Stratford-upon-Avon is one of the most important tourist destinations in the UK and is steeped in culture and history.It is located in the picturesque rural Warwickshire countryside, on the banks of the River Avon and is the birthplace of William Shakespeare.
Using Bend in the River Lodge as a base, you can discover the delights of other counties; Oxfordshire, Worcestershire and Gloucestershire. To the South you can enjoy Blenheim Palace and the Cotswolds.To the West, Evesham, Worcester and Malvern. To the North, Warwick Castle and Henley in Arden. All within an hour's drive of the Lodge.
The Lodge is perfectly located for attending the Theatres in Stratford-upon-Avon. For a current programme of plays click the following link: Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC)
Stratford has a very varied and rich programme of events and activities. “Like” our Facebook page www.facebook.com/BendintheRiverLodge where we post many of these events.
Christmas is a joy in Stratford as there are festivals, street markets and award-winning Christmas lights from late November to New Year.Late night shopping and the Christmas market takes place on the four Thursdays before Christmas.
Shopping and Dining in Stratford - You are spoilt for choice with the wide range of cafes, bars, pubs and restaurants. We have an information booklet in the Lodge with recommendations from other guests’ visits. You can find a varied and interesting choice of shops in Stratford with designer boutiques, homemade craft and souvenir shops.
Visit Shakespeare's Houses Link to info on houses
Anne Hathaway’s Cottage - home of Shakespeare's wife
Mary Arden’s House - childhood home of Shakespeare's Mother
Halls Croft - home of husband of Shakespeare's Daughter
Nash House & New Place - Shakespeare's family home from 1587-1616
Other Attractions
Stratford Town and Ghost Walks
Compton Verney Art Gallery and Park
A few of the famous stately homes and beautiful gardens nearby:
Hidcote Manor Garden is a landscape garden located on the outskirts of the small village of Hidcote Bartrim, near Chipping Campden, Gloucestershire and owned by the National Trust.
Kiftsgate Court Gardens hasa series of interconnecting gardens each with its distinct character and secrets.
Compton Verney Art Gallery and Park is set in 120 acres of stunning parkland with lakes and has an award-winning art gallery, café and gift shop.
Warwick Castle, a medieval castle built in 1068 by William the Conqueror overlooking the River Avon.There is plenty of history to take in with daily and evening spectacular shows.
Blenheim Palace is hometo the Duke and Duchess of Marlborough and the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill.It is set in 2,100 acres of picturesque parkland landscaped by 'Capability' Brown and surrounded by sweeping lawns, formal gardens and a magnificent lake.
Sezincote is a unique and extraordinary Indian house set amidst the Cotswold Hills.
Upton House is the country home of a 1930s' millionaire and passionate art collector. There are internationally important artworks by artists such as Hogarth, Stubbs, Canaletto, Brueghel and El Greco.
Charlecote House, a National Trust property was the Tudor home of the Lucy family for more than 700 years.It is a beautify house with lovely parkland where you can see deer roaming freely.It is very close to the Lodge.
Ragley Hall has awonderful collection of art, porcelain and furniture.It was designed in 1680 by Robert Hooke and is one of England’s earliest and finest Palladian Houses.
Snowshill Manor is home to a spectacular collection of more than 22,000 objects from across the world. The house is set amongst peaceful hillside gardens designed as a series of rooms and run on organic principles.
Sudeley Castle is set against the backdrop of the beautiful Cotswold Hills, and is steeped in history. With royal connections spanning a thousand years, it has played an important role in the turbulent and changing times of England's past.
Bourton House is built on monastic lands. The house, its brewhouse stables and coach house have created a courtyard since the late 16th century.Since Saxon times, the stone-built village of Bourton on the Hill has hugged the Cotswold escarpment.
Batsford Arboretum issituated one and a quarter miles west of Moreton-in-Marsh and is tucked away on a south facing escarpment of the famous Cotswold Hills. Discover the history of the arboretum and the treasure of rare and unusual plants and trees grown there.
Read the local newspaper Link to The Stratford Herald
Free online access to all the great plays and poetry of Shakespeare. Link to The Complete Works of Shakespeare
Information about parking, recycling, libraries, bus timetables and much more. Link to Stratford-on-Avon District Council