You’re looking to treat your loved one to some time away, just the two of you spending a couple of days somewhere wildly romantic. Picture this: An intimate boutique hotel, holding hands while strolling up and down a river bank, snuggling up in the darkness of a theatre and a delicious candlelight dinner. Could that be what you’re looking for?

Well, if it is, you need to look no further than the romantic destination that is Stratford-upon-Avon.

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The RSC production of Romeo & Juliet

Why not enjoy a bike ride … tandem-style.

You’re in Stratford-upon-Avon and you want to explore the area in town as well as the outskirts in an environmentally friendly AND romantic fashion, and the answer is, of course, a tandem bike! The good people of Stratford Bike Hire are the ones to make this happen for you.

Based in a refurbished Royal Mail train carriage on one of the local bicycle trails just a 10-minute stroll (2-minute bike ride) from the centre of town, this is where to go to hire all kinds of bikes, including a Dawes Tandem.

Or take a stroll along the river Avon or take the boat?

A stroll alongside the River Avon is one of the most romantic things to do in this town… well, actually most activities by the river are romantic, so whether you’re walking it, rowing it, sailing it, cruising it, eating on it or just sitting next to it, you’re in for a wonderful treat. Book a rowing experience or a river cruise with Avon Boating, have a romantic dinner on board the Countess of Evesham or buy a coffee or an ice cream from the barge by the bridge and just lock hands and start walking. Ahhh, no better place to enjoy the company of your loved one.

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Enjoy some Shakespeare and a delightful dinner for two with a view of the river!

You know it’s true: There are few places more romantic than those that come with a beautiful view, and such a place is The Rooftop Restaurant at the Royal Shakespeare Company. At the very top of this iconic building that sits right on the side of the river in the centre of town, is one of the most romantic restaurants. Whether you’re there for a romantic pre-theatre dinner or cocktails after the show, this restaurant is a must-do when you’re enjoying a romantic break in Stratford-upon-Avon. As is the theatre itself, of course, and there are nowhere better to hold hands and snuggle up next to each other than while enjoying a Shakespearean theatre experience.

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How about a Four-poster and a battlefield of your own!

Picture this fairy-tale setting: You and your loved one are staying in the tower of a real-life castle, in a beautiful room with a wonderful four-poster bed and stunning views of the countryside below as far as the eyes can see. Except it isn’t a fairy-tale, it’s very much real and it could be where you stay when you visit Stratford-upon-Avon. Only a 10-minute drive from town is The Castle at Edgehill, situated on the very top of Edgehill and famous for its views of the battlefield of the Battle of Edgehill, a battle that took place in 1642 between Oliver Cromwell’s Parliamentary troops and King Charles’ Royalists. This dining pub with rooms is the perfect setting for a delicious meal or an entire romantic weekend.

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The Castle at Edgehill

Shakespearean gardens can help set the romantic mood!

There surely is no place more romantic than the place where the greatest playwright the World has ever seen, wrote and married his own true love, Anne Hathaway. Of all the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust properties in Stratford-upon-Avon, the most romantic ones, chosen for their all-year-round stunning gardens, are Anne Hathaway’s Cottage and Hall’s Croft.

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The gardens at Anne Hathaway`s Cottage

How about a  little romantic competition?

If you’re the kind of couple that love a little friendly competition, then stop for romantic game for two at Stratford Mini Golf by the river. With a view of the river, the recreation ground, the bandstand and the Royal Shakespeare Company, we dare you to find a more beautiful and romantic setting for a game of mini golf.

Love is in the air, everywhere I look around!

The Warwickshire countryside is among the most beautiful in the country, and with Take Flight Aviation, you and your loved one can view and experience it from the air… and let’s be honest, what better place could there possibly be to hold hands and snuggle up tight to each other, than in an airplane flying over Stratford-upon-Avon?

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An aerial view of Stratford Upon Avon

How about a spot of romantic shopping together, enjoy some good food and then a little quiet time together?

Shopping isn’t romantic….. said no woman ever. It is, you just need to find the right place to shop, and such a place is Bonds Lifestyle. A fantastic shopping destination with over 40 different individual concessions all offering unique items like decorative antiques, vintage and retro products and exciting, up-cycled industrial pieces. Once you’re all shopped out, complete this romantic outing in the lovely Bonds Café where you’re encouraged to spend all the time you like enjoying lovely homemade, seasonal food and freshly ground coffee, sit back and enjoy a bit of quiet time, hold hands and read the paper or have a nice conversation for two. Whatever you’re in the mood for, Bonds Café welcomes you on your romantic shopping trip.

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How about a romantic boutique hotel experience?

You’re planning a romantic trip in Stratford-upon-Avon and you’re looking for an intimate boutique style hotel, you’re thinking luxury, home-away-from-home, relaxation and that hard to come by laid-back 5-star service. Arden House is all that and much more. Think luxurious hospitality in a relaxed, private atmosphere, an elegant, inviting and calm sanctuary to unwind in, an award-winning breakfast and an all-inclusive experience with afternoon tea, treats from the pantry, drinks from the bar and dedicated ‘house hosts’ who make sure you are treated like royalty.

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Arden House

Or a table for two at The Other Place?

Now, this is the kind of romantic place not many tourists and visitors think to go to. A favourite hangout for locals and for RSC staff and actors, so possibly not the most obvious of places to go for a romantic experience with your loved one, but go in, look around, discover the booths inside, the tables for two on the second floor overlooking the first and the benches outside with a view of the river, and you will realise that RSC’s The Other Place is, in fact, one of the most romantic places to go for a coffee, a drink, cake, lunch or a kiss in Stratford-upon-Avon.

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The Other Place

 

For more suggestions on things to do plus recommended accommodation and restaurants in the area visit www.stratford-upon-avon.online.

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If you visit any of the attractions above please mention The Travel Locker.

Thank you and enjoy!