The Parents’ Survival Guide: February Half-Term 2026 in Stratford-upon-Avon
Warwickshire schools break up on Friday 13 February, leaving you with nine days to fill. The good news? We have verified the schedules for 2026 so you don’t have to.
We’ve scanned the listings for the RSC, National Trust, and local attractions to bring you the confirmed line-up. Most of these activities are indoors, so the British weather can’t ruin your plans. Whether you have toddlers or tech-obsessed teens, here is your plan of attack.
🎭 In Town: The RSC Family Festival
The Royal Shakespeare Company is the hub of half-term this year, centering its activities around Romeo & Juliet at the Clore Learning Centre. While there are free craft drop-ins daily (usually 2pm–5pm), the ticketed workshops are the main draw and likely to sell out quickly.
The “Must-Book” Workshops
For younger children aged 4–8, the Family Storytelling sessions offer an energetic, actor-led retelling of Romeo & Juliet. These are confirmed for Thursday 19 February with multiple slots running from 10am to 3pm. Tickets are reasonable at £5 for adults and £4 for kids.
If you have budding actors in the family, look into the Act Shakespeare Masterclasses. These are full-day “drop-off” workshops running from 10am to 3:30pm. The session for ages 8–11 falls on Monday 16 February, while the 11–14s take over on Tuesday 17 February. At £30 per child, it’s a solid option for a full day of entertainment.
💰 Budget Hack
You don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy the RSC. Beyond the paid workshops, the Clore Learning Centre hosts free craft sessions throughout the week. Furthermore, kids go free to the The Play’s The Thing exhibition all week long, provided they are accompanied by a paying adult.
🚗 Worth the Drive (15-20 Mins)
Stratford is a great base, but these massive events are just down the road.
British Motor Museum: “Craft, Code, Create”
Dates: 15–23 Feb 2026 | Drive time: 20 mins
Confirmed for 2026, the museum is partnering with FUZE for a special event running 17–21 February. Kids can join Nintendo Switch coding workshops to build their own racing game. A single ticket counts as an Annual Pass for 12 months, making this essential for repeat visits.
Warwick Castle: Festival of Archery
Dates: 14–22 Feb 2026 | Drive time: 15 mins
The castle hosts its annual “Festival of Archery” this half-term, featuring professional stunt shows and “have-a-go” sessions. If you live locally, check online for “Local Resident” tickets (CV postcodes), which can be up to 50% cheaper than standard tourist rates.
Compton Verney: “Big Blue Blocks”
Dates: 14–22 Feb 2026 | Drive time: 15 mins
The art gallery is transforming its main hall into a construction zone with thousands of “Imagination Playground” blocks. For a more structured activity, they are also running a LEGO Robotics “Build a Bee” workshop on 20–21 February, though this incurs an extra charge.
🕵️ For Teens & Tweens: Escape & Solve
If your kids are too old for face painting, try the town’s immersive challenges. Escape Live on Greenhill Street offers “Shakespeare’s Script,” the only Shakespeare-themed escape room in the world, suitable for ages 10 and up. Alternatively, Magic Alley provides a “Witch & Wizard’s” trail that is atmospheric and spooky enough to keep older kids entertained without feeling childish.
🍔 Where Kids Eat Free (Verified 2026)
Many local deals have expired, but we have confirmed two reliable options for February 2026. The gold standard remains Morrisons Café on Alcester Road, where kids under 16 eat free all day, every day, with the purchase of an adult meal worth £5 or more.
For a treat in the town centre, head to Bella Italia in Bell Court. Kids eat for just £1 (or free with a code) all day from Sunday to Thursday when you buy an adult main meal.
💡 Parents’ Survival Guide
To keep the week stress-free, we recommend avoiding the town centre traffic by using the Park & Ride. It drops you right at the Wood Street fountains and costs just £5.00 for a family (covering both the bus and parking).
If you plan to visit the major heritage sites like Shakespeare’s Birthplace, New Place, and the Schoolroom, ensure you buy the “Shakespeare Story Ticket.” It saves about 30% compared to individual entries.
Finally, a note on timing: Saturday 14th February is both Valentine’s Day and the start of the holidays. Restaurants will be chaotic at lunchtime, so book for 12pm sharp or opt for a late lunch at 3pm to miss the worst of the rush.
Read Next on What’s Up Stratford
Family-Friendly Pubs: The Best Pubs in Stratford (2025/26 Guide)
The Parents’ Date Night Guide (Valentine’s 2026)
Planning Ahead: The RSC Summer Season 2026 (Kenneth Branagh Guide)
