From Wikitravel

For other places with the same name, see Stratford (disambiguation).

Stratford-upon-Avon is an historic town on the river Avon in the English county of Warwickshire, best known as the home town of the great English playwright and poet, William Shakespeare. Today, it is a major theater-going destination as the home of the Royal Shakespeare Company. As such, it represents one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country.

[edit] Understand

Stratford-upon-Avon has its origins in the Saxon culture of medieval England (the name "straet-ford" indicates that it was a river crossing). For many centuries it was little more than a small market town on the road to London; even today, it has only 24,000 permanent residents. Though it has developed some industrial capacity, Stratford is now known mostly for its association with Shakespeare. The town benefits tremendously from the resulting tourism and cultural activity, and has gone to great lengths to preserve those buildings that have survived since Shakespeare's time. As a result the centre of town is quaint and attractive, drawing many thousands of tourists each year to its cultural and historical amenities.

[edit] Get in

[edit] By car

To get to Stratford-upon-Avon from London, take the M40 motorway and get off at Junction 15. Distance 102 miles (164 km), journey time approximately 2 hours. See also the city's Park and Ride website.[1]

[edit] By train

Stratford-upon-Avon train station is located around half a mile west of the town centre. The town is easily accessible by foot from the station. There are regular services to Birmingham Snow Hill station (around an hour), Warwick (around 30 minutes) and London Marylebone (around two and a half hours). If travelling from London, you might need to change at Leamington Spa station.

[edit] Get around

[edit][add listing] See

• Shakespeare's Birthplace, Henley St., [2]. A can't miss for tourists. Probably the location of Shakespeare's birth, and definitely the home of his early years. Restored with 16th-century decor and many authentic items. Also includes gardens in the immediate area.

• Ann Hathaway's Cottage, [3]. Romantic cottage located in the hamlet of Shottery, approximately a mile from the town centre. Hathaway, later Shakespeare's wife, lived here as a girl until her marriage with the playwright (meaning that their courtship occurred here). Restored with many family heirlooms on display, and surrounded with scenic gardens.

• Holy Trinity Church, [4]. Site of the burial of William Shakespeare, and therefore a place of pilgrimage for his admirers. Though the church itself is ordinary by British standards, the playwright's tomb (and those of his immediate family) is well worth the effort to visit. Be aware that the church is not a "tourist attraction"; services and other functions take precidence over other considerations. Entry is free, but those viewing the grave are asked to make a donation.

• The Creaky Cauldron, [5]. The three storey half timbered building has been part of the Stratford skyline in Henley Street for over 460 years and is steeped in history. Now home to a magical gift store and museum of witchcraft and wizardology the building is the only remaining section of the famous White Lion Inn that still stands. Regularly described as one of the most haunted buildings in the country and visited by paranormal investigators, parapsychology groups and ghost hunters alike it continues to offer a fascinating glimpse into the world of the supernatural and the unknown.

• Falstaffs Experience, Sheep Street, [6].

• Royal Shakespeare Theatre, [7].

[edit][add listing] Do

• Hire a rowing boat and take a trip up and down the river.

• Royal Stratford Theatre. Watch a performance at the prestigious theatre. Be warned, tickets are in demand.

• Stratford Bike Hire, 07711 776340, [8]. Will deliver and collect cycles to your home, hotel or starting point. Cycle the Greenway, 5 miles of cycle track just on the edge of town. Its a great way to see Stratford and the surrounding area.

[edit] Walks and Tours

• Creaky Cauldron Ghost Walks [9], Take a guided walk around Stratford's town centre with Sony Award Nominee, author and broadcaster Dave Matthews. Discover the myths, lies and legends behind the town's most haunted history every Friday and Saturday just after 8pm! Alternatively take a 40 minute candle lit tour around one of the country's most haunted museums - the Creaky Cauldron itself! Every Tuesday and Wednesday at 6.30pm; and every Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 6:30PM and 7:30PM. Both tours start at the Creaky Cauldron and must be prebooked! Telephone 01789 290969 for details.

• Stratford Town Walk, Swan Fountain, Waterside, [10]. an award winning daily guided sightseeing walk around Stratford upon Avon that is both entertaining and informative. See the town and all it has to offer with a local guide and hear stories of fires, flooding, the plague and much more. Hear about William Shakespeare and his family as you pass the 3 family houses, Grammar School, Theatres and Holy Trinity Church. M-W at 11AM, Th-Su at 2PM. Christmas Day walk at 10:30AM. No need to book, just turn up! Use the discount vouchers on your ticket to save money at specially selected shops, restaurants, pubs and attractions.

• Stratford Town Ghost Walk [11]. Award winning spooky evening Ghost Walk around Stratford-upon-Avon to hear about ghosts, witches, murder and mayhem. Be afraid very afraid. Every Monday, Thursday and Friday at 7.30pm. Guides are members of Equity the professional Entertainers Association and Magicians. Due to popularity you must reserve your place in advance by calling 01789 292478 / 07855 760377.

• Stratford Ghost Cruise [12]. An initiative between Stratford Town Walk and Bancroft Cruises. Gentle cruise along the beautiful river avon to hear ghostly stories, both local and futher afield. Bar on board. Duration approx. 1 1/2 hours. Sightseeing with a difference. Cruises - monthly, April - October.

[edit] Relax

• Building Belief Cognitive Hypnotherapy for Relaxation, +44(0)7948 801229, [13]. Insightful guidance to your own inner resources for well being.

• Octagon Therapy Centre, 9 Guild Street, +44(0)845 262 52 42, [14]. Precious things are worth looking after . . .

• Wildmoor Spa & Health Club, Alcester Road, +44(0)1789 299666, [15]. Spend a day relaxing at the UK's Day Spa of the Year 2007.

[edit][add listing] Buy

Almost needless to say, Stratford is one of the best places to stock up on your Shakespeare memorabilia and paraphernalia... Many town centre shops do a brisk trade in general English souvenirs as well.

On most summer Sundays there is a craft-market on the Waterside. The produce isn't particularly local though.

[edit][add listing] Eat

• The One Elm - Just off the high street. Great food all day & lovely back courtyard.

• Check-out the Fish & Chip Shop, across the road from the RSC, down by the river. The food here is as good as the more expensive restaurants, though obviously there is a more limited range.

• The Black Swan (The Dirty Duck), Waterside CV37 6BA (across the street from the RSC), ☎ 01789 297312 (fax: 01789 269424). M-Sa: 11am - 11pm, Su: noon - 10:30pm. A visitor's favorite pub, this is where the actors from the RSC like to grab drinks after a performance. For post-performance nights, be sure to make a reservation. Try the rhubarb pie. £14-18.  edit

• Ripple Cafe across the river usualltddiufgdoughfdhgvkudfguhfiughufhgufdhgurfhgufdh

y serves and array of Chinese food, usually in the form of an all you can eat Buffet, be sure to book, there is also a pleasant Bar upstairs

• Baraset Barn - About 2 miles out of Stratford in Alveston, a very nice gastropub.

Sorrento Restaurant ... a taste of Italy, this is just off the High St, in the Town Centre of Stratford upon Avon, it is a local's place to eat, consistent in good fresh home cooked food. A family run restaurant always happy and helpfull. 7-8 Ely St. 01789 297999 www.sorrentorestaurant.co.uk ***** here you can eat before the show and they do after theatre shows dining too.

[edit][add listing] Drink

• The One Elm Pub [16] a trendy place to eat and drink. Great atmosphere and local to shakespeares Birthplace
• Cox's Yard [17] a pub, theatre and live-music venue in the town centre.
• Dirty Duck / Black Swan - The best pub to visit if you're a tourist - from one direction the sign says Dirty Duck, from the other, Black Swan. Classic English pub looking out onto the river, with seating inside and outside.
• Bureau - Stratfords most popular nightclub

[edit][add listing] Sleep

• The YHA Hostel in Alveston - A very nice YHA hostel, about 2 miles out of stratford in Alveston.
• Virginia Lodge - A very nice B+B about 5 minutes walk to Stratford town center,10 minutes to the theatre and a 15 minute walk to the racecourse, to find more information and contact details please visit [18]

[edit] Get out

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