Stratford-upon-Avon & Warwick
Depending on your point of view, Stratford is either
the must see birthplace of the great playwright
William Shakespeare or an over-hyped tourist town.
One thing is certain - the town does make an excellent
base for exploring the lovely old villages, heritage
sites, and formal gardens of the surrounding districts.
Nearby Warwick is dominated by its mighty Castle,
one of the largest and most historically important
in England. With well preserved state rooms that reflect
the opulent lifestyle of the former aristocratic owners,
the notorious dungeons provide a gruesome reminder
of medieval warfare and incarceration. The extensive
gardens play host to medieval fairs and re-enactments
throughout summer.
Widely regarded to be the greatest writer ever
to use the English language, William Shakespeare was
born in Stratford-Upon-Avon in 1564. That fact
alone has ensured that this otherwise unremarkable
market town has become an international tourist destination
in modern times.
Shakespeare's birthplace is located in the center
of town, and has been preserved much as the great
playwright would have left it on his premature death.
Beyond the town boundary are the picturesque cottage
residences of his wife Ann Hathaway and mother
Mary Arden. Both provide a fascinating glimpse of
Tudor life and have been well preserved in their semi-rural
settings.
Stratford-upon-Avon is also home to the renowned
Royal Shakespeare Company, who operate three theatres
throughout the year and also perform at the Barbican
in London and further afield on tour. The popularity
of both Stratford and the Company make pre-booking
a must during the summer months.
The picturesque Avon Canal winds its way through
Stratford, and also passes by the Anglican Church
where a memorial to Shakespeare can be found. The
canal is a popular and leisurely transportation route
for those who want to enjoy the pleasures of piloting
a narrowboat or launch through the English countryside.
Only four miles from Stratford (and serviced by bus)
is Charlecote Park, a huge country estate with
an Elizabethan mansion as its center-piece. The highlight
of Charlecote is the vast park, landscaped by Capability
Brown and watered by the rivers Dene and Avon. Deer
graze in the park, there is a croquet lawn for which
equipment can be hired, and in summer an annual music
festival is held in the grounds.
Getting There
Regular train and bus services operate from London
and Birmingham. The train station is a ten minute
walk or so from the town center.
Information
Stratford's tourist office is on Bridgfoot, where
a free copy of Observer This Week will provide
you with detailed information of what's on. Shakespeare
Birthplace Trust tickets entitling the holder to visit
the five main residences associated with Shakespeare
can be purchased here.
For more information, check out www.stratford.co.uk.
Accommodation
Accommodation is generally pricey in Stratford, particularly
when the town is overrun at the height of summer and
during Shakespeare's birthday celebrations on 23 April.
It pays to book in advance or look further afield,
with budget accommodation available at the youth hostel
in the nearby village of Alveston.
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