4 Best Hotels in Stratford-upon-Avon and the Heart of England, England

Built in 1740 and at one time the village’s library, this small guesthouse, tucked away on an old lane, is a very short walk from the Iron Bridge. The house has been beautifully restored, with plenty of original and Victorian features brought to the fore. In a nice nod to its former life, its old library shelves still line the guest room walls. Rooms are furnished with elegance—the Chaucer Room even has its own private terrace—and service is warm without being obtrusive; they’ll even furnish you with a hot water bottle on cool nights.

Just a few miles south of Stratford, this pub with rooms oozes imagination and individuality. Rooms remain true to the 18th-century building’s heritage but retain some of the quirky contemporary style for which the pub is known. Foodies beat a regular path to the door of the pub, where the chef is mindful of the seasons and locality—expect to see the likes of seasonal vegetables or Warwickshire lamb on the menu.

Peace, seclusion, and magnificent views of the Wye Valley await 3 miles southeast of Hereford at this informal working farm, which dates back to the 16th century; there's even a hot tub from which to enjoy the scene. Guest rooms in the stone farmhouse are furnished nicely with period pieces alongside DAB radios, and breakfasts, including local bacon and eggs, are taken at the communal dining table.

This bed-and-breakfast lies 1½ miles outside town and backs on to the Stratford-upon-Avon Canal; the grand building dates from 1837 and is brimming with character and charm. Queen Victoria once stayed here before taking the throne—look for her coat of arms, which can be seen in the gables and in some of the fireplaces in the bedrooms. Rooms come with smart TVs and power showers alongside more period-style decor. Guests are welcome to relax in the drawing room (where there is a fire in winter), play board games, or have a game of pool. The B&B is next door to the Stratford Parkway train station and the Park and Ride, which has a bus service into town.