A spot of pilgrimage for followers of the Bard, Stratford-Upon-Avon is a village with one foot within the current and one previously. Although it’s residence to a wondrous mixture of architectural kinds and eras of English historical past, the city by no means forgets the person who put it on the map. When you’ve got even the slightest curiosity in Shakespeare, or just wish to go to an idyllic village within the English countryside, Stratford-Upon-Avon is bound to please.

Historic Points of interest

Whereas there are many issues to do in Stratford-Upon-Avon, one towers above all: Shakespeare’s Birthplace. A modest dwelling on Henley Avenue, the Birthplace grounds comprise a small museum, actors within the backyard, and the house itself: a restored historic property full with pleasant guides. Make no mistake – this home is the explanation Stratford is without doubt one of the high locations to go to in England, and it’s to not be missed. Particular occasions happen 12 months spherical, so remember to test on-line listings. 

Past the Birthplace itself, the Shakespeare Birthplace Belief runs 4 different properties, together with two extra in Stratford: New Place and Corridor’s Croft. Each are informative and fascinating points of interest in their very own proper. New Place tells the story of Shakespeare’s now-demolished residence and city life in Stratford, whereas Corridor’s Croft focuses on the time interval’s fascinating medical historical past.

Different points of interest of observe embrace Shakespeare’s Schoolroom, the place he first discovered the essential tenets of English that might in the end result in his nice works, and Shakespeare’s grave contained in the historic Trinity Church. When you’ve had your fill of historical past for the day, be happy to take a look at native favorites like Magic Alley, an enchanting magic store, and Stratford Butterfly Farm, which presents a soothing, serene expertise in a ravishing setting.

Countryside Excursions

These searching for a correct English nation vacation may do far worse than Stratford-Upon-Avon. In the course of the hotter months, Stratford-Upon-Avon is without doubt one of the finest locations to go to within the UK. The city is lush with stunning flowers and vegetation, and there are many strolling paths to take all of it in. Stunning parks line the River Avon, the place you’ll be able to spend the afternoon boating, driving the close by Ferris wheel, or watching swans as they swim by.

Should you really feel like strolling a bit additional astride, take into account following the walkways and canals to Anne Hathaway’s Cottage or Mary Arden’s Farm. The previous is the historic residence of Shakespeare’s spouse, and the latter the house of his mom. Each function attractive gardens and greenery, and the farm hosts its justifiable share of animals, together with many uncommon breeds of livestock. Every can simply fill a half day of your itinerary, however may be faster visits in the event you so select. Be aware that these areas may also be accessed by automotive or practice.

Theater Choices

In fact, nobody ought to go away the Bard’s hometown with out attending at the very least one theatrical manufacturing. Although the city itself is kind of small, it punches effectively above its weight when it comes to theater choices. The grandest of the bunch are the pair of theaters situated inside the Royal Shakespeare Firm: the Royal Shakespeare Theatre and the Swan. Productions listed here are lavish and complex, and are certain to wow you’ll each their technical and emotional prowess. Don’t let value dissuade you, both – ten pound rush tickets can be found on choose nights and will certainly ship the bang your buck deserves.

Different theaters and productions on the town vary from giant scale, open-air revelries to intimate experiences held in close-knit areas. Such venues embrace The Bear Pit Theatre, The Attic, and The Different Place. Open air productions are sometimes held within the riverside parks in the summertime months and are free to the general public – one in every of many causes summer season is a implausible time to go to.

Meals and Lodging

Given the dimensions of their city, Stratford-Upon-Avon’s eating places have a surprisingly huge number of flavors to select from. The highest-rated Laughing Squid serves up delectable Thai delicacies, whereas El Greco supplies conventional Greek choices. Guests with an urge for food for historical past ought to take into account the traditional British pub fare served by The Previous Thatch and Garrick Inn, respectively. Each pubs have roots within the sixteenth century, and are effectively value a visit for the surroundings alone, if not the meals. 

Additionally value noting is Mary Arden’s Farm, which serves produce grown on web site in scrumptious, farm recent meals. Tea at Anne Hathaway’s Cottage is one other delight, each for its unfold and pastoral environment. These searching for a fast chew whatever the hour can be completely satisfied to notice that espresso retailers and fish bars are plentiful all through city. 

There are a variety of lodging choices out there to guests, with most of them being fairly inexpensive. Stratford-Upon-Avon’s lodges have some wonderful rooms out there. The Mercure Shakespeare Lodge, Lodge Indigo, and the White Swan are nice (and inexpensive) alternatives because of their charming combination of historical past and modernity. In recent times, numerous visitor homes have popped up in Stratford, and are an honest different to the standard lodge expertise. Many of those visitor homes present breakfast and are near the most important points of interest on the town, although some are additional out, do you have to choose a quieter keep. 

Trivia

• Shakespeare’s birthday continues to be celebrated in Stratford-Upon-Avon! Celebrations are held in late April (across the twenty third) and have a parade, artwork exhibitions, and Shakespeare impersonators.
• You received’t be capable to go to Stratford’s first theater, which was in-built 1769 for the inaugural Shakespeare Jubilee. It was washed away after the city skilled a surprisingly heavy downpour. 
• Roughly three million individuals flock to this English countryside village every year. 
• Stratford has all the time been a middle of commerce, and that custom continues to at the present time. Avenue markets are held each Friday and Saturday, and a Victorian Christmas market is held within the wintertime.
• Stratford’s canals are a part of a higher English canal system. When you’ve got the time (and willpower), you could possibly theoretically journey from Stratford to London by boat!

Header picture by pixelsteve on Unsplash