The Shakespearean Gardens are one of Stratford's best-loved green spaces, a formal garden on the Avon River planted with a variety of plants named in Shakespeare's plays. Rosemary for remembrance, pansies for thoughts, and the roses, lavender and herbs the playwright mentioned are the idea, and the beds, paths and benches are set out for a slow wander beside the water. The gardens are part of the city's formal park system, which the city lists alongside Tom Patterson Island and Upper Queen's Park, and Destination Stratford counts the Shakespeare gardens among five prize-winning gardens that the river links. They are free to enter and make a pleasant pause before or after a performance. The garden is small, so most visitors spend half an hour to an hour, and the real appeal is the combination with the river, the swans and the theatres a few minutes away.
What to do
Stroll the paths, read the plant labels and look for the species from the plays, then sit by the water. Photographers like the flower beds in June and July, while September brings late colour. It makes a quiet start or end to a theatre day, and a good place to take visitors who are not seeing a show.
Seasons and planning
This is a seasonal garden. Late spring to early autumn is when the beds are in flower, and in November the planting is dormant, so expect bare beds and a calm, quiet walk rather than colour. The garden is free and always open as a public park, but check the City of Stratford's parks pages for any seasonal works. Because it sits beside the river, wear shoes that can handle damp ground and a layer for the wind.
Fitting it in
Allow 30 to 60 minutes. The gardens are within an easy walk of the Festival Theatre, the Tom Patterson Theatre and downtown, so they work well as part of a longer loop of the Avon River and Lake Victoria. Pair them with the swans, Upper Queen's Park and a coffee from the downtown shops, and save a longer visit for the warm months, when the gardens are at their best.
What to expect
The experience
A free formal garden beside the Avon River with plants named in Shakespeare's plays.
Best time
Late spring to early autumn for flowers; the beds are dormant in November.
How long
Allow 30 to 60 minutes, or more as part of a river loop.
Tips
Combine it with the riverside walk, wear shoes for damp paths, and save a longer visit for June to September.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Garden lovers and theatre fans who want a quiet half hour beside the river.
- Families
- Children can hunt for plants named in the plays, and the river and swans are close by.
- Couples
- A calm stroll before an evening show, ideally in June or July when the beds are in bloom.
- Pair with
- The Avon River loop, the Tom Patterson Theatre and the Festival Theatre are minutes away.
- Time needed
- Thirty to sixty minutes.
Good questions
What are the Shakespearean Gardens?+
A formal riverside garden planted with a variety of plants named in Shakespeare's plays. It is part of Stratford's park system and is free to visit.
Are the gardens worth visiting in November?+
The beds are dormant in November, so you will not see the flowers. The walk is still pleasant and quiet, and the best months are late spring to early autumn.
Is there an admission fee?+
No, it is a public park garden and is free to visit. Check the City of Stratford's parks pages for any works or closures.
How long should I allow?+
Allow 30 to 60 minutes, or longer if you combine it with the Avon River and Lake Victoria loop.
Where are they in relation to the theatres?+
They sit in the riverside parkland close to the Festival Theatre and the Tom Patterson Theatre, a short walk from each. Follow the river path to find them.
