London to Stratford: Train Routes, Day Trips, and What to See

Going from London to Stratford, the historic town in Warwickshire best known as the birthplace of William Shakespeare. Also known as Stratford-upon-Avon, it’s a place where Tudor houses line the river, actors rehearse in alleyways, and the scent of fresh bread drifts from family-run bakeries. Just 75 minutes by train from London Marylebone or 20 minutes from London Euston via connecting services, it’s one of the easiest and most rewarding day trips you can make from the capital.

You don’t need to be a literature fan to love Stratford. The Royal Shakespeare Company, the world-famous theatre company that brings Shakespeare’s plays to life in purpose-built venues draws crowds year-round, but even if you skip the shows, the town itself feels like stepping into a living museum. Walk along the Avon, watch swans glide past the same bridges Shakespeare once crossed, or peek into the half-timbered house where he was born—still furnished with 16th-century objects, not replicas. Nearby, Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, the charming farmhouse where Shakespeare’s wife grew up offers quiet gardens and a glimpse into rural life in Elizabethan England.

Most people take the train because it’s simple: no parking stress, no traffic, and you arrive right in the middle of town. Trains run hourly from London Marylebone, with direct services taking under an hour. From Euston, you hop on a Chiltern Railways train to Stratford-upon-Avon station, which is a five-minute walk to the Shakespeare Centre. Many travelers combine the trip with a stop at nearby Warwick Castle or a picnic in the Cotswolds—but if you’re short on time, Stratford alone fills a full, rich day.

What you won’t find here are crowds of tour buses pushing through narrow streets. Locals still live here. Cafés serve proper English breakfasts with local bacon. The market square still hosts weekly farmers’ stalls. And every summer, the town hums with open-air performances under the stars. Whether you’re a history buff, a theatre lover, or just someone who wants to escape the city without traveling far, London to Stratford delivers more than a quick getaway—it gives you a real sense of place.

Below, you’ll find guides on how to plan your visit, where to eat like a local, and the best ways to make the most of your time—whether you’ve got two hours or two days. No fluff. Just what works.