This is England at it's very best; England at it's most English. Step back in time in Stratford-upon-Avon, with its picturesque canal basin and half-timbered buildings - home of William Shakespeare. Take time to explore the rolling green countryside of Warwickshire, criss-crossed by rivers and canals and dotted with an array of historic towns and villages. Journey to the south of Shakespeare Country and explore the Cotswolds with its classic landscape of honey coloured cottages and gentle hills with dry stone walls and grazing sheep.
The town sits proudly on the River Avon which flows through the middle of town, once a key factor as trade route and enhanced by linking with the British Waterways Canal network for the Midlands, the River is now used mainly for leisure activities. The focal point for many on the River Avon is the facade of The Royal Shakespeare Theatre.
The region encompassing 'Shakespeare Country' is the true heart of England.
Places to See...
The Shakespeare Properties:
Visit the five houses in or near Stratford-upon-Avon connected with William Shakespeare and his family. The Shakespearian properties offer a unique experience of the Stratford world in which the famous dramatist and poet was born, lived and died.
Open all year round, these sixteenth-century houses feature rare period furnishings and domestic items. Aspects of Tudor life, are on display, all set in attractive gardens and grounds.
Note: Visitors with disabilities will be charged the concessionary admission rate to all the Shakespeare properties. If they are accompanied, their companion will be admitted to the property FREE of charge. Guide dogs are very welcome, and will be looked after by staff if requested.
Mary Arden's Farm:
Great for a family outing, the timbered farmhouse was the home of Shakespeare's mother before she married John Shakespeare.
Vintage Cricket Carnival:
The 1st World Vintage Cricket Carnival to be staged in England, the home of cricket will take place between August 10th and 16th, 2008. A full program has been designed to allow players, umpires, supporters, wives and partners to enjoy Stratford upon Avon's wonderful history and the delightful heritage cricket grounds throughout the Cotswolds and the Warwickshire countryside.
Waterside and the Canal Basin:
Nowadays the majority of the canals are used for holidays. It is not unusual to see the narrow boats moor in the basin for an overnight stop or for a few days. The narrow boats leave the basin and join the River Avon using the lock at the far end of the basin. In additon to these boats you will be able to find barges permanently moored offering a selection of wares, from ice ceams to oil paintings, including a very special canal boat that offers dinner whilst transporting you gently up river. A memorable dining experience to celebrate that special occasion.
The Christine Lee Fountain:
Made for the 800th Celebration of the granting of the Charter for Market Rights by King Richard I in 1196. This fountain, made of stainless steel and brass, was opened by the Queen in November 1996. It is positioned in The Bancroft Gardens at the lower end of Sheep Street.
Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC):
This is The Shakespeare Company, the centre of the Shakespearian universe. Here you will find the finest actors and directors working on great plays in some of the best theatre spaces in the world. The RSC in Stratford offers three theatres providing an elaborate range of drama, ancient and modern, classic and contemporary.
Note - The Royal Shakespeare Company actively encourages visitors with disabilities, and provides a range of specialised facilities, aiming to positively improve access to its theatres, wherever possible.
Holy Trinity Church:
William Shakespeare and Anne Hathaway are buried here. This ancient church provides a moment of calm away from the bustle of the town. In the little shop you can even buy a copy of the Magna Carta on a roll in a tube in both authentic Latin text and a handy English translation for £3.50.
Butterfly Farm:
By visiting Europe's largest butterfly farm you will see some of the world's most spectacular and colourful butterflies flying around you. There are education packs for school parties, wildlife video shows, children's adventure playground and a Wildlife Gift Shop.
Eating Out:
Almost every taste from across the world is reflected in the many restaurants, inns and bistros. Most offer lunchtime and evening meals and quite a few are open all day, some serving pre theatre and post theatre meals.
The restaurants provide a wide selection of cuisines, international and local. There is also a wide range of prices to suit your pocket so no excuse at all to go hungry. There are also plenty of charming tea-rooms and country pubs and Inns where you can be assured of hearty, home cooked food.
Shopping:
With the wide and diverse range of shops shopping in Stratford and the surrounding towns and villages is a pure delight. While you're in the area why not take time out to visit the beautiful market towns and villages of the North Cotswolds, take a look at what Chipping Campden has to offer.
Getting Here:
By Road - The area is more accessible by road than any other region in the UK. Britain's main motorways - the M1, M6 and M5 - converge in the Heart of England region. The M4, M40 and M50 also provide excellent access to the south of the region from London, the M25 and South Wales. Access to the region from North Wales, the North East and North West of England is via the M56, M62 and M6.
By Rail:
Stratford is easily accessible by rail, with regular services form Birmingham and London. Train service from London takes approximately 2 hours with a direct service from London Euston.
By Air:
Stratford's position makes it accessible from most major UK airports. There are nearby airports at Birmingham (35 miles), Manchester (60 miles) and London Heathrow (95 miles) all providing regular daily connections.
