Stratford-upon-Avon would be well worth a visit for its historic timber framed buildings and the River Avon.
William Shakespeare, England's most celebrated playwright, was born and died here. (1564-1616). Many of his friends and relatives also lived in the ancient buildings around the town. For this reason, Stratford has become a world renowned tourist destination attracting thousands of visitors every year.
The town can be found North of the Cotswolds and to the south east of Birmingham. Stratford has many good restaurants and hotels which make it an ideal stopover for those going on to Warwick and Kenilworth castle.
For the Shakespeare fans, your main attractions are:
In the town:
Shakespeare's birthplace. (Henley Street)
New Place and Nash’s House. (Old Town) New Place was Shakespeare’s retirement home. Nash’s House, his grandaughter’s home, now a museum of Stratford’s history.
Hall’s Croft (Old Town). One time home of Shakespeare’s daughter Suzannah.
Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC). Watch a production of one of his plays by Englands finest stage actors at The Royal Shakespeare Theatre, The Swan or The Other Place.
Holy Trinity Church (Old Town). Where William Shakespeare is buried.
Near to the town are:
Anne Hathaway's Cottage; (Shottery. A mile west of the town centre) Shakespeare’s wife’s house before they married is a pretty thatched cottage.
Mary Arden’s House (Wilmcote 3 miles west of the centre). His mother’s home, now the Shakespeare Countryside Museum.
Other attractions include:
Stratford Town Walk (everyday). See the Shakespeare Town Houses, Grammar School, Theatres and Holy Trinity Church led by very informative guides.
On Mondays, Thursdays and Friday evenings there is a spooky ghost walk around the historic streets to hear grisly stories of ghosts, witches, murder and mayhem!
Teddy Bear Museum
Butterfly Farm
Tourist Information Centre
Tel: 08701 607930
www.stratford.co.uk
Nearby attractions are listed below. For more information on attractions and activities click here.
