the river at the bridge near the race course.
The walk starts from the Grade I listed Clopton Bridge which was built in 1486/7. Along the way you'll pass a number of interesting landmarks including the famouse Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon Cricket Club Ground and Stratford Butterfly Farm. The attraction is well worth a visit with several species of free flying butterflies, free flying birds, a pool containing fish, and running water. Also of interest is the Church of the Holy Trinity on the western side of the river. The Grade I listed building is known Shakespeare's Church, due to its fame as the place of baptism and burial of William Shakespeare. It's a fascinating building and one of the highlights on the walk. Built in 1210 it contains a 14th-century sanctuary knocker and twenty-six 15th-century misericord seats in the chancel.
Other Walks near and around Stratford Upon Avon
- Stratford Greenway - This 5 mile cycling and walking trail runs along a disused railway line from Stratford Upon Avon to Long Marston. The greenway follows the route of the old Honeybourne Line passing the Stratford Upon Avon Racecourse before crossing the River Avon and the River Stour. It's a nice easy cycle or walk on a good surfaced path.
- Welcombe Hills Country Park - Enjoy wonderful views over Stratford-Upon-Avon and the surrounding Warwickshire countryside in this elevated country park. The park is located just to the north of the town and can be reached by following the Monarch's Way footpath from the town centre. Near the park there's also the worthy the village of Snitterfield where there's the Snitterfield Bushes Nature Reserve and a nice local pub with a particularly lovely garden.
- Avon Valley Footpath - This delightful riverside walk takes you from Stratford Upon Avon to Marcliff.
- Stratford Upon Avon Canal - Enjoy waterside cycling and walking on this 26 mile canal which runs from Stratford Upon Avon to Birmingham. The whole route can be walked while cyclists can enjoy the sections from Stratford Upon Avon to Wilmcote at one end and through the outskirts of Birmingham at the other.
- Charlecote Park - Enjoy an easy walk around the beautiful Charlecote Park in Wellesbourne, Warwickshire. It's a splendid place for a stroll with miles of footpaths taking you around the extensive estate. You can walk along the River Avon and see the waterfall before ambling around the large lake. Then cross the River Dene to the Deer Park where there are several fallow deer to observe. You can also explore the grand Victorian house. It has been home to the Lucy family for centuries with the park built in 1558 by Sir Thomas Lucy. See the porch built for the visit Elizabeth I and explore the Great Hall with centuries of Lucy family portraits.
- Oversley Wood - Follow the woodland trails through the delightful forest on this circular walk in Alcester. The woods are located just to the south of Alcester. You can easily reach them from the town by following the Arden Way over the River Arrow and past Oversley Green. There's also a car park in the north eastern corner just off the A46. This will give you access to miles of good woodland trails. It's great in the spring and summer with lots of bluebells and wildflowers to enjoy. Look out for butterflies, badgers and lots of birdlife as you make your way through the woods.
- Coughton Court - Explore the beautiful gardens of the Tudor Coughton Court, before a lovely waterside stroll along the River Arden on this walking route in Warwickshire. The grounds include the walled garden, lake, knot garden, vegetable garden, orchard and bog garden. You can then continue through the meadow and the pretty bluebell wood before joining the Arden Way towards Spernall. You then return to the house with a waterside stretch along the River Arden.
- Monarch's Way - This incredible 615-mile walk approximates the escape route taken by King Charles II in 1651 after being defeated in the Battle of Worcester. You can pick up the trail in the town and explore the surrounding countryside.
Stratford Upon Avon Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
Stratford Upon Avon Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Stratford Upon Avon OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Stratford Upon Avon Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Pubs/Cafes
The Bear is located in a lovely spot by the river. The pub dates back to 1662 and has outdoor seating and a decent menu. You can find them at Swans Nest with a postcode of CV37 7LS for your sat navs. The pub is also dog friendly if you have your canine friend with you.
Further Information and Other Local Ideas
If you follow the river south west you could visit the lovely riverside village of Bidford on Avon. The Saxon settlement includes a Grade I listed bridge dating from the early 15th century and Big Meadow, a 26 acre recreational park next to the river.
To the west is the village of Inkberrow. It's a worthy place to visit with a picturesque village green, a historic church and a fine 16th century pub. The settlement is also notable as the model for Ambridge, the setting of BBC Radio 4's long-running series The Archers.
Head north west along the canal and you could visit the Edstone Aqueduct, the longest cast iron aqueduct in England. There's great views from the top of this significant local structure.
For more walking ideas in the area see the Warwickshire Walks page.
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
Clopton Bridge from Tramway Bridge, Stratford-upon-Avon
Royal Shakespeare Theatre south. There are over 1000 seats in the theatre. The complex also includes a Rooftop Restaurant and Bar with views over the River Avon, a Riverside Cafe and a Terrace.
River and bridge view
Street theatre being performed outside Shakespeare's birthplace. This restored 16th-century half-timbered house is situated in Henley Street. He was born here in 1564 and spent his childhood years in the house.
Viewed from the opposite bank adjacent to the weirs on Sunday 5th March 2006
Inside Stratford Butterfly Farm
Water fountain. It is located in the park beside the canal basin.
The Gower memorial, shows Hamlet statue in Bancroft gardens. These pretty gardens are a nice place for an easy stroll in the town centre. They are located next to the Bancroft Canal Basin, the river and the RSC theatre.