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Winter is a lovely time to walk in Stratford-upon-Avon. The summer crowds have gone, the river runs high, and the pubs have their fires lit. Here are four walks, from a flat riverside loop you can do with a buggy to a muddy climb up the Welcombe Hills, each with somewhere to warm up afterwards.
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Before you go
- Footwear: walks 2 and 4 cross fields and grassland, which get very muddy in winter. Wear boots or wellies.
- Daylight: in December the sun sets around 4pm, so start early if you’re heading up the Welcombe Hills.
- Layers: it’s often colder by the river than in town.
1. The riverside loop
Easy, paved and flat · about 2 miles
The classic Stratford walk, and fine for buggies. Cross the Tramway Bridge to the Recreation Ground side of the Avon for the view back across the water to the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, follow the river down, and cross back over at the footbridge by Lucy’s Mill. That brings you out near Holy Trinity Church, where Shakespeare is buried. Walk back into town along Southern Lane and Waterside, past the Swan Theatre.
Warm up at: the Black Swan on Waterside, better known as the Dirty Duck, opposite the theatres. See our best pubs guide for more.
2. The Welcombe Hills and the Obelisk
Moderate, hilly and muddy · 2 to 3 miles
The Welcombe Hills and Clopton Park Local Nature Reserve, just north of the town centre, has the best views in Stratford. There’s parking off Maidenhead Road and off Ingon Lane in Clopton, or walk up from town. Head for the Victorian obelisk at the top, which looks out over the Avon valley. The paths are informal, some sections are steep, and the valleys hold the mud all winter.
3. The Stratford Greenway to Milcote
Easy, flat and surfaced · about 5 miles there and back
The Greenway follows the old Honeybourne railway line from Seven Meadows Road towards Long Marston. It’s flat, wide and good for bikes and scooters. It’s about 2.5 miles from the Stratford end to Milcote, so walking there and back is about 5 miles.
Warm up at: there are two cafés in old railway carriages. Bobby’s Café is at the Stratford end by the Seven Meadows car park, and Milcote Café is by the Milcote car park. Check their winter opening times before you set off.
4. Town to Shottery and Anne Hathaway’s Cottage
Easy to moderate, paths and fields · about 2.5 miles there and back
Walk out from the town centre to the village of Shottery, using the footpaths across the fields. In winter, with the trees bare, the timber frame and thatch of Anne Hathaway’s Cottage stand out beautifully.
Warm up at: The Bell on Bell Lane, a historic Greene King pub (it dates from 1728) a stone’s throw from the cottage. It’s dog-friendly and family-friendly.
A winter spotting list for children
- A narrowboat with smoke coming from its chimney
- A swan on the river (count them!)
- A robin in the hedges along the Greenway
- A poster for an RSC show you haven’t seen yet
- A dog in a Christmas jumper
More ideas
Our Twixmas guide has what’s on between Christmas and New Year, and Stratford Live shows the river level and weather right now.
Alex Harrington
Alex Harrington grew up in Stratford-upon-Avon and runs What's up, Stratford? as an independent guide to the town.
