Living in Stratford-upon-Avon

Living in Stratford-upon-Avon

Few English towns balance heritage and everyday convenience as naturally as Stratford-upon-Avon. Best known as the birthplace of William Shakespeare, the town draws visitors from across the world, yet it functions equally well as a place to live — with a thriving town centre, strong schools, reliable transport links, and easy access to some of the most beautiful countryside in the Midlands. Whether you're drawn by the riverside setting, the cultural calendar, or simply the quality of life on offer, Stratford-upon-Avon rewards those who put down roots here.

The town itself has a distinct character: independent boutiques sit alongside well-known retailers, historic timber-framed pubs face contemporary restaurants, and the Royal Shakespeare Company brings world-class theatre to a stage that has operated for centuries. It's a place where a Saturday morning can take you from a farmers' market to a matinée performance without ever feeling rushed.

Schools and education

Families are particularly well served in Stratford-upon-Avon, with a strong selection of both state and selective schools. At primary level, Stratford-upon-Avon Primary School and Shottery St Andrew's Church of England Primary School are both well regarded and consistently rated highly by Ofsted. For secondary education, King Edward VI School and Stratford Girls' Grammar School are among the most sought-after in the county, offering academic programmes with strong track records of achievement. The presence of selective grammar provision alongside well-performing comprehensives gives families meaningful choice as children progress through school age.

Transport and connectivity

Stratford-upon-Avon is better connected than its market-town feel might suggest. The mainline railway station provides direct services to Birmingham in around 45 minutes, with trains also running to London Marylebone in approximately two hours and to Oxford — a useful range of destinations for commuters travelling in different directions. Road links are equally strong: Junction 15 of the M40 is easily accessible, placing the wider Midlands motorway network within reach and putting both Birmingham and London within a manageable drive. For day-to-day journeys, the town centre is compact and largely walkable, with local bus services connecting the surrounding villages and residential areas.