Stratford-Upon-Avon: Cheap Holidays for Big Families

YHA Stratford-Upon-Avon is ideal for big families wanting a budget break in a child-friendly environment. With a lounge and games room, kids and parents can relax and have fun in this grand Georgian mansion. And with family rooms for up to six people, big families can save money by staying in a room together.

And the local area? There’s plenty to do with kids in and around Stratford-Upon-Avon. Many attractions focus on the life of Shakespeare, who was born and lived here, and are worth a visit if your kids are interested in this part of history. Our kids really aren’t into Shakespeare, so we usually focus on the alternative attractions in the town.

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Hemmingford House Stratford Youth Hostel, Wellesbourne Road, Stratford-upon-Avon, Alveston, Stratford-on-Avon, Warwickshire, England, CV37 7RG, United Kingdom

Family Rooms at YHA Stratford-Upon-Avon

• Land pods for up to 4 people
• Bell tents for up to 5 people
• Private rooms for up to 6 people, some with en-suite shower room

Does YHA Stratford-Upon-Avon Allow Dogs?

Dogs are welcome to stay in the land pods and bell tent, but are not allowed inside the main building. Dogs are charged at £10 per dog.

Social Spaces at YHA Stratford-Upon-Avon

There is plenty of space for families to spread out with a lounge and games room plus space outside for running around. Families staying in a land pod or bell tent are free to use the facilities inside the main building as well.

Facilities at YHA Stratford-Upon-Avon

• Self-catering kitchen with dining area
• Restaurant serving a buffet breakfast and hot meals
• Water bottle refill point by the back door

Family Activities In And Around Stratford-Upon-Avon

Stratford-Upon-Avon Butterfly Farm

Walk amongst the butterflies at this hothouse on the edge of town. Then, try to spot the iguanas relaxing in the branches before taking a look at the creepy crawlies in their homes. This place isn’t huge, but is a fun way to spend a couple of hours.

Family tickets only include 2 adults + 2 children aged 3-16 years or 1 adult + 3 children aged 3-16 years. Big families will be pleased to know that you can also buy entrance tickets with Tesco Clubcard vouchers.

Treasure Trails

Treasure Trails are a great way to discover local areas and get the kids investigating interesting objects and places they probably wouldn’t have noticed otherwise. Basically, you follow the clues on the Treasure Trail in order to solve a mystery. The website says that the trails are suitable for children aged 6 years and above, although we’ve found that 10 years and above is more realistic. Stratford-Upon-Avon has four trails in and around the town centre to choose from.

Each Treasure Trail costs £9.99, and can be downloaded and printed out at home or posted to you. We prefer to print them out at home so that each child can have their own copy.

Middle England Farm and Alpaca Walking

We discovered this lovely farm during our first stay at YHA Stratford-Upon-Avon. Just 13 miles from the youth hostel, our kids loved meeting the animals before walking the alpacas in the fields and meadows nearby. Other experiences available include cuddling the giant bunnies and goat walking! The alpaca walk was very popular on the day we visited, so book your places as early as possible. I recommend taking wellies or sturdy walking shoes.

Prices depend on which experience you want to book.

Warwick Castle

Warwick Castle is 9 miles from the Youth Hostel. The castle is a fun place to visit if your kids enjoy a bit of history. Jousting and birds of prey displays feature regularly as well as seasonal events. Big families can save money by using their Tesco Clubcard vouchers on entrance tickets. Merlin Passholders can visit for free.

The Wave Water Park

If you’re happy to take a drive, The Wave is located in Coventry, 20 miles from YHA Stratford-Upon-Avon. Our kids love this water park with its extreme water slides and wave pool.

Family tickets only include 2 adults and 2 children under 12 years, and prices vary depending on whether you’re visiting during local school holidays. Salt Lane multi-storey car park is a 3 minute walk away. Visitors to The Wave get a discounted parking rate here after entering their car registration into tablets on the wall by the exit turnstiles at The Wave.

Family Restaurants In Stratford-Upon-Avon

Cornish Bakery

Joe Delucci’s ice-cream parlour

ASK Italian

Pizza Hut

Discovering new parts of the UK? Find out my favourite places to eat on a UK road trip.

Where Can I Park in Stratford-Upon-Avon?

There are several car parks in and around the town centre. We have found the following car parks to be the best in terms of location and price:

• Stratford Sports Club Car Park- next to the Butterfly Farm
• Bridgeway Surface Car Park – bottom end of town
• Swans Nest Lane Car Park – bottom end of town
• Arden Street Car Park – top end of town

FAQs

Does YHA Stratford-Upon-Avon Provide Bedding and Towels?

Bedding is provided at most hostels, although check the small print before you book. Beds are usually bunks with an occasional single or double bed thrown in depending on a room’s maximum occupancy. Towels are not provided, but you can buy or hire one if you forget to pack yours.

Does YHA Stratford-Upon-Avon Have Lockers?

Each bedroom has lockers, although there isn’t always one for each person. Bring a padlock for each locker as these are not provided. Depending on the size of the room, the lockers can be quite small, so they’re fine for valuables, but might not fit all your other stuff in.

Does YHA Stratford-Upon-Avon Have Age Limits?

No! Youth Hostelling is popular with all ages. Many of the people we meet at hostels have been hostelling for decades and remember the days when guests were expected to help with the chores, and keep the place clean and tidy. Times have changed, but the spirit of hostelling still remains. Most people are happy to chat or share local tips with each other, and just enjoy meeting new people.