Stratford-upon-Avon is a brilliant town to explore on a mobility scooter, if you know where to go. Mike runs Stratford Shopmobility and gets round town on a scooter himself. Here are his favourite places, with honest notes on what's easy to get into and what isn't.
Start at Stratford Shopmobility
We're on Level 2 of the Bridgeway Multi-Storey Car Park, next to the Blue Badge bays. Blue Badge holders park free with no time limit once their car is registered. If you haven't brought your own scooter or wheelchair, you can hire one from us for the day. Please book ahead on 01789 339 736.
Along the river
"Head through town into the park and up by the RSC, where the paths are nice and wide. Go along the walkway and over the river footbridge. You're mixing with everyone else, so you don't feel left out, and you get the river views and everything going on."
The far bank is Mike's favourite spot for photos. "You get beautiful pictures of Holy Trinity Church, and of the river with the RSC behind it." He also loves stopping for a chat with people along the paths.
Stratford Butterfly Farm
"It's one of my favourites. If you're not into bugs it's not for you, because some of them are as big as sparrows! The butterflies are beautiful and there are so many different kinds. It's warm inside, so it's good in winter or on a horrible day."
Mike's tip: "It takes a bit of skill on a scooter. Be patient and give way to people on foot."
Shakespeare's Schoolroom and Guildhall
This is one of Mike's favourites, and the most scooter-friendly of the historic sites. "It's where Shakespeare went to school. There's a lift, so on a portable scooter you can go round the whole schoolroom, right up to where his desk was. And we can all hate him forever for English literature!"
Shakespeare's Birthplace
"There are steps at the main entrance. But if they know you're disabled, they'll open a side door so you can get into the ground floor." The upper floor isn't accessible. Historic buildings can't always offer full access, so it's worth ringing ahead before you go.
Holy Trinity Church
Shakespeare is buried at Holy Trinity. "You can get to the door on a scooter, but not easily inside. And they're not keen on you riding over the tombstones!" The view of the church from across the river is well worth it, though.
The RSC
"The main theatre is fully accessible. Some of the other theatres are, but not all," says Mike. "Tell them about your mobility needs, ideally before you go, and they'll help all they can and find you the best seats."
The shops
Stratford has the big names, like Marks & Spencer and Robert Dyas, plus lots of designer and specialist shops. Some of our customers take a Class 3 scooter from the Bridgeway car park up to the Maybird Shopping Centre too.
The Tudor experience on Sheep Street
"The actors dress and talk like Elizabethans, and it's great fun," says Mike. Only the ground floor is accessible, but "the actors make sure you're involved and part of the experience while you wait. They appreciate your steed!"
Further afield
You don't have to stay in Stratford. Hire a portable scooter that comes apart for the car and take it to Warwick Castle, Kenilworth Castle, Charlecote Park, Baddesley Clinton or another historic house. Leamington Spa is great for parks, big-name shops, coffee shops and charity shops. For longer hires, we can deliver straight to your hotel. Read Tracy's day at Warwick Castle on a Vierra.
Mike's tips for the day
- Charge your scooter fully the night before, and allow for the trip back.
- Use the wider paths by the river and the RSC when the town centre is busy.
- Ask venues about access before you go. Many will help if they know you're coming.
- If you're new to scooters, have a practice first. Read your first Shopmobility hire.
"Why should disabled or less mobile people miss out on everything Stratford has to see, when the only thing holding them back is their mobility?"
Stratford Shopmobility is a charity. Day hire is by donation, and we rely on your support to keep our scooters on the road. Donate, give us your old scooter, or find out other ways to help.
Frequently asked questions
Can I hire a mobility scooter in Stratford-upon-Avon?
Yes. Stratford Shopmobility hires scooters, wheelchairs and walkers by the day, by donation. Book on 01789 339 736.
Where can I park with a Blue Badge?
Bridgeway Multi-Storey Car Park, free with no time limit once your badge and car are registered. Shopmobility is on Level 2.
Which Shakespeare sites can I get into on a scooter?
Shakespeare's Schoolroom and Guildhall has a lift. Shakespeare's Birthplace can open a side door to the ground floor. Holy Trinity Church is hard to get inside on a scooter.
Can I take a scooter into the Butterfly Farm?
Mike does. Go carefully and give way to people on foot.
