Chloe Zhao’s ‘Hamnet’, which follows the relationship between William Shakespeare and his wife, Agnes, after the death of their 11-year-old son, is already hotly-tipped to steamroll the Oscars—with performances from Paul Mescal and Jessie Buckley. It’s releasing this Friday (November 25) in the States, followed by a UK release early next year (January 9, 2026) and is guaranteed to rekindle interest in the Bard.
Don’t just pick up a copy of ‘Othello’ or ‘Macbeth’ to skim-read half of and forget about. Step into the real world of ‘Hamnet’ and visit Shakespeare’s hometown of Stratford-upon-Avon. The medieval West Midlands market town is just an hour from Birmingham and full of more than 800 years of history, but there’s plenty of modern leisure to enjoy, too.
What’s there to do in Stratford-upon-Avon?
For fans of England’s greatest ever writer, pilgrimages to Shakespeare’s Birthplace and Anne Hathaway’s Cottage are a must to learn more about the couple at the heart of ‘Hamnet’. While you can catch many of the Bard’s most famous plays being performed at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre.
Elsewhere, the Holy Trinity Church is where Shakespeare was baptised and buried, and Shakespeare’s Schoolroom is where he studied. But there are countless buildings throughout Stratford-upon-Avon boasting a Shakespearean connection, with many dating back to the 16th century—including the town’s oldest pub, The Garrick.
It’s not all about Ol’ Will, though. Head to the MAD Museum, the UK’s only museum for mechanical art—think Wallace and Gromit’s crazy gadgets, and you’re not far off—take a tour of the artisan gin and rum distillery, Shakespeare’s Distillery, and dine on the river waters of the Avon, with dining cruise, The Countess.
And don’t miss the mesmerising Stratford Butterfly Farm, beautiful Bancroft Gardens, or the living history museum, Tudor World. Or why not catch a play (by some a bit more modern) at the Swan Theatre or The Other Place? Prefer the great outdoors? Follow the wildlife-dense Stratford Greenway, by foot or by bike, to Long Marston.
How do I get there?
You can get a direct train from Birmingham Moor Street to Stratford-upon-Avon that takes only 55 minutes. To drive, follow the M6, M42 and M40 to Budbrooke and take exit 15. Then take the A46 and A439 to Stratford-upon-Avon.