Looking for a UK weekend escape? Trade the London bustle for modern country charm with a stay at Hotel Indigo in Stratford-Upon-Avon, here’s my unfiltered review.
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When you live in London it’s easy to forget just how many UK gems there are to explore. But what if I told you one of the most intriguing of all in just under 2 hours away? Welcome to Stratford-Upon-Avon.
The medieval market town is home to Shakespeare, chocolate-box cottages and everything that comes to mind when you think of ole English charm.
But all your exploring is sure to leave you in need of a comfy place to rest your head (and fill your stomach perhaps?) so here’s my unbiased review of Hotel Indigo in Stratford-Upon-Avon.
A Stay at Hotel Indigo, Stratford-Upon-Avon
The Location
Hotel Indigo‘s boutique property is plopped right in the centre of Stratford-Upon-Avon, just minutes from Stratford’s bustling riverside and right across the street from Stratford’s New Place.
To be honest, I didn’t even realise it was our hotel at first — it blended in so perfectly!
The Rooms
As soon as you enter your room at Hotel Indigo you’ll be transported into a modern 16th-century abode.
The attention to detail in the room was immaculate. With everything from botanical toiletries to cheeky bits and bobs in ode to Shakespeare (if you have the time be sure to wander the property after too to spot them all!).
The 93 Georgian townhouse like rooms also include Hypnos beds with Egyptian linen, coffee & tea, a spa-like bathroom and super fast wifi, I’m sure Shakespeare would be pleased.
The Amenities
Even though there’s plenty to see and do in Stratford-Upon-Avon — a hotel with great amenities is always the cherry on top to a perfect trip.
Hotel Indigo comes fit with a 24-fitness-centre, a delicious continental and hot breakfast (I had the English breakfast with fresh croissants, fruit and jam) and on-site restaurant, speaking of…
Dinner at The Woodsman
During our stay we got the pleasure to have a bite at The Woodsman before finishing off our weekend trip.
Similar to our rooms The Woodsman is on a mission to bring the contemporary to the traditional. For them, this means British cuisine with a twist, and oh is it delicious.
If you’re in Stratford-Upon-Avon for a weekend, definitely have a go at the Sunday Roast, and any time of year — the Woodsman sharing platter for 2 (with a wild venison Scotch Egg, Muntjac lollipop, cauliflower croquette and Oxford sauce).
Things to do in Stratford-Upon-Avon
A stay at Hotel Indigo means all the best things to see, do and experience in Straford-Upon-Avon will be right at your doorstep.
Be sure to keep your eyes peeled on the blog for my upcoming post on how to do a weekend trip from London to Stratford-Upon-Avon. But in the meantime, here’s what to get up to.
Visit Shakespeare’s Birthplace:
You can’t visit Stratford-Upon-Avon without seeing where Shakespeare came to be. Pop into Shakespeare’s Birthplace to see how it all began, learning about all the history of his work was incredible! Plus it’s less than a 10-minute walk from the hotel.
And Shakespeare’s New Place:
In his lifetime Shakespeare had two main homes, and Shakespeare’s New Place as it suggests, was his new abode. I particularly loved the garden here, so be sure to make it your first stop as it’s right across the street from Hotel Indigo.
Roam Anne Hathaway’s Cottage:
The love of Shakespeare’s life — Anne Hathaway (not the one you’re thinking of) also lived in Stratford-Upon-Avon. Her family cottage is also up for views and is a great pairing with the two other family homes.
Stratford Butterfly Farm:
If you’re looking for something you can’t do in London (yep, there’s no Butterfly Farms here!) definitely pay a visit to the Stratford Butterfly Farm. It was so cool getting to see them all fly about and they do tons of conservation activities to help butterflies too.
Do a gin tasting at Shakespeare’s Gin Distillery:
Supporting local businesses is one of my favourite things to do when I travel, and the Shakespeare Gin Distillery gave me the perfect excuse. The family-run distillery hosts intimate tours throughout the year, taking you through the history of gin with a very generous tasting session.
Have a pint at Cox’s Yard:
During our stay we had a pint and a bite at Cox’s Yard and it did not disappoint. Rustic and chic you can enjoy great riverside views here all while feasting on your favourite British classics.
Walk along Stratford Riverside:
We ended both our nights at Hotel Indigo with a lovely walk along the Stratford Riverside. It’s a great way to take in all the town at once and burn off your yummy dinner from The Woodsman!
Final Thoughts on Hotel Indigo
Overall our weekend at Hotel Indigo was truly nothing short of amazing.
From the staff to the rooms and the Shakespeare odes, leaving truly felt like Shakespeare’s quote ‘Parting is such sweet sorrow’. In which case, I guess we’ll have to plan a part 2…til next time!
Happy UK’ing
