ABOUT STRATFORD
Stratford-upon-avon is situated in the heart of the English midlands. A market town dating back to medieval times, Stratford is today most famous as the birthplace of the Elizabethan playwright William Shakespeare.
Hundreds of thousands of tourists visit the town each year to visit the historic properties associated with Shakespeare, go to the theatre and enjoy the many attractions in the town and surrounding area.
Stratford also has much to offer the gourmet, with a wide variety of well priced restaurants offering local and international cuisine. Many restaurants offer pre-theatre dinners, timed to ensure you don’t miss the performance. Some also cater for the late-night needs of peckish theatre goers once the performance has finished.
The town also boasts a fine selection of bars and pubs. Perhaps the most famous of these is the “Dirty Duck”. Situated close to the theatres, the pub is a favourite haunt of thirsty actors, many of whom can be recognised from the photos on the walls.
Great Place to Visit
The picturesque market town of Stratford-upon-avon have five beautifully preserved Shakespeare Houses in and near the town.
Shakespeare’s Birthplace
This was the childhood home of William Shakespeare.
Nash’s House and New Place
Nash’s House was owned by Shakespeare’s Granddaughter’s first husband Thomas Nash. New Place was the home which Shakespeare purchased in 1597 with his London earnings, and where he probably died in 1616.
Hall’s Croft
An elegant 17th-century house which belonged to Shakespeare’s daughter Susanna and her esteemed husband Dr John Hall.
Anne Hathaway’s Cottage
The childhood home of Shakespeare’s wife and remained occupied by descendants of the Hathaway family until 1899.
Mary Arden’s House and the Shakespeare Countryside Museum
Mary Arden’s House was the childhood home of Shakespeare’s mother to experience 500 years of farming and rural life.
Theatres and Events
The world-renowned Royal Shakespeare Company has three theatres in Stratford-upon-avon, with performances of Shakespeare and plays by other dramatists, all year round.
Britains Best Breaks
Stratford is also a good base to explore the heart of England, with the Cotswolds, Oxford, Bicester Village designer outlet, Warwick, Silverstone, Birmingham & Coventry all within easy reach.