2 Best Hotels in Stratford-upon-Avon, Stratford-upon-Avon and the Heart of England

Just a few miles south of Stratford, this pub with rooms oozes imagination and individuality. Rooms remain true to the 18th-century building’s heritage but retain some of the quirky contemporary style for which the pub is known. Foodies beat a regular path to the door of the pub, where the chef is mindful of the seasons and locality—expect to see the likes of seasonal vegetables or Warwickshire lamb on the menu.

This bed-and-breakfast lies 1½ miles outside town and backs on to the Stratford-upon-Avon Canal; the grand building dates from 1837 and is brimming with character and charm. Queen Victoria once stayed here before taking the throne—look for her coat of arms, which can be seen in the gables and in some of the fireplaces in the bedrooms. Rooms come with smart TVs and power showers alongside more period-style decor. Guests are welcome to relax in the drawing room (where there is a fire in winter), play board games, or have a game of pool. The B&B is next door to the Stratford Parkway train station and the Park and Ride, which has a bus service into town.