Stratford-upon-Avon – Shakespeare’s motherland. He literally was born, became adult and died there. In 2014 city celebrates his 450th birthday.
What to do:
- Buy on the site or in Shakespeare’s Birthplace Trust (on Henley st.) a ticket to visit 6 important places in the city: Shakespeare’s Birthplace, place where his wife was living – Ann Hathaway’s Cottage, place where his daughter Susanna was living with husband – Hall’s Croft, place where William died – New Place, his mother’s house – Mary Arden’s Farm and of course his grave in Holy Trinity Church.
- Walk in the garden of his last house where he was living – New Place. Try to guess what poems are recreated in stone monuments. Thee are about 10 statues.
- If you’d like to have a rest from Shakespeare visit The MAD (Mechanical Art & Design) Museum. Ticket price is £6.80. Their site offers to buy absolutely “mad” handmade things.
How to get there:
Trains from London Marylebone (tickets from £26, 2h15mins journey).
Useful tips:
- Ticket for all 6 “Shakespeare places” costs £23.90 and it is valid for 1 year.
- Take a break in family cafe Hobsons Patisseries on the central street. They have huge choice of tea, cakes and pastries. Taste traditional English cream tea – it is served with non-sweet scones, very thick cream and jam (usually strawberry one). Really fat meal!