Stratford upon Avon hen party

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.