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A quaint and quintessentially English town on the banks of the River Avon, Stratford has the friendly buzz of a place that welcomes many visitors. And plenty of them do visit, with up to three million tourists coming each year to see a play, learn about the town's history or just enjoy the general ambiance. In Stratford, there is a lot of culture for those who are looking for it. But you don't need to be a 'culture vulture' to enjoy a relaxing day out here.
Our tour begins at Shakespeare's Birthplace. This is where the world's most celebrated playwright was born and spent his childhood years. The house dates back to the 16th Century, and it has been preserved to reflect the lifestyle of the merchant class during the bard's lifetime. To get the most out of your time here, book a guided tour of the house and gardens. On display, you will find a 19th-century visitors book bearing the signature of another icon of English literature — Charles Dickens.
A short walk along Henley Street, High Street and Chapel Street will bring you to the day's second historical attraction — Hall's Croft. The home of Shakespeare's daughter, Susanna Hall, this impressively preserved building gives a unique insight into life in Tudor Britain. Tours of the building are available. In summer, the gardens offer a beautiful and peaceful surrounding in which to stop and reflect on the differences and similarities between our modern world and the lives of the Elizabethans.
Follow the road called 'Old Town' toward the river Avon, where you will find Shakespeare's final resting place, Holy Trinity Church. Here, you will find a monument to Shakespeare and an epitaph believed to have been written by the bard himself. Well, if you're the greatest writer Britain has ever produced, you might as well do the job yourself, right? The church is an impressive structure with ornate interiors. An impressive sight no matter what your religious or literary leanings.
Stop for lunch or afternoon tea in any number of cosy eateries you will pass along or around the riverbanks. Within the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, there are three dining options. The Riverside café opens late morning and offers indoor and outdoor seating with views across the river. Susie's Café Bar is open Wednesday to Saturday, also from late morning — perfect for a quick bite. For something more substantial, the Rooftop Restaurant and Cocktail Bar is open from 11:30am.
The spiritual home of Shakespearean drama for bookworms and theatregoers the world over — welcome to The Royal Shakespeare Theatre. The building itself actually contains two auditoria: the modern 1,018-seat Royal Shakespeare Theatre facing north and, to the south, the 469-capacity Swan Theatre with its red-brick Victorian facade. It is worth booking a tour of the building, and these take place twice a day, one before noon and one early afternoon. Check their website for the latest prices and timings. Before you leave, be sure to climb the 107-foot viewing tower to take in views across the Warwickshire countryside.
This well-preserved sixteenth-century English farmhouse was the childhood home of Shakespeare's wife, Anne Hathaway. She lived here until she married the playwright in 1582. Surrounding the cottage you will find picturesque gardens, including a traditional English cottage garden, orchards, and a woodland walk. When you're ready for some quiet reflection, there are designated quiet areas in the Sculpture Trail and the Tree Garden. The cottage is approximately a 30 minutes' walk from The Royal Shakespeare Theatre, and you can find the most scenic route here.
Return to the Royal Shakespeare Theatre to enjoy a play. Booking in advance is essential during the busier months, and advisable all year round. If you are not familiar with the play which is being performed, be sure to buy a program which will help you get the most out of the whole spectacle. See if you can spot any of the world-famous actors who often perform here, just a few feet in front of you.
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Discover the best of Ireland and Scotland with this unforgettable 14-day tour. Compare the cultures of these historic Gaelic nations during a magical fortnight.
Discover the Island of Ireland, North and South with this unforgettable 14-day tour. Spend 4 days in Ulster, and 10 more in Eire.
Experience all that is Ireland in this 10-day adventure. Ireland's best-loved attractions and its best-kept secrets, including the Wild Atlantic Way.
Take in the essence of captivating Ireland as you embark on an unforgettable 8-day adventure, immersing yourself in the Emerald Isle's beauty and charm.
Experience the true essence of Ireland in under a week. Ireland's unmissable destinations and the Wild Atlantic Way in one unforgettable tour.
An exclusive tour capped at max. 8 guests, travelling through the idyllic scenes of The Wild Atlantic Way. Including an overnight stay in an Irish castle.
Embark on a unique and intimate journey through the Celtic heartlands of Ireland and Scotland on this exclusive tour designed for a maximum of 8 guests.
Live like royalty for 10 days across Ireland, staying in real Irish castles and country manors. Enjoy the finest all-inclusive tour Ireland has to offer.
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As a local Irish company, we at My Ireland Tour are passionate about our country and our local community. We're thrilled that you're interested in visiting the place we call home. That's why we put together this definitive travel guide for anyone who wants to come to Ireland and discover this amazing place for themselves.
This is a completely free resource covering everything from top tourist attractions to the nearest yoga centre. We hope it helps!
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