Royal Shakespeare Theatre
and Stratford Upon Avon
Stratford Upon Avon and the Royal Shakespeare Theatre are here to explore including the picturesque Shakespeare and Cotswold Countryside.
There is, of course, no escaping the fact that Stratford upon Avon is where William Shakespeare was born and died. His name is everywhere, as are Statues, memorials and plaques to his memory. But even without the lure of the bard, or poet, it would be an outstanding town for its streets of lovely old houses that make it one of the best townscapes in county Warwickshire and in England for that matter.
William Shakespeare's final retirement home was here at Nash's House/New Place ... the second largest building in the town and was the only house made from brick.
William Shakespeare was born on April 23 1564 and died in Stratford on Avon 23rd April 1616. His father John Shakespeare a glove maker married Mary Arden. William was the third of eight children.
 The Royal Shakespeare Theatre opened here in Stratford upon Avon in 1932 as an international memorial to the world's most famous dramatist, this red brick building was considered controversial for it's time and attracted much criticism. It is set among attractive meadows and gardens and its riverside terraces are a particularly attractive feature.
As a theatre, it boasts superb facilities for actors and audiences. The adjoining picture gallery and museum contains portraits of Shakespeare and famous Shakespeare actors, as well as many other fascinating theatrical mementoes.
American visitors to Harvard House will find this half timbered house particularly interesting. It was built by Thomas Rogers in 1596, whose daughter married Robert Harvard of Southwark in south London in 1605. Their son, John, emigrated to America where he died in 1637 at the age of 30. He left a bequest which founded the now world famous Harvard University.
Harvard University is located in Cambridge and Boston and Allston, Massachusetts, on the east coast of the United States.
Chicago now has its own Shakespeare Theatre. The theatre is an all new seven-story facility built at Navy Pier in 1999, and has brought a new dimension to the Pier and created a great cultural center. The house in Stratford Upon Avon was purchased in 1909 by Edward Morris of Chicago and donated by him to the university. Displays inside the house relate to the founder and his life and times.
 The city boasts the finest restaurants and pubs in the town. Situated on the main High Street in Stratford the Garrick Inn is Stratfords oldest pub. A traditional black and white pub which dates back to the 14th Century. Refurbished in 2005, inside there is an olde worlde feel to the place with original beams and wood features.
There is a small bar room, with a TV, another bar and a dining area. Being so central, the pub is very popular with tourists, regulars and passers by alike. Workers and shoppers spend their lunchtimes here relaxing over a drink from the well stocked bar or having a meal chosen from the main menu or Specials board and with table service offered you can enjoy restaurant service in this very special pub.
This is a trouble free and female friendly establishment where newcomers are always made to feel at home. Coming to Shakespeare country? Make sure you pay Garricks a visit. You really will want to go back again!
Also, the town has great hotels and of course B&B's and the golf courses in stratford-upon-avon are quite challenging. Various amenities are available too, including the most desirable designer shops available anywhere.
Incidentally, if you're looking for a fantastic Factory Outlet Designer Shopping Village, Bicester is the place to the south, and is situated in the North East corner of Oxfordshire.
Getting there by train:
For a great London day trip to Stratford Upon Avon I would suggest taking the Express Train from Euston Mainline Station in central London. It's fast, comfortable and a very convenient way to travel. Click Here for the direct link for fares and timetables and special deals.
Have A Great Story About Stratford-Upon-Avon?
Everyone who comes to Stratford-Upon-Avon is looking for all the Shakespeare sites. These sites can be seen while walking the town, and a day's stroll will allow you to cover most of the attractions. There are numerous restaurants, tearooms and cafe's to relax in and especially to people watch in this old town.
There are a number of bus tours available which cover the whole historic town. I remember, you will increase your enjoyment if you can arrange to miss the months of July and August as the holiday traffic seems to get rather busy, but even then it's alot of fun.
If you have made it to Stratford-Upon-Avon and Shakespeare country and have a great story or experience to share, please let us all know by using the form below.
Also, please let us all know which Tearoom, or Restaurant you enjoyed. And if you stayed in a Bed and Breakfast (B/B) in Stratford-Upon-Avon, please share your experiences about this too. If you have a photo or two you would like to share, that would be great too!
What Other Visitors Have Said:
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Magical Stratford Upon Avon
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We are just back from a great weekend in Stratford Upon Avon. A truly fabulous English town which is a magnet to many tourists from all parts of the world!...
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