It's coming up to that time of year [spring and lighter nights rapidly approaching] when we all start to think about little day trips or weekends away so I thought now would be a good time to share our day out in Stratford Upon Avon, the birthplace of William Shakespeare. We actually went at the end of September last year but I never got round to posting these. We sadly couldn't stay overnight so a day trip it was but we made the most of it and even though it was nearly October we had glorious weather! I'll warn you now this one's a bit picture heavy!
So, you're all familiar with the man himself, the most famous playwright and poet to walk our planet, creator of Romeo & Juliet and Hamlet, well, Stratford is where he was born, grew up and hung out! But you all know that.
Stratford has so much to offer, yes, it's mostly about William but even if you're not into his works, I mean I'm not particularly, well, not at all really, but I love the history, and I found it such an exciting place to visit.
We'll start off where the story began, at the house where Shakespeare was born [above pic]. A half timbered building full of rare artefacts, where you walk in his footsteps, and hear tales from his family life and more. They were re-enacting one of his plays in the pretty gardens when we were there! Absolutely fabulous.
There are five properties to visit all together and you can either buy tickets to which ever one you prefer (family home a must) or you can buy a ticket for all five which saves you some pennies. The five includes his birthplace, New Place, Mary Arden's farm, Anne Hathaway's cottage, and Hall's Croft.
There's also the schoolroom and guildhall to visit.
I don't remember learning that much about Shakespeare at school, I mean yes, we read his work but I don't think I was that interested! It's funny I just wasn't that into history at school but now it absolutely fascinates me. To the point where if I visit any old buildings, churches anything like that I go around touching the walls and furniture to get a real feel for the history and what went on there. I just feel the urge to touch everything! I AM a total weirdo.
Stratford has so much to offer. Visit the museum, go on a ghost walk or ride on the open top bus. Take in a play at the Royal Shakespeare Company & theatre or just visit for a theatre tour or a meal in their rooftop restaurant.
There are pretty streets with numerous shops and boutiques, there's even a Christmas shop that's open all year round, yes we did go in but in all honesty the shopping didn't really interest me, I was taken with the history and just walking around everywhere.
When you're doing a tonne of walking, you need fuel right? We actually can't function with an empty belly, the hangriness strikes!! You're spoilt for choice when it comes to eating, there's a million pubs, restaurants and even plenty of fish and chip shops. We chose to eat at Wildwood. A choice we were very happy with may I say. I also want to give a mention to the Dirty Duck pub [situated on the waterside] as we've eaten there before on a flying visit and it was fab.
Couldn't leave out tastebud tingling pics of our food!!!
If Shakespeare is not your thing [I defy you to not be interested a little bit though] there's plenty of other jolly good stuff. Eating and drinking obviously being the first, why not take your own picnic. The best idea EVER. I can't tell you how beautiful it is just sitting by the river watching the world go by. Blissful.
After you've scoffed your picnic or found your way out of the pub garden, make sure you stroll around the beautiful Bancroft Gardens to walk off all that food and then last but not least go have a mess about on the river.
For us this was the absolute best bit. Hiring a little rowing boat and pottering up and down the river. So. Much. Fun. The fact the we also had sunshine made it even better of course. Nick took control of our vessel for the most part, I was in charge of steering us in the right direction with two ropes, no easy task at first but I soon got the hang of it. I did have a go at rowing, lasted all of five minutes then went back to my ropes. I was chief look out too as Nick was rowing backwards. I was very good at my job as we managed to avoid all fellow boaters! :D
Stratford Upon Avon has choices galore and you probably won't fit everything in in a day or even a weekend, that's why we'll definitely be going back again once the better weather rolls around.
You'll find all you need to know about attractions, eating out and hotels right here.
Have you been to Stratford Upon Avon?
[linking up with Catherine from Not Dressed as Lamb]
You might also like to read: Mini escape to the city of Palma and then:Boarding the train to Soller
Ahhhh beautiful Stratford Upon Avon, its gorgeous isnt it? I think you definatley need to tell me when you are next going away, you always get great weather! Last Summer, my hubby Nik and I were due to go here for a weekend. It got delayed due to him getting ill, so its on our list for this year. Its made me want to book it up reading this post! Thanks for sharing, great pics as ever xxx
ReplyDeleteI know we were so lucky with the weather Kerry, I'll give you a nod when we're off again ;) It's such a shame you had to 'postpone' but like you say hopefully you'll get there this year and the sun will shine for you guys x
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