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.
|
