Get your diary out, because there are plenty of May events in Stratford-upon-Avon that are worth noting.
The month of May is sandwiched by two Bank Holidays: the Early May Bank Holiday on Monday May 7 and the Spring Bank Holiday on Monday May 28. Add to that a half-term break from school at the end of the month and a Royal Wedding to get excited about, and May is shaping up to be a great time to visit Stratford-upon-Avon.
Here are 5 May events in Stratford-upon-Avon to put in your diary now.
5 May events in Stratford-upon-Avon to put in your diary
Stratford Festival of Motoring
This year, the Stratford Festival of Motoring revs into Stratford-upon-Avon on Sunday May 6, from 10am until 5pm, and on Bank Holiday Monday May 7, between 10am and 4pm.
Highlights include the arrival of the cars both mornings, from 9am until noon, with a finishing arch located in Wood Street. For family visitors, there are demos and activities in Rother Street, and a special Lego Car Cafe at The Old Slaughterhouse off Sheep Street (1pm-4pm both days).
Why you should visit: the town centre is closed to normal traffic during the Stratford Festival of Motoring so it’s a wonderful time to amble around the historic streets, checking out the range of vehicles driving in, parking up, getting polished to perfection, and drawing awe from the crowds.
Ladybird Release Day at Anne Hathaway’s Cottage
Spring is the perfect season to get hands-on with nature. Join this special event at Anne Hathaway’s Cottage on Bank Holiday Monday, May 7, between noon and 4pm, to release ladybird larvae within the grounds of the Shottery cottage. You don’t need to book, just turn up.
Why you should visit: The Family Activity Marquee will be buzzing with other nature-themed crafts and activities, while outside, there are woodland walks, orchard ambles and turns around the sculpture trail to be enjoyed.
Great Wellbeing Community Picnic
Run by Springfield Mind, which works towards better mental health in Warwickshire, the community picnic is on at Stratford Hospital on Sunday May 13, 11am-2pm. There’ll be workshops, face painting, reiki and much more.
Will you be joining us for our community picnic on the 13th May?
All are welcome! pic.twitter.com/yq1azv9lB9— Springfield Mind (@SpringfieldMind) 25 April 2018
Why you should visit: you can have a good time while supporting a worthy charity – it’s feel-good fun.
Celebrate the Royal Wedding in Stratford-upon-Avon
If you didn’t get an invite to the wedding of the year, you can celebrate Harry and Meghan’s big day on Saturday May 19 right here in Stratford-upon-Avon.
What could be more British than waving a little Union Jack flag and tucking into afternoon tea? Wedding specials are being offered at Hallmark Hotel The Welcombe, with afternoon tea in the grounds if the weather permits and a viewing of the wedding, £30pp; and the Crowne Plaza Stratford-upon-Avon – the offer for afternoon tea and a glass of prosecco for £25pp runs all month.
The Mason’s Arms, a pub in nearby Long Marston (7 miles; 13-minute drive), is hosting a royal wedding party from noon on the 19th, with a big screen, barbecue, bouncy castle and outside bar.
Why you should visit: there will be a party atmosphere on the day of the Royal Wedding, so visit Stratford-upon-Avon and raise a glass to Prince Harry and his bride.
Woolly Week at Mary Arden’s Farm
It’s sheep shearing time at Shakespeare’s mother’s farm, so head on over to the nearby village of Wilmcote (10-minute drive) during the May half term to see shearing demonstrations and to learn what the Tudors would have done with the wool.
Visit between Sunday May 27 and Monday June 4 and catch the sheep shearing between noon and 4pm. No booking required. The farm, which offers plenty of other family-friendly demonstrations, playgrounds and animals, is open 10am-5pm each day.
Why you should visit: normal daily activities at Mary Arden’s Farm near Stratford-upon-Avon include falconry displays and goose herding, so there’s always something to see and do.
Which of these May events in Stratford-upon-Avon are going in your diary? Post your comment below or join the conversation on social media.
Sign up to get the latest Stratfordblog posts on email and make the most of your time in Stratford-upon-Avon.
Information correct at date of publication