Stratford upon Avon – A Shakespearean Dream fulfilled!
Quintessentially English and located in the heart of the beautiful Warwickshire countryside Stratford upon Avon draws visitors for many reasons not least of all those with a literary bent! Four hundred years after his birth there cannot be many places made more famous than Stratford by one of its sons, though Stratford is more than just Shakespeare but no one can deny the mayors son done good for his town!
For a visitors first time to Stratford there is the ‘must do’ list which is all easily accessible from the town centre and into the local countryside. The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust (formed in 1847 following the acquisition of his birthplace as a national memorial) make it easy to explore his homes across the town and into the local countryside villages all with good public and tourist bus links. You may purchase a pass for individual houses or one that includes all of the Shakespeare properties – and the best thing is that they last for a year so you can visit as many times as you wish!
From the centre you can walk the banks of the Avon to the Holy Trinity Church where William Shakespeare was baptised, where he worshipped and where he is buried. After that you might want to take a boat upon the Avon – either row it yourself or take the less exhausting option and cruise up the river on one of the many charters or even take a meal on the floating restaurant as you watch the heart of England pass by!
And after a whistle stop history lesson then there is no better way to spend an evening than in the company of one of his works all performed in the recently restored RSC! The Theatre has been restyled into a “one-room” theatre, this sees the actors and the audience sharing the same space, as it would have been when Shakespeare’s plays were first produced. The stage pushes out into the audience, seated around the three sides giving an intimate feel, allowing the audience to draw closer to the actors and creating a more personal theatre experience.
You will also be spoilt for choice when it comes to nourishment – Stratford has many independent dining options in addition to the more familiar names from the ‘global village’ we all live in. There are hotels to match all budgets and offering a whole range of activities (golf, tennis, cycling) and of course SPA options for a little pampering!
So whether it’s a short theatre break or maybe something a little longer to incorporate into a longer expedition contact us on 01213 573 866 to discuss your itinerary. With flights into Birmingham and London from most countries ‘, good road links and train connections..then the world ‘s your oyster’ (thanks Will!)..