Britain> Destinations

Stratford upon Avon

Stratford-upon-Avon is best known as the birthplace of the great Renaissance playwright William Shakespeare, but it is also a tourist destination of the highest caliber and the national resort of the UK, offering a perfect blend of tradition and modernity with rich historic architecture and contemporary amenities. It is located on the banks of the Avon River, at the heart of the UK midlands in Warwickshire County, easily accessible by train, highway and air. This picturesque town retains the romantic Medieval atmosphere which has characterized it throughout history.

The town only has around 20,000 inhabitants, but it is a vibrant, exciting and economically prosperous cultural center. It not only offers some great historical attractions, but also some great examples of modern landmarks. It has excellent restaurants, bars and traditional English pubs, cultural shows, cozy hotels, theatres old and new, convention centers for business travelers, museums and many more venues of interest.

A major attraction of this kind is the Falstaff Experience, a museum named after a Shakespearean character from three of his famous plays - Henry IV Part I, Henry IV Part II, and The Merry Wives of Windsor. The museum stands in a building dating back to the 1500s, and is a great source of family entertainment. Its prime component is the mysterious Shrieves House, which received a mention in history as early as the 12th Century, remained standing through the Plague and many other historical disasters that England underwent, and today features hidden priest holes, eerie chambers and a mesmerizing air of antiquity. It provides its visitors with a fascinating trip back in time. Another interesting feature is the Haunted Chamber, used during the Reformation Era by non-conformists wishing to practice their own religion. They were heavily persecuted, and many died right in this spot. You can also take a detour and sneak into the Witches Glade, the Falstaff Tavern, and finally, the Strange but Untrue Zone. In this last area, you will become familiar with strange antiquities and even stranger facts and trivia. This exhibit evokes the feeling of floating somewhere between fiction and reality, where it's never quite possible to perceive which is which.

If historical landmarks in the true sense are more to your taste, you are welcome to visit the monumental Holy Trinity Church, where William Shakespeare and Anne Hathaway rest in eternal peace. It lies outside the main section of town, offering a tranquil, serene environment. Another point of interest is the Guild Chapel. Completed in the 1400s, it was commissioned by the Guild of St. Cross, an organization of aristocrats established in 1269.

In the surrounding area, you will come upon the Harvard House. Today, it is owned by Harvard University. It was originally home to John Harvard, the founder of the university, and was rebuilt by his grandfather Thomas after the Stratford fire at the end of the 16th Century. Ferry tours across the Avon are also available. A traditional manually-operated ferry, the last of its kind in the UK, will take you on a sightseeing tour, where beautiful natural surroundings will spread out before your eyes as a gentle breeze blows through your hair.

The major arteries of Stratford-upon-Avon include Bridge Street, High Street and Sheep Street. The first is generally considered to be the oldest part of the town. High Street features Nash House, the former residence of Shakespeare, and some of the finest shopping venues. You can also see some of the oldest buildings in town when you come to experience the warm, familiar atmosphere of Sheep Street. Some interesting shops to visit are the Stratford Needlecraft Centre, The Stratford Crafts & Woollens Centre, and Walk Much Ado About Toys. You will find some great gifts and tokens to remind you of your trip to Stratford. The shops display art works, crafts and toys which are produced by native artists and designers. If you prefer cosmopolitan shopping venues, you can visit Argos, British Home Stores, Edinburgh Woollen Mill and Marks & Spencer on Bridge Street, and the Body Shop on High Street.

Finally, we cannot disregard the Royal Shakespeare Company Theatre. It was founded in 1960, a touching reminder of the great playwright's heritage. The best actors and directors in all of England can be found working here. The strategic location of Stratford also offers easy access to attractions in the greater area, which encompasses the districts of Oxfordshire, Worcestershire and Gloucestershire. The monumental Blenheim Palace lies to the south, and Warwick Castle is eight miles north of Stratford. Warwick Castle is among the prime attractions of Britain. Like the birthplace of Shakespeare, it stands as a testimony to Medieval traditions, retaining the romantic atmosphere of bygone times.