Stratford-upon-Avon

A living homage to William Shakespeare, Stratford-upon-Avon was the birthplace of the Bard back in 1564. Today, a stroll down its Tudor streets makes it easy to feel like you’re really living in the times of Shakespeare, especially when you catch a play by the world-famous Royal Shakespeare Company along the way. 
Many Shakespeare fans that come to Stratford-upon-Avon make a pilgrimage to the historic homes of the Shakespeare family. Today they are open to the public as well-preserved museums: Visit Shakespeare’s Birthplace as well as his last home. Discover Nash’s House, where his granddaughter Elizabeth lived, and go inside Mary Arden’s farm—where Shakespeare’s mother grew up. You can also visit the cottage and gardens where his wife, Anne Hathaway, lived before they married.  And there is also Hall’s Croft to visit, where his daughter Susannah lived. In Stratford-upon-Avon, it’s also possible to visit Holy Trinity Church where Shakespeare now rests in a tomb, which is said to be the most visited parish church in England! 
If you’ve had enough Shakespeare while you’re in town, you can always rent a rowing boat and take a trip down the peaceful river Avon.

Practical Info

You can buy individual tickets to Shakespeare’s houses and gardens, or a ticket to all five for GBP 21.50, or to three houses for GBP 14. The homes are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. from April to October and have varying hours from November to March. Going to a play while in Stratford-upon-Avon is very popular. Try the The Royal Shakespeare Theatre or the Swan Theatre, though do book in advance. A bus to Stratford-upon-Avon takes three to four hours from London Victoria Station, or one hour from Oxford. To drive, take the M40 for two hours from London, and get off at Junction 15. Stratford-upon-Avon also has its own train station.