Things to do in Stratford Upon Avon
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Royal Shakespeare Company
Coming to Stratford without seeing a production of Shakespeare would be like going to Rome and not visiting the Vatican. The three theatre spaces run by the world-renowned Royal Shakespeare Company have witnessed performances by such legends as Lawrence Olivier, Richard Burton, Judi Dench, Helen Mirren, Ian McKellan, Patrick Stewart (of Star Trek fame) and former Dr Who, David Tennant.
There are three grand stages in Stratford – Royal Shakespeare Theatre and Swan Theatre on Waterside and the Courtyard Theatre on Southern La. The first two properties were extensively redeveloped between 2007 and 2010 – contact the RSC for the latest news on performance times at the three …
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Shakespeare's Birthplace
Start your Shakespeare tour at the house where the world's most famous playwright supposedly spent his childhood days. In fact, the jury is still out on whether this really was Shakespeare's birthplace, but devotees of the Bard have been dropping in since at least the 19th century, leaving their signatures scratched onto the windows. Set behind a modern facade, the house contains restored Tudor rooms, live presentations from famous Shakespearean characters, and an engaging exhibition on Stratford's favourite son.
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Shakespeare Birthplace Trust
The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust manages five buildings associated with Shakespeare. Three of the houses are central, one is an easy walk away, and the fifth a drive or bike ride out; a combination ticket costs about half as much as the individual admission fees combined. Opening times are complicated and vary during the off season (check the website for details). In summer, enormous crowds pack the small Tudor houses; a visit out of season is much more enjoyable. Note that wheelchair access to the properties is restricted.
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Holy Trinity Church
The final resting place of the Bard is said to be the most visited parish church in England. Inside are handsome 16th- and 17th-century tombs (particularly in the Clopton Chapel), some fabulous carvings on the choir stalls and, of course, the grave of William Shakespeare, with its ominous epitaph: 'cvrst be he yt moves my bones'.
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Dirty Duck
If you only have one drink in Stratford, come here. It's almost as essential as a trip to the theatre. Officially called the Black Swan, this enchanting alehouse is a favourite postperformance thespian watering hole, and has a roll call of former regulars (Olivier, Attenborough etc) that reads like an actors' Who's Who. It's in a very pretty location across from the river. The adjoining restaurant (11:00 to 22:00) is good value.
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Mary Arden's House
Mary Arden's House at Wilmcote, 3 miles west of Stratford, was the childhood home of Shakespeare's mother. If you cycle there via Anne Hathaway's Cottage, follow the Stratford-upon-Avon Canal towpath to Wilmcote rather than retracing your route or riding back along the busy A3400. The easiest way to get there otherwise is on a bus tour. The Shakespeare Countryside Museum is housed here.
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Anne Hathaway's Cottage
Before marrying Shakespeare, Anne Hathaway lived in Shottery, a mile west of the centre, in this pretty thatched farmhouse. As well as period furniture, there's an orchard and arboretum, with examples of all the trees mentioned in Shakespeare's plays. A footpath (no bikes allowed) leads to Shottery from Evesham Pl.
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Stratford-upon-Avon Butterfly Farm
Bored of the Bard? Unleash your inner insect-lover at this 'farm', just east of the town centre. It's a large walk-through greenhouse housing hundreds of species of exotic butterflies in tropical foliage. Arachnophobes beware - the 'Arachnoland' scorpion and spider section may keep its specimens behind glass, but it is guaranteed to get your heart racing.
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Shakespeare Countryside Museum
The home of William's mother is now used to house the Shakespeare Countryside Museum, with exhibits tracing local country life over the past four centuries. Plan to spend more time here than at the other properties to appreciate its unique collection of rare farm animals.
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Knot Garden
The wealthy, retired Shakespeare bought a fine home at New Place on the corner of Chapel St and Chapel Lane. He died there in April 1616 and the house was demolished in 1759. An attractive Elizabethan knot garden now occupies part of the grounds.
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Hall's Croft
Shakespeare's daughter Susanna married respected doctor John Hall, and their fine Elizabethan town house is south of the centre on the way to Holy Trinity Church. Deviating from the main Shakespearean theme, the exhibition offers fascinating insights into medicine in the 16th century.
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Lambs
The classiest joint in town – Lambs skips the Shakespeare chintz in favour of Venetian blinds and modern elegance. The menu includes slow cooked lamb, Gressingham duck and the like, and the wine list is excellent.
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Guided Walks
Two-hour guided walks depart from Swan fountain just by the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. An alternative walk is run by the Royal Shakespeare Company on Saturday mornings, and leaves outside the Swan Theatre on Waterside.
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Harvard House
The exuberantly carved Harvard House was home to the mother of John Harvard, after whom Harvard University in the USA was named in the 17th century. It now houses a Museum of British Pewter.
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City Sightseeing
Open-top, hop-on/hop-off bus tours leave from the tourist office and go to each of the Shakespeare properties. Tickets are valid for 24 hours.
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Windmill Inn
Ale was flowing here at the same time as rhyming couplets flowed from Shakespeare's quill - it's been around a while. Despite its age it's still one of the liveliest places in town.
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Guild Chapel
The Guild Chapel dates from 1269, though it was rebuilt in the 15th century. It's not open to the public except for services (10:00 Wednesday and noon Saturday April to September).
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Vintner Wine Bar
Set in a town house from 1600, this quirky place is full of beams, exposed brickwork, and low ceilings on which to bang your head. Locals as well as out-of-towners come here for good food (mostly steaks, salads and roasts) and lively conversation.
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One Elm
A swanky place with leather seats and sun-tanned clientele, this popular gastropub has a pleasant courtyard and owners who are real foodies - the restaurant dishes are a treat.
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Nash's House
Displays in Nash's House, where Shakespeare's granddaughter Elizabeth lived, describe the town's history and contain a collection of 17th-century oak furniture and tapestries.
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Stratford-upon-Avon Hop-on Hop-off Tour
1 day (Departs Stratford-upon-Avon, United Kingdom)
by Viator
Explore Stratford-Upon-Avon with this 24 hour ticket aboard an open-top double-decker bus. See all the main sights as you hop on and hop off 14 conveniently loc…Not LP reviewed
from USD$18.81 -
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Shakespeare Exhibition
Tickets to Shakespeare's Birthplace include admission to the adjacent Shakespeare Exhibition, where well-devised displays chart the life of Stratford's most famous son.
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Edward Moon's
Named after a famous travelling chef, who cooked up the flavours of home for the British colonial service, this snug eatery serves delicious, hearty English dishes, many livened up with herbs and spices from the East.
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King Edward VI School
Next door to the Guild Chapel is King Edward VI School, which Shakespeare probably attended; it was originally the Guildhall.
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