Things to do in Shottery
Local Attractions near the BellWhether you’re a wandering wordsmith in search of inspiration or simply here to soak up the sights, Stratford-upon-Avon has more to offer than just sonnets and soliloquies. From quirky museums to fluttering tropical wonders, you’ll find no shortage of things to do just a short stroll (or carriage ride) from the Bell.
Not sure where to begin your Stratford story? To go, or not to go - that is never the question! We’ve handpicked some of our favourite places to visit nearby, just for you.
Glorious Chaos at the Mad Museum
Stratford’s quirkiest attraction isn’t about Shakespeare - it’s about science, creativity, and mechanical mayhem. The MAD (Mechanical Art & Design) Museum is the only one of its kind in the UK, showcasing kinetic sculptures, marble runs, and automata that clank, whirr, and move in ways that would make even Da Vinci raise an eyebrow.
This is a place where engineering meets art, inspired by legendary inventors like Rube Goldberg and Heath Robinson. Push buttons, turn cranks, and watch as everyday objects spring to life in the most unexpected ways.
Fun fact: Many of the exhibits come from artists and engineers worldwide, making this museum a global tribute to mechanical wonder. After puzzling over gears and levers, pop over to the Bell for something less complicated - like a perfectly poured pint.
Wings & Wonders at the Butterfly Farm
A tropical rainforest in the heart of Shakespeare country? It might sound like a midsummer night’s dream, but Stratford-upon-Avon's Butterfly Farm is exactly that. Opened in 1985, this lush paradise is home to hundreds of free-flying butterflies from around the world, fluttering gracefully through exotic flora and waterfalls.
You’ll spot species like the iridescent Blue Morpho from South America, the Owl Butterfly (which has giant eye markings to scare off predators), and the striking Swallowtail. But it’s not just butterflies. Brave souls can meet some more unusual residents in Minibeast Metropolis, including stick insects, leafcutter ants, and even a few rather large spiders.
Did you know? The Butterfly Farm runs vital conservation projects, helping protect endangered species and their habitats. Once you’ve admired nature’s most delicate creatures, flutter over to the Bell for something equally delightful like a freshly baked pie or a crisp, cold cider.
School of Bard-Knocks at Shakespeare's Schoolroom & Guildhall
Long before he was penning sonnets, young William Shakespeare was just another schoolboy, scribbling away at his desk (or daydreaming about plays to come). At Shakespeare’s Schoolroom & Guildhall, you can step back to the 1570s and experience the very place where he was educated.
Built in 1420, this beautifully preserved medieval schoolhouse was where young Will learned Latin, rhetoric, and the art of persuasion, all under the strict eye of Tudor schoolmasters. You can sit at a wooden desk, try your hand at quill writing, and even take part in a Tudor-style lesson.
Fun fact: The Guildhall also served as Stratford’s meeting place, courtroom, and even a theatre. It’s likely that Shakespeare saw his first plays performed right here, sparking the passion that led to his legendary works.
After your crash course in Elizabethan academia, reward yourself at, you guessed it, the Bell.
Love & Thatched Roofs at Anne Hathaway's Cottage
Before she became Shakespeare’s wife, Anne Hathaway was a country girl growing up in this charming 15th-century thatched cottage in Shottery. Just a mile from Stratford, this stunning timber-framed home is where young Will likely came courting, and it remains one of the most romantic spots in town.
The cottage, which once belonged to Anne’s family, is packed with original Tudor furniture, winding staircases, and nine acres of stunning gardens. You can even sit in the Hathaway courting chair, where, legend has it, William and Anne sat whispering sweet nothings (or perhaps debating iambic pentameter).
Did you know? The cottage was lived in by Hathaway descendants until 1911, making it one of the most well-preserved Shakespearean sites.
After a stroll through the orchard and flower gardens, make your way to the Bell for some well-earned refreshment - because every great love story deserves a toast.
The Glorious Stratford Countryside
Beyond the timber-framed houses and bustling streets lies a landscape straight out of a pastoral poem. Stratford’s countryside is a haven for walkers, cyclists, and anyone who fancies escaping the hustle and bustle.
Start with a gentle riverside stroll along the Avon, where you can watch swans glide past the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. For something a little more adventurous, head to Welcombe Hills, a peaceful nature reserve with panoramic views over the town. Further afield, the rolling hills of the Cotswolds offer quintessential English charm, with honey-stone villages and winding country lanes.
Fun fact: The name "Shottery" (home of the Bell and Anne Hathaway’s Cottage) comes from the Old English Scēotere, meaning "steep place" - a nod to the gentle slopes of the surrounding countryside.
Wherever your boots take you, rest assured that a warm welcome awaits you at the Bell, with a roaring fire in winter and a sun-soaked beer garden in summer.