Road closures during Shakespeare’s Birthday Celebrations this weekend are bound to affect your plans if you arrive by road.
Find out which roads are closed and where you can park.
Stratford-upon-Avon says “happy birthday William Shakespeare” this weekend, during the biggest birthday party of the year.
Stratfordblog has a useful timeline of events for the weekend’s birthday celebrations, plus a handy guide to the event, but, if you’re arriving by car, you need to know about the road closures in the town centre.
Stratford-upon-Avon will be busier than normal – much busier than normal, especially on Saturday, when the main events take place.
As the parade winds through the town on Saturday morning and thousands of onlookers line the streets, the council has no choice but to close certain roads.
Road closures during Shakespeare’s Birthday Celebrations
Which roads are closed?
On Saturday April 27, between the hours of 7am and 1.30pm, road traffic is prohibited in Henley Street, Meer Street, Bridge Street, High Street, Union Street, Wood Street, Waterside, Southern Lane, Sheep Street, Chapel Street, Church Street, Old Town, and Chapel Lane.
On Sunday April 28, Sheep Street, Chapel Street, Church Street, High Street and Old Town will be closed to traffic 10am-1.30pm.
Where can I park in central Stratford-upon-Avon?
There is no on-street car parking in Stratford town centre this weekend on the streets and during the times detailed above. It’s always limited anyway, but expect the surrounding car parks to be especially busy and arrive early.
Large car parks in Stratford-upon-Avon include Bridgeway multi-storey and the leisure centre car park, both off Bridgeway/A3400. The Recreation Ground’s car park is also large.
On the other side of the town centre, Arden Street and Windsor Street car parks have close to 500 spaces between them. Also off Arden Street, Stratford Hospital offers weekend parking for £2.50 all day.
Good alternatives to driving into town and parking on Saturday are trains direct to Stratford-upon-Avon station, buses into town, or the park and ride service, located at Stratford Parkway station near the A46/Birmingham Road roundabout. While there is no park and ride service on Sundays, there are hourly trains between Parkway and the main station, which is a few minutes on foot from the town centre.
What about Blue Badge holders?
As town-centre on-street parking is prohibited as detailed above, drivers using Blue Badges can park in council-run car parks free of charge, as normal. The park and ride service (Saturday only) is accessible too.
Should I bother coming?
Yes! The party is the best of the year and there is so much to see, do and enjoy. See the timeline of events for some of the highlights. All the usual fun in Stratford-upon-Avon is on too. Plus, there are loads of places to eat, drink and raise a toast to the birthday boy!
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Information correct at date of publication