The Arden Hotel

Like many buildings in Stratford-upon-Avon, the buildings and land which constitute the Arden Hotel form part of the Royal Shakespeare Company estate. According to the RSC, the Arden has a historical association with William Shakespeare himself.

It is known that Shakespeare’s father, John, became a prominent member of society in Elizabethan Stratford following his marriage to Mary Arden, a member of the local gentry, despite being born to a relatively poor farming family.

In subsequent years John Shakespeare forged a reputation as a local entrepreneur and it seems alongside his trade as a glover, various civic roles, and a propensity to get in trouble with the law, he also found time to build a modest property entire – for the 1,500 population market town – of which the ‘Arden’ was a part.

Though the main house of the Arden dates back to the late 17th Century, and the mock-Tudor Udimore House later, the land and garden used to contain an Elizabethan dwelling called Brook House, and it is reputed that William Shakespeare wrote some of his works in the garden and the family were associated with the house.

Since then its history is hazy but at one stage it was the Flowers Brewery Family estate before passing to the RSC. It has been a hotel in various incarnations since 1965.

The Eden Hotel Collection took over the Arden in September 2009 in a joint venture with the RSC. Work began on a £6 million refurbishment and modernization with the aim of creating a stylish and sophisticated boutique-style hotel to complement the ongoing public investment in World Class Stratford.

The Arden Hotel is located in central Stratford-upon-Avon directly opposite the Royal Shakespeare Company Theatres. The hotel benefits from a large car park with electric car charging points and offers free car parking along with complimentary electric car charging for all residents and guests at the hotel.

There are two types of electric car charging points in our car park:

• 3KW 13A 3-square pin
• 7KW 32A Commando

The Arden Hotel welcomes all dogs to stay at the hotel. Your four-legged friends receive the very best service from the friendly staff; catering to every canine need, the team provides pawsome guests with a doggy bag including treats and a toy, dog bed and dog bowls for the stay … plus, a breakfast sausage.

Dog owners are invited to bring along their dogs, and the hotel has a selection of dog-friendly rooms to choose from. After checking in, there are gorgeous riverside walks right on the doorstep for you and your pooch to explore!

After a long walk, enjoy a well-deserved rest together at the Club Bar or Lounge, and enjoy some refreshments and a light lunch.

The Arden Hotel is the ultimate retreat in Warwickshire for dog owners to relax with their canine friends.

Welcombe Hills Walks

If you are looking for an adventurous dog walking spot in Stratford-upon-Avon why not try out the Welcombe Hills, with various routes to choose from, discover the woodland, ponds, kissing gates, grazing animals, and lots of grassland for you and your pooch to discover.4

The Greenway Walks

If you’re looking for a flat but lengthy dog walk, discover The Greenway in Stratford-upon-Avon. This walks consists of a long flat stretch of cycle/walking/bridlepath with magnificent countryside views.

River Avon Walks

For a scenic dog walk in Stratford-upon-Avon try a walk around the River Avon. With gorgeous riverside views, flat surfaces all the way round and even a visit through the Holy Trinity Church where William Shakespeare is buried, discover this beautifully scenic walk.

From theatres, historic buildings, museums, galleries and stately homes to idyllic villages, cycle paths, boat trips and guided walks, you will be spoilt for choice for things to see and do in and around Stratford-upon-Avon. Don’t forget to visit and experience the weekly farmer’s markets and fantastic Christmas markets too.

Warwick town center is world-famous for its magnificent castle and beautiful parks, as well as offering an enticing blend of gift shops, antique centers, traditional tea rooms, trendy boutiques, art galleries and fine restaurants.

Warwick Castle

Just a 15-minute drive away, experience over 1,000 years of history come to life at this iconic castle. With lots of outdoor space waiting to be explored, a wide range of attractions, and entertainment throughout the year, there is something for everyone.

The Arden Hotel is a stone’s throw away from the world famous Royal Shakespeare Company and right in the centre of bustling Stratford-upon-Avon, a world class destination, famous for being the birthplace of William Shakespeare.

Experience an unforgettable day and celebrate the witty and inspirational work from kinetics, automa, and impressive moving sculptures used in Wallace and Gromit, Scrapheap Challenge and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

Discover the brilliant minds behind the museum’s machines with resident artists and inventors from all around the world, or even submit your own artwork to be featured as potential new pieces at the museum.

Follow the trail winding through gorgeous gardens, stunning houses, and passing by the Holy Trinity Church where Shakespeare is buried, there are some spectacular sights and views along the way.

Take a tour of Stratford’s very own gin distillery and discover the secrets behind the gin craft while you learn all about its history, before a tutored tasting of at least three Shakespeare Distillery spirits.

With 120 stunning acres of parkland and a beautiful lake, the setting of Compton Verney Art Gallery and Park is nothing shy of tranquil. The lush green grounds surround an award-winning art gallery and gift shop, making it the ideal day out for the whole family.

Stratford-upon-Avon is steeped in history, and nestled between the quaint streets you’ll find a host of antique stores and a variety of eclectic, independent shops for a unique shopping experience.

To experience something truly awe-inspiring, take a trip to Magic Alley, Stratford-upon-Avon’s most magical attraction and spellbinding emporium. Here you can expect your imagination to be ignited with interactive quests where stories and mythical characters are brought to life.

Visit some of the most popular and beautiful places in the Cotswolds like Broadway Tower and the picture-perfect riverside village of Bourton-on-the-Water. Explore other places like the bustling market town of Stow-on-the-Wold where you can shop, eat and explore, and Bibury with it’s iconic Arlington Row of chocolate-box cottages, described as “the prettiest village in England”.