The Shakespeare Houses are
five properties owned and
maintained
by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust. These properties are connected to
William
Shakespeare or his immediate family, and offer an insight into the
famous
playwright's world. Three of the houses are located in the town centre
(Shakespeare's
Birthplace, Nash's House & New Place, and Hall's Croft) and the
others
can be easily found just outside the town (Anne Hathaway's Cottage in
Shottery and
Mary
Arden's House in Wilmcote).
Take the
open-top bus which runs regularly
between all the properties providing running commentary as you sightsee.
Tickets available from The Hill Cottage.
Holy
Trinity Church
This is the church where Shakespeare's grave can be found, alongside the graves
of Anne Hathaway, Dr John Hall, Susanna Shakespeare and Thomas Nash. The church
itself, resting on the banks of the River Avon, is one of the most beautiful
and picturesque parish churches in Warwickshire.
Royal Shakespeare Theatre Company
No visit to Stratford is complete without taking in one of the Bard's
plays. Check out what's playing by visiting their website and book
tickets online. It will be the highlight of your stay! Pre and after
theatre dinners available in a variety of restaurants in town. Please
ask us at The Hill Cottage for our recommendations.
The Stratford-upon-Avon Butterfly Farm
is the largest in Europe, boasting some of the most spectacular and colourful
butterflies in the world. The Farm also has a children's adventure playground,
making it ideal for families.
Home to hundreds of bears,
the Teddy Bear Museum is a
must
for anyone who has a soft spot for these cuddly fellows. The Museum
celebrates
every aspect of the teddy bear.
For those who want to go further
afield, the area around
Stratford-upon-Avon is full of sights and sounds. Here are just a
few:
Warwick
Castle (15 minutes)
Warwick Castle is one of the
most popular tourist attractions in Britain. This fantastically preserved Castle
dates back nearly a millennium, and is home to any number of attractions and
activities; stroll through the Garden, or visit the Kingmaker Exhibit. Events
are held at the castle all year around.
Heritage
Motor Centre (20 minutes)
Visit the Heritage Motor Centre and you'll find a fascinating
collection, delving into Britain's motoring history. The Centre houses
the largest collection of classic, vintage and veteran British cars in
the world, and has activities that will appeal to the whole family,
from the off-road experience through to go-karts for kids.
Hatton
Country World (15 minutes)
Hatton Country World is home to Hatton Shopping village, which boasts
some 25 craft and specialist gift shops, an antique centre, and much
more, all set in picturesque Warwickshire countryside. You'll also find
the Hatton Farm
Village, a park full of adventures and activities for children and
adults, from the petting zoo through to panning for gold.
Charlecote
Park (15 minutes)
Home to the Lucy family since 1247, the current house was built in the
mid 16th century, and sums up the very essence of Tudor England.
Elizabeth I visited
it on a number of occasions, and after you've experienced the grandeur
and
beauty of this country estate, you'll know why. Well worth the visit,
if
you can spare the time.
If you are a garden lover, the
Hidcote
and
Kiftsgate Court gardens are within
half an hour's journey.
