I loved Stratford-upon-Avon for a staycation and think you will too

With thatched cottages lining narrow streets, swans gliding gracefully along the river and Shakespeare’s presence etched into every quaint cobble, Stratford-upon-Avon is the time-capsule market town that needs little introduction.

Unphased by the steady flow of visitors retracing the Bard’s footsteps, uplifted by Elizabethan architecture, layered heritage and world-famous landmarks, this quintessential English gem is a living tapestry of past and present, where history and modern life effortlessly coexist.

At the heart of the heritage sits Hotel Indigo Stratford-upon-Avon; a striking 16th-century-fronted touchstone anchored in bygone charm, enhanced with contemporary elegance.

Set around a tranquil courtyard garden, this iconic Chapel Street hotel - part of the IHG Group - offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle, making it an ideal base for exploring, shopping, dining and unwinding after a busy day meandering the cobbles.

Warmly welcomed for a one-night stay in a Shakespeare’s theatre-inspired Georgian Townhouse room, the bright reception gave way to blooming courtyard gardens, piquing our imaginations as we headed to a distinctive part of the hotel inspired by Stratford’s period character and charm.

A short, fragrant stroll and we were fully immersed in yesteryear - high ceilings, timbered details and layers of historical allure, all quietly complemented by thoughtful modern touches at every turn.

The perfect blend of old-world charm and contemporary comfort, our base was a boutique-inspired bedroom, not small but reassuringly intimate, where period pieces took centre stage and subtle Shakespearean motifs left no doubt we were in the heart of Stratford.

A huge clock presided over crisp linens, plump pillows and a giant king-sized bed, paying silent homage to time standing still, whilst the room’s elegant centrepiece – a dramatic antique chandelier – accentuated the dimly-lit ambiance.

Seamlessly integrated for effortless relaxation, flat-screen TV, robes and treat-filled tea tray were welcome home comforts, whilst the bathroom’s spacious spa-style shower invigorated with both rain and handheld settings for a truly soul-soothing unwind.

Across its 93 bedrooms, some homage-rich, some distinctly polished, Hotel Indigo bridges past and present with trademark sophistication. Time-honoured architectural features sit alongside modern refinements - Hypnos beds with crisp Egyptian cotton, luxurious bathrooms, smart technology and old-world relics combining to create rooms that feel both historically inspired and indulgently appealing.

Its coveted central location makes The Indigo ideal for exploring Stratford on foot. The idyllic River Avon is a mere five-minute stroll away, the Royal Shakespeare Company Theatre just around the corner and many of the town’s most sought-after sites, such as the Bard’s birthplace and final home, right there on the doorstep.

Over the course of our stay, we drifted naturally between riverside walks, heritage appreciation and indulgent, unhurried meals, never once needing to reach for the car keys.

Late afternoon, as theatregoers fill the streets and boutiques and cafés wind down for the evening, there’s a sense of slipping into Stratford’s rhythm rather than interrupting it, embracing the confetti of half-timbered façades, dimly lit restaurants and traditional pubs that make it a boomerang destination for visitors countrywide.

The Woodsman – a cut above for fine dining

Nothing rounds off a day’s exploring quite like a hearty meal.

After freshening up, we made our way to The Woodsman, the hotel’s celebrated restaurant, which pulses with a different kind of energy from the rest of the building - warmer, livelier and subtly theatrical.

At its heart is an open kitchen, where flames flicker in a wood-fired oven and chefs glide confidently between grill and prep stations. It’s a pleasure to watch - no frills, no fanfare, just quiet focus and skill, building anticipation and tone-setting for a dining experience that feels both immersive and satisfying.

Once seated, we were invited to choose our steak from the display cabinet, opting for a shared ribeye, beautifully marbled and clearly well-aged, as part of the restaurant’s signature steak platter.

Preceding posh Scotch eggs and a smooth Merlot, our pick arrived perfectly cooked, deeply flavoured and generous enough to linger over, with every desirable side imaginable; triple cooked chips, Caesar-dressed hispi cabbage, confit garlic mushrooms and zingy peppercorn sauce to round off an eloquently balanced combination.

At one with our surroundings, full of divine sticky toffee pudding, apple caramel, parsnip ice cream and smoked butterscotch, we lingered a little longer in the hotel’s intimate bar, enjoying a mellow nightcap before retiring to our Townhouse abode, contentedly impressed and ready to call it a night.

After a contented slumber and a relaxed return to The Woodsman for breakfast - a generous full English with fresh juices, ground coffee, pastries and all the trimmings - we stepped straight back into Stratford for a morning of casual wandering.

Seeing Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, pausing by the River Avon to watch swans drift by and dipping in and out of independent shops and cafés seemed like the signature Stratford Sunday morning, before a spirited afternoon tasting tour at the nearby Shakespeare Distillery ignited our itinerary.

Mixing sharp storytelling with hands-on insight into gin’s colourful past and (quite delicious) present, this fun, family-run venue produces an award-winning range of artisan, carbon-neutral spirits on site, hosting guided tours, tastings, gin and rum schools and seasonal gin cruises on the Avon - while back in town, its sister venue Judith’s offers tailored tastings and spirit experiences in quirky, atmospheric surroundings.

Drawing character from the neighbourhood around it, Hotel Indigo Stratford-upon-Avon is a carefully curated, characterful establishment that really understands its role.

It doesn’t steal the spotlight from the town or try to overshadow the legend; instead, it subtly supports the narrative with just enough panache to leave guests longing to return.

To book a stay visit https://stratford.hotelindigo.com/ or call 01789 279953. Room rates from £110