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Travel and Transport

Located in the heart of England, getting to Shakespeare Country couldn't be easier. The area is served by excellent road, rail and air networks. This page provides information about how to get to Shakespeare Country and information about travel within Shakespeare Country.

MAPS OF SHAKESPEARE COUNTRY
Click on the links below to download a PDF map:

• Shakespeare Country Area Map
• Stratford-upon-Avon Town Map
• Warwick Town Map 
• Leamington Spa Town Map
• Kenilworth Town Map

Getting to Shakespeare Country

TRAVELLING BY CAR
Shakespeare Country has excellent links with the motorway network with easy access from the M40, M42, M1 and M69.

Approximate journey times if you're travelling by car from:

Bath - 1½ hours
Birmingham - 30 minutes
Cotswolds - 30 minutes
London - 1½ hours
Oxford - 1 hour

TRAVELLING BY TRAIN
Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwick, Leamington Spa and many other towns and villages in the area are connected to Britain's rail network. Chiltern Railways and London Midland run direct trains from London Marylebone to and from Leamington, Warwick, Warwick Parkway and Stratford.

Chiltern Railways Enquiries: 08456 005 165 (07.00 to 20.00) or www.chilternrailways.co.uk  
London Midland Enquiries: 0844 811 0133 or www.londonmidland.com  
National Rail Enquiries: 08457 48 49 50 (24 hours) or www.nationalrail.co.uk  

TRAVELLING BY COACH
National Express run a number of services to the area. Please contact them direct for details:
National Express: 08705 80 80 80 or www.nationalexpress.com  

COACH & CAR PARKING

Stratford-upon-Avon
Coach set down points: Windsor Street (Shakespeare's Birthplace only), 3 minutes from town centre.
Riverside Coach Park: approx. 5 minutes walk from town centre. Open 24 hours. Nearest toilets in Leisure Centre, refreshments available at Leisure Centre (seating 150). Up to 4 hrs £4.20, up to 8 hrs £6.30, up to 24 hrs £7.40. CV37 6BY.
Windsor Street (Shakespeare's Birthplace only): short stay only, 3 minutes from town centre. Toilet at car park. Refreshments nearby. CV37 6QW.

For up-to-date parking information and charges, please contact Parking Services at Stratford-on-Avon District Council: 01789 260 691 or parking@stratford-dc.gov.uk

Warwick
Coach set down points: St. Nicholas Park and Puckerings Lane.
Coach parking: Myton Fields, 3 spaces, 10-15 minutes walk from town centre. Open 24 hours, April to October. Toilet on site (open weekends and bank holiday). Nearest alternative toilets and refreshments at St. Nicholas Park. CV34 4QY.
St Marys Land Area 1: 25 spaces, 15-20 minutes walk from town centre, open 24 hours all year (except race days), toilets at Market Square.

For up-to-date parking information and charges, please contact Parking Services at Warwick District Council: 01926 456 317 or parking@warwickdc.gov.uk  

Royal Leamington Spa
Coach set down and pick up point: Newbold Terrace.
Coach parking: Newbold Comyn Leisure Centre, 1 mile from town centre. Nearest toilets are located at Jephson Gardens and Pump Rooms. Refreshments at Pump Rooms. CV32 4EW.

For up-to-date parking information and charges, please contact Parking Services at Warwick District Council: 01926 456 317 or parking@warwickdc.gov.uk  

Kenilworth
Kenilworth Castle visitors only:
Free parking for up to 6 coaches at Brays Car Park. 300 metres from the entrance. Toilet at the Visitor Centre. Refreshments available. CV8 1NE.

For up-to-date parking information and charges, please contact Parking Services at Warwick District Council: 01926 456 317 or parking@warwickdc.gov.uk  

PARK & RIDE
Park and Ride facilities are in place in Stratford-upon-Avon. Stratford Park & Ride is located off Bishopton Lane near to the roundabout with the A46 (T) and the A3400 Birmingham Road. Signs have been provided on the approach roads from the north and west to direct drivers to the site. Parking is free all day. Buses operate every 10 to 15 minutes direct to Stratford town centre and attractions. Pay on board the bus and retain your ticket for your return journey - please click here for up-to-date prices.

TRAVELLING BY AIR
Shakespeare Country is located just a 30 minute drive from Birmingham International Airport. There are budget, charter and scheduled flights from many UK and over 30 European and international destinations to Birmingham. Check out frequent and convenient flight connections from Birmingham Airport, for example from airports in France, Germany, India, Ireland, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates, Canada and the USA.

Shakespeare Country can also be easily accessed by taking flights into East Midlands Airport near Nottingham with only 1 hour drive time, or London Heathrow and London Luton, both 1 ½ hour drive time.

Getting Around in Shakespeare Country

TRAVELLING BY BUS
Getting around within Shakespeare Country is easy, as there is a well-established bus route network connecting towns and villages. For up-to-date bus timetables and route maps, please visit www.warwickshire.gov.uk  

TOURING & COACH HIRE
City Sightseeing Stratford Tours runs open-top bus tours of Stratford-upon-Avon departing from the Tourist Information Centre at regular intervals. Hop on and off as often as you wish to visit the five Shakespeare Houses and other places of interest.

Diamond Tours specialises in Heart of England and Cotswold tours in a top of the range 7-seater people carrier. All day tours are completely flexible and can be tailored for you to ensure you enjoy your day to the full.

Johnsons Coach Travel is a long established family firm who have built an enviable reputation for providing a friendly efficient service. Hire one of their luxury coaches for travel within Shakespeare Country.

The Open Road is specialised in classic car hire. Leave your modern car at home and take the wheel behind one of their Great British Classics to enjoy the thrills of the open road.

WALKING & CYCLING
Shakespeare Country offers miles and miles of walking and cycling routes. Whether you are looking for a town walk, a relaxed stroll through fields or along canals or a scenic walk in the Cotswolds, there is something for everyone.

Please take a look at our What to See & Do section, where you can find details of experienced people and organisations offering walking tours. Our Shakespeare Country Travel Trade and Groups Desk is happy to provide advice about routes, guides and cycle hire, do not hesitate to ring 0845 070 5142 or email traveltrade@shakespeare-country.co.uk

For maps and further information about walking and cycling, please also visit www.warwickshire.gov.uk