This week, Bébé Voyage is exploring Stratford-upon-Avon with our Ambassador Charlotte Rawstorne to discover the city’s must-dos from a local.

Best breakfast spot in Stratford-upon-Avon

For a breakfast close to home I’d head to Hillers Farm Shop. It is the perfect spot for a bit of breakfast with lots of yummy and healthy options as well as traditional fried breakfast. 

For something much less healthy (think greasy English fried breakfast!), head to the Touchdown Café. It’s an airport with a little cafe. The children love watching the planes and helicopters whilst enjoying beans on toast! 

Morning Walk

A play at the recreation ground. This is a firm family favorite. It is suited for all ages, with a paddling pool in warmer months, a giant sandpit as well as more grown-up climbing frames, etc.

There is a range of other activities in or near to the Rec (as it is commonly referred to!) – there’s a mini-golf (although we’re yet to try this), football pitches, as well as the Butterfly farm (see number 3!).

Lunch at the Farm

You can walk out here from Stratford (or there is plenty of parking). The food is all delicious and there are a few animals and a play park for the children. The farm shop on site is stocked with lots of yummy local treats (and organic meat, etc). 

An afternoon to remember

Head to the Slaughters in the Cotswolds. You can walk between the two little villages (Upper and Lower Slaughter). Park in Upper Slaughter and walk along the stream to Lower Slaughter. They are quintessential English Cotswold towns, with a water mill (and ice cream shop!). The children can paddle in the stream and there is a lovely pub with a beer garden. 

Winding down

Spend the day at Compton Verney. It’s a child-friendly art gallery that has a lovely cafe, wonderful walks, a super forest playground, and lots of seasonal activities and events. 

Off the beaten path

Most of the places I’ve listed above are off the beaten track but a real hidden gem is Henley Chocolates. It’s based on a little farm just outside Stratford-upon-Avon. They run lots of lovely children’s and family chocolate-making sessions, but even if you don’t manage to book one of those, they offer great at-home kits (perfect for a rainy day holiday home activity), and you can always pop to the shop and make chocolate pizza. They are based next door to a lovely cafe and there are other little gift shops on site. Again, lots of lovely walks – the bluebell walk (at the right time of year) is a must! 

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