Star Bars
The Dirty Duck - 'Oh, daaaaaaaaarling!' This is where all the luvvies like to drink after they're done wowing audiences with their performances of some of Shakespeare's most complex characters.
Where? Waterside, CV37 6BA
RSC Rooftop - This spectacular bar provides unparalleled views of the river Avon and the beautiful surroundings of Stratford. A great spot to enjoy a few pre or post-show drinks as well as a few cheeky bites to eat...As You like It!
Where? The Royal Shakespeare Theatre, CV37 6BB
Bamboodle - A swish restaurant by day and a relaxed, stylish bar by night, Bamboodle really is the complete venue. This is the perfect spot to have a little natter with the hens before boogying down to one of Stratford's late night venues...there's no taming these shrews!
Where? 7-9 Union Street, CV37 6QT
Best Bites
The Church Street Townhouse - This grade II listed building is located directly opposite Will Shakes' old school! Although you won't be reminded of school dinners with the hangover-conquering array of pub grub you'll treat yourselves to in this budget-friendly, chic eatery.
Where? 16 Church Street, CV37 6
Havilands Tea Rooms - When you're laden with shopping bags there's nothing better than making a quick pit stop in Havilands. Enjoy an old fashioned cup of rosy lee with a delicious tea cake that's got a surprisingly spicy kick, trust us, we aren't making much ado about nothing.
Where? 4-5 Meer Street, CV37 6QB
Sights & Sounds
Sights
Stratford-Upon-Avon is well known for being the birthplace of one of history's most celebrated playwrights, William Shakespeare. As such, this fabulous town is full of cultural landmarks that make for must-see sightseeing. Make the trip to Anne Hathaway's Cottage (not the actress of Princess Diaries fame, unfortunately) and see how Shakespeare's beloved lived her days (as the 16th century equivalent of a WAG we reckon). A sunlit walk along the beautiful canal in the shadow of the RSC theatre is a great way to soothe any pains from the previous evening's antics as well!
Sounds
Stratford-Upon-Avon is more known for its electric evenings on the stage rather than off it, but that doesn't mean that there isn't late night fun to be had in this historic town. No. 1 Shakespeare Street is where all the young professionals go to let their hair down to current chart-topping hits with a nifty glass of Pulp Fiction in hand - and seeing as its open until 2am, there's nothing to stop you from staying on the dance floor until the early hours!
In the Diary
April - Shakespeare's Celebrations. Celebrate the life of the bard with the locals and Shakespeare fans from all over the world in his home town.
April - Literary Festival. Literature buffs rejoice! At one of the UK's best lit-fests, you can see talks by celebrities and famous writers alike in the birthplace of Britain's most famous literary icon.
July - Global Gathering. One of the world's biggest electronic festivals is just another annual event in Stratford, get those UV face paints out ladies!
November - Remembering Tree. Cover a tree with knitted squares in this fabulous and quirky effort to raise money for the poverty stricken people of Africa.
Top of the Shops
Stratford-Upon-Avon is hardly known as a style capital, let's face it. But this fabulous town is bustling with aspiring actors and actresses who dress for the LA lifestyle long before they've broken off the stage and onto the big screen ala Benedict Cumberbatch. So if you're going to match those beautiful Juliet's and impress those hunky Romeo's then a saunter around Stratford's excellent shops could be in order!
Aspire Style - This beautiful boutique is everything a hen could ask for in a clothes shop - stylish vintage inspired threads for prices that won't break the bank.
Where? 24 Wood Street, CV37 6JF
Gemini Woman - The Gemini is the twin star-sign, and with the budget-friendly wears you'll find here, you'll match even the most stylish of fashionistas back home.
Where? 14-15 Wood Street, CV37 6JF
White Stuff - Contrary to the name of the shop, the slightly-pricier clothes sold here are actually quite colourful, and there's bound to be a cute something here perfect for you.
Where? 20 Bridge Street, CV7 6AE
Girls About Town - Getting around Stratford upon Avon...
This cute little town is best explored using the power of your own legs! But if all the drama of stage-obsessed Stratford has left you a little worn out, then Stagecoach run a fantastic bus network in and around town. Handily, you can buy a Megarider ticket that you can use throughout your stay that should save you from foraging for loose change in your purse every time you fancy hopping aboard!
Hen Days
So what is there to do on A Midsummer Night's Dream Hen Party? Enjoy sophisticated activities like Afternoon Tea, Craft Parties, Pottery Workshops and River Cruises. If you're the thrill-seeking kind of girl, then our Werewolf Hunting should provide the dose of adrenaline that you're after, that is assuming you can escape the threat of the walking dead in our Zombie Boot Camp! See more...
Hen Nights
After the second-act is done and the final curtain has fallen, all of Stratford's theatre-goers and actors alike spill out onto the streets looking for a good time! Enjoy a delicious meal at a Restaurant of your choice, or recite Macbeth 'is this a dagger I see before me?!' in our spine-tingling Murder Mystery dining experience. Our Butlers in the Buff certainly know how to show you a good time, and of course, your evening wouldn't be complete without Guestlist Nightclubbing. See all our nightlife options...
It's time for a hen party in Stratford upon Avon!
The pretty Tudor buildings, the beautiful rural Warwickshire countryside, and the huge literary history give you a good idea of what Stratford is like during the day, but hide the truth about the Stratford nights - with tourists, theatre boys, and more lively and charming pubs than you could fit in to even the busiest of hen dos, a hen party in Stratford has astounding potential for either a tranquil or exhilarating weekend!
Why: Reasons to celebrate a Stratford upon Avon hen party
Not all hens are fans of slamming back shots and downing pints - sometimes a hen weekend that leaves you with a slightly less pounded liver is called for, and when that's the case, a Stratford-upon-Avon hen do is a fantastic choice. It's a stately, picturesque town, but there's far more going on beyond the postcard-ready façade - as the birthplace of the most brilliant playwright the world has ever known (a chap called William Shakespeare), it's one of the hottest tourist destinations in the UK, with around 5.5 million visitors a year paying pilgrimage to the birthplace of the bard each year. Even if you're not a Shakespeare super fan yourself, you can still appreciate the resulting charming hotels and B&Bs, the well-established and lively pubs, and the colossal array of culture around the town. In the evenings you'll really get a taste of 'Olde England', wander through the streets past the half timber buildings and experience some fine dining in one of Stratford's fantastic restaurants offering a delicious selection of cuisines. There are spas, art galleries, museums, and -of course- theatres galore. If you're looking for a tranquil weekend away with the girls, it's got to be a hen party in Stratford!
What: What can you do on in Stratford upon Avon?
Plenty. Stratford may not be a big city, but it's got more than enough going on to cater for the tastes of any hen party. If you're looking for something serene, Stratford upon Avon has a host of ways to relax in the pretty little town, with fantastic spas, al fresco dining and dainty tea rooms. You can take advantage of the local countryside and proximity to the Cotswolds if you'd like something a bit more active, and get your blood racing with some more energetic and outdoor pursuits like grass karting or 4x4 driving. And of course, all our hen do favourites are available in Stratford, with dancing lessons, pamper sessions, and a cheeky bit of wine tasting too! After a fantastic Stratford hen day in the countryside surroundings of Stratford it's time to hit Stratford's nightlife! It may not have the nightlife credentials of the larger UK towns but there are still some great venues, from rustic pubs to chic and intimate wine and cocktail bars! Don't fret if you are after the nightclubs - classy Cheltenham or cool Birmingham are both under an hour away, and with enough clubs to keep you up all night! There's still plenty of choice for after dark entertainment if you do stay in Stratford - why not start the night off with a mysterious Murder Mystery evening, or get treated by the sexy Butlers in the Buff for the evening?
Shop: Stratford upon Avon shopping areas & recommendations
Stratford-on-Avon has a surprisingly diverse range of retail choice, from big name stores to independent shops and eateries. For department store finds there's a huge Marks and Spencer's, Debenhams, Fred Winter and BHS, plus there's also all the normal high street stores within the town. Alternatively check out Stratford's own Farmer's Market, with local producers and local ingredients - surrounded by a rich landscape there's always plenty of tasty treats on offer in the Rother Street Farmer's Market.
Stay: Choosing your accommodation
Stratford-upon-Avon's best accommodation can be found around the centre - as a fairly small town you'll benefit from shops and nightlife being mostly a short walk away. We've made finding your perfect accommodation easy, we understand what groups want and have hunted out hotels with excellent quality and group-pleasing surroundings, so you can be sure that you'll have a fantastic base to go back to after your hen night. Our 3 star hotel options are the most popular, set in the city-centre and with all the basic amenities, or you could push the boat out and stay in a luxurious 4 star Stratford hotel. Find out more at our Stratford accommodation page.
Party: Where Stratford upon Avon hen parties head after dark
After a fantastic Stratford hen day in the countryside surroundings of Stratford it's time to hit Stratford's nightlife! It may not have the nightlife credentials of the larger UK towns but there are still some great venues, from friendly pubs to lively bars and clubs. Why not start the night off with a mysterious Murder Mystery evening, or get treated by the sexy Butlers in the Buff for the evening! Top your night off with Guestlist Nightclubbing at one of Stratford's best nightclubs and the girls will have a night they'll never forget! See all of our Stratford hen night ideas.
When: The best times to visit Stratford upon Avon
Unsurprisingly, there's a whole lot of Shakespeare saturating Stratford throughout the year, with performances at The Royal Shakespeare Theatre displaying the Bard at his very best all year round. They also celebrate Shakespeare's birthday every April, with huge processions through the town centre, and there's a slightly less Shakespeare-centric Literary Festival in April too. If you're not so much of a book lover, sample some local delights at the annual Food Festival, see some fantastic horse racing events just outside the city, or party through the night at GlobalGathering, an annual dance music festival that runs in countries like Turkey, Russia and Australia too.
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