Shakespeare’s England Summer Activities: A Parent’s Survival Guide for Affordable Family Fun
If you are looking for ways to keep the kids entertained this summer without draining your wallet, we are here to help! We have pulled together a brilliant summer survival guide packed with low-cost and family-friendly ideas that families will love!
From hidden gems and multi-attraction passes to mid-week deals and free days out, here are some of the best ways to explore Shakespeare’s England this summer – without breaking the bank.
Save with Multi-Attraction Passes
Tip: Before buying tickets to local attractions, it’s worth checking for combined or discounted entry deals.
Shakespeare’s England Explorer Pass
This app-based pass offers savings on general admission to top attractions like Warwick Castle, Kenilworth Castle, Shakespeare’s Birthplace, Stoneleigh Abbey, Avon Boating and more. A three-day adult pass costs £69 – compared to around £120 if purchased separately.
Find out more
Shakespeare’s Story Ticket with the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust
Visit Shakespeare’s Birthplace, New Place, and Anne Hathaway’s Cottage for just £27 (adults) and enjoy free return visits for 12 months. Family tickets (2 adults + up to 3 kids) are £67.50.
More info here
National Trust Membership
Unlock beautiful Warwickshire spots like Charlecote Park, Baddesley Clinton, Packwood House, Hidcote, Upton House and Coughton Court with a family membership from £14.05 a month.
National Trust offer a range of great family based activities all year round. Take part in the Summer of Play at Coughton Court, Charlecote Park and Baddesley Clinton.
Learn more here
Joint Tickets
Visiting The MAD Museum and Shakespeare’s Schoolroom & Guildhall? Buy a joint ticket for £19.20 (adults) or £55 (family of four) and save a few extra pounds.
Check out ticket here
Free & Low-Cost Days Out in Shakespeare's England
There’s no shortage of free and low-cost ways to explore Warwickshire with the family this summer:
The Royal Shakespeare Company’s Free Summer Activities: Celebrate National Playday on 6 August with storytelling and hands-on activities at the Royal Shakespeare Company - and don’t miss their free outdoor sculpture trail from 18 July.
See full RSC summer programme
Stratford Tower Views: Climb the 32-metre-high tower at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre for panoramic views – free on most days (weather and matinee schedules permitting). Plan your visit here.
Stratford Greenway: Cycle or walk this peaceful five-mile trail from Stratford to Long Marston, with quirky café stops in converted train carriages at Bobby’s and Milcote Café.
View the map here
Burton Dassett Hills: A fantastic free country park filled with history, hills, and open space – perfect for a picnic or sunset walk.
Discover the hills here
Kenilworth’s Heritage Trail: Celebrate 450 years since Queen Elizabeth I’s famous visit to Kenilworth Castle by following a historical walking trail through the town.
More information here
More Family Fun and Days Out
British Motor Museum, Gaydon
Book a day out at the family-friendly British Motor Museum in Gaydon to explore the world’s largest collection of historic British cars. Their ‘Summer of Senses’ runs from 19 July to 1 September with lots of additional activities included in the entry fee, along with the chance to experience the brand new exhibition 'Beep-Beep, Yeah!: The Sounds and Songs of the Motor Car'. An annual pass for a family of 4 costs £46 if booked in advance.
Birds of Prey at St Mary’s Guildhall
Get up close and hands-on with birds of prey in the medieval St Mary’s Guildhall in Coventry, from peregrine falcons to eagle owls, whilst learning about the ancient art of falconry. Sessions run on 24 and 30 July, and 7,14, 21 and 27 August; £12.50 per person. Click here for more details.
Celebrate 40 Years of fun at the Stratford Butterfly Farm
Throughout the summer holidays, 19 July – 1 September, there will be competitions, butterfly life cycle, mini-beast, beetle mania and pupae demonstrations.
Take part in the 40th Anniversary Competition in the Discovery Zone by writing an anniversary message to the Butterfly Farm. One lucky winner will be drawn each week and win an Annual Family Season Ticket to the Butterfly Farm.
Meet the Minibeast & Butterfly Lifecycle Demonstrations will take place every Friday - Tuesday at 2:30pm in the Discovery Zone throughout the summer holidays. Find out more here.
LEGO fun at the Lord Leycester
Join the Lord Leycester for a fun family day out this summer holidays where you can view a magnificent LEGO® Brick model of the Lord Leycester and take part in LEGO® themed activities suitable for all ages!
Build, play and explore at the Lord Leycester with hands on LEGO® workshops, run by THE BRICK People, with activities including speed building challenges, timed tower building, mosaic making and an anagram trail sheet.
Check dates and arrange your visit here
Snap Up Mid-Week Deals
Want to enjoy a treat for less? Plan your visit midweek.
Mallory Court Hotel & Spa - Check their special offers page for midweek discounts on spa treatments, afternoon teas, and overnight stays at England’s best large hotel (according to VisitEngland!).
Mallory Court offers
Coombe Abbey Afternoon Tea - Enjoy award-winning afternoon tea for £35.50 per person on weekdays – cheaper than at weekends.
Book at Coombe Abbey
RSC Theatre Deals - Up to four under-18s go half price with a paying adult for selected weekday performances at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre.
See RSC ticket offers
Travel by Train for Extra Discounts
Arriving by train? National Rail travellers can enjoy 2-for-1 or discounted entry to many Warwickshire attractions when showing valid tickets. Find out more.
Stay longer and extend the adventure!
Turn your visit into a short break! Shakespeare's England offers a range of fantastic accommodation to suit all requirements and budgets!
With spacious family rooms and leisure facilities, Ardencote is the perfect location for a family staycation in Warwickshire. Book a Family Bed and Breakfast stay from as little as £145 for a family of two adults and two children, with dinner included from as little as £15pp. Book a stay here.
Book a Friday or Sunday stay at Mallory Court during August and receive a 20% discount off Bed and Breakfast! Select your preferred Friday or Sunday date and use code WEEKEND when you book online (subject to availability). Book a stay here.
Enjoy a Summer Staycation at Coombe Abbey Hotel from just £75 per person per night (Available from stays between 1st August to 3rd September) 2025. Book a stay here.
There is a wide choice of accommodation in Shakespeare's England, from pretty and peaceful country retreats, and chic boutique town centre hotels to cosy bed and breakfasts, and self-catering stays. Find a place to stay in Shakespeare’s England here.
Need More Ideas?
Warwickshire is full of brilliant places to explore this summer – from historic houses and gardens to cycling trails, theatre experiences and countryside walks. For more ideas, guides, and inspiration, head over to our What's On page.
We hope you enjoy a summer that's full of memory-making, mini-adventures and unexpected unscripted adventures! Don't forget to tag us in your memorable moments on social media. Find us on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok and use the hashtag #ShakespearesEnglandUnscripted.