It has a holiday atmosphere with open-air entertainers. You can stroll along the River in front of the Theatre, take  a river boat trip or just sit and admire the facade of the Royal Shakespeare Theatre - home to the Royal Shakespeare Company for  over 125 years.

The first permanent memorial theatre was established in 1879, however having been destroyed by fire in the 1920's, the present theatre has served as a memorial since opening in 1932.  The RSC are to transform the existing building and want to create the best modern playhouse for Shakespeare in the world.  The new theatre will transform the existing 1932 Royal Shakespeare Theatre, retaining the key Art Deco and Victorian elements of the building.  

Look out for the Gower Memorial statue situated opposite the theatre on the far side of Bancroft Gardens, here you will see a statue of great man himself with 4 characters from his plays each representing  Philosophy, Tradegy, Comedy & History.   

Home to the new Commemorative Fountain to mark the 800th Anniversary of Stratford being granted its Market Rights by King Richard The Lionheart. (see the 800th Anniversary Guide)