Reviewing YHA Stratford upon Avon: The Most Affordable Mansion to Sleep in?
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Have you always wanted to stay in a mansion but don’t have the budget for it? Me too! But worry not, as a magnificent Georgian mansion set on three acres, the YHA Stratford upon Avon hostel is the perfect accommodation for those on a budget. Formerly named the Hemmingford House, this hostel is only two miles from Shakespeare’s birthplace and provides easy access to historic Stratford upon Avon.
The Gower Memorial Statue
Before checking out the YHA Stratford upon Avon hostel, I happened upon the Gower Memorial. There really should be a drinking game in this town. Every time you see Shakespeare, you take a swig.
This memorial was more interesting to me than others I had seen during my one day in Stratford because it focuses on some of the most memorable Shakespearean characters (Prince Hal, Lady Macbeth, Falstaff, and Hamlet).
“In 1769, Garrick’s Stratford Jubilee Festival in honor of William Shakespeare started a growing public appreciation of the Bard in Stratford-upon-Avon, an appreciation which is reflected in the grandeur of this memorial statue. Given to the town in 1888, it is the work of Lord Ronald Gower who spent ten years sculpting it and funded much of the work from his personal fortune.”
Hamlet represents Philosophy with ivy and cypress; Lady Macbeth is Tragedy with poppies and peonies; Comedy is represented by Falstaff with hops and roses; and History is represented by Prince Hall with English roses and French lilies.
Getting to YHA Stratford upon Avon
After finishing the Stratford Town Walk and visiting Shakespeare’s Birthplace, I walked back to my YHA Stratford upon Avon hostel. I won’t lie; it was a bit of a walk, but after the amount of food and alcohol I had ingested at my friend’s wedding, I needed the exercise.
This accommodation in Stratford upon Avon was about a 2-mile walk that took me 40 minutes.
However, if you do not need the exercise, especially after doing the guided Stratford upon Avon walking tour, then you can find a taxi to take you from the center of town to this hostel located at the Hemmingford House.
Hemmingford House Transformed into a YHA
Arriving at YHA Stratford upon Avon, I had what I can only describe as a Downton Abbey moment. I was literally dumbstruck by this enchanting place, and the photos don’t do it justice. It was like I was able to stay in the Crawley family abode. This Stratford upon Avon hostel was once a mansion. And the elegant building has its own name, Hemmingford House.
Hemmingford House was built in 1784 and became the home of YHA in 1947. It was a private residence until WWII when the British Iron and Steel Corporation commandeered it. YHA bought the property and turned it into the lovely hostel it is today. An extension was added in 1975 to add a new dining room and extra bedrooms. It is on a 3.5-acre site, which includes stables and coach houses.
My Private Room at YHA Stratford upon Avon
I felt like I was walking through time as I made my way to my room as the halls were just lovely. I hung out in my room for the night as I was exhausted and had a huge travel day the following morning. That bed was the best thing in the world to me that night. It was so comfy and just what the doctor ordered after my long day of walking around Stratford.
I also thoroughly enjoyed the hot shower. The entire room was spotless, immaculate even. My room overlooked the St. James’ Church and part of the estate. I couldn’t have asked for a better room or view at Hemmingford House!
YHA Stratford upon Avon has 134 beds in 32 bedrooms available to book, 16 of which are en-suite. You can book a bed in a shared room or private room (like I had), or even a cabin or tent for camping!
Here’s a guide if you need help figuring out what to bring to a hostel.
Amenities at YHA Stratford upon Avon
(as of March 2024)
My Review of this Stratford upon Avon Hostel
Everything was in perfect working order at this Stratford upon Avon hostel. The only comment I have is that when I tried to use the payphone early the next morning to get a taxi, for some reason, I could hear who I was calling, but they couldn’t hear me. I wound up using my cell phone, but other than that, I have no negative comments to report.
I would highly recommend staying at the YHA Stratford-upon-Avon hostel. It is one of the best places to stay in Stratford upon Avon. My only wish is that I could have stayed longer than one night and really spend some time on the grounds!
Click here for the latest prices.
Nearby Attractions: Two miles from Shakespeare’s Birthplace
Address: Hemmingford House, Alveston, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, CV37 7RG
YHA Stratford upon Avon Hostel FAQs
Is Stratford upon Avon safe?
I found Stratford upon Avon to be very safe! It’s very small compared to the big cities of England, such as London, so be prepared for a slower pace in Stratford, but it was a welcome change for me, the old world feel and charm!
I loved seeing the differences between the two and enjoyed my time in each. Stratford upon Avon is very laid back and easily walkable. I didn’t stay out late the night I was there as I had a big walking day, but I can’t imagine any trouble. It also seemed to be well lit.
Can anyone stay at a YHA Hostel?
When I first stayed in a YHA hostel, it was the YHA London Central hostel, and I was with my Aunt. They had no issue with her being older, so yes, anyone can stay at a YHA hostel unless explicitly stated otherwise on their site. I recommend checking out their Hostelworld pages for the most up-to-date information.
Transparency: This was a complimentary stay at YHA Stratford Upon Avon, but all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
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