Stratford has two grand stages run by the world-renowned Royal Shakespeare Company – the Royal Shakespeare Theatre and the Swan Theatre on Waterside – as well as the smaller Other Place. The theatres have witnessed performances by such legends as Lawrence Olivier, Richard Burton, Judi Dench, Helen Mirren, Ian McKellan and Patrick Stewart. Various one-hour guided tours take you behind the scenes.

　　Zipping up the lift/elevator of the Royal Shakespeare Theatre's tower rewards with panoramic views over the town and River Avon. Spectacular views also unfold from its 3rd-floor Rooftop Restaurant, which opens to a terrace.

　　Contact the RSC for performance times, and book well ahead. There are often special deals for under-25-year-olds, students and seniors. A few tickets are held back for sale on the day of the performance but get snapped up fast.