The small town of Warwickshire is the birthplace of William Shakespeare. Most of the city’s attractions are connected with the personality of the great playwright. The house where Shakespeare was born is one of the most visited places. The Church of the Holy Trinity, where Shakespeare was baptized, is no less famous, as is his tomb. It is visited by tens of thousands of people every year. The Royal Shakespeare Theatre hosts plays and festivals.
The center of the city dates back to the 16th and 17th centuries. It is surrounded by lush greenery, half-timbered houses, and a historic canal. It preserves the architecture of Tudor England, including Shakespeare’s house.
There’s plenty to do in Stratford-upon-Avon. You can visit the famous Mop Fair, held in the city center since the 15th century, as well as various pubs and restaurants serving delicious and simple food.
Shakespeare’s Birthplace
The Shakespeare House Museum is a beautiful two-story half-timbered complex in Stratford-upon-Avon. Its interior has not changed at all and reflects the lower middle-class lifestyle of the second half of the 16th century. The rooms are carefully arranged with antique furniture, and one of them contains the first collection of the writer’s works (1623). Look for the window on which many famous visitors have left their names. You can see the signatures of Charles Dickens, Thomas Hardy, and John Keats there.
Anne Hathaway’s Cottage and Garden
Anne Hathaway Cottage is located in Shotter, two miles west of downtown. This picturesque brick cottage with its wood paneling, thatched roof, and delightful garden has retained its appearance from the days when Shakespeare took Anne as his wife. Descendants of the Hathaway family lived here until 1899.
The house is noteworthy for its 16th and 17th century furniture and its beautiful garden, which features every kind of tree mentioned in Shakespeare’s works. The garden is also home to the Musical Trail (offering a journey through the woods accompanied by a unique composition that inspired Shakespeare), the Butterfly Trail and numerous exhibits on the symbolism of Elizabethan flowers.
Nash House
The Nash House is named for Thomas Nash, the first husband of Shakespeare’s granddaughter. It is a well-preserved Tudor-era building, furnished as it was in that period. Nearby are the New Place foundations, purchased by Shakespeare in 1597, and where he died in 1616. This is also where William wrote later works such as The Tempest. Don’t forget to visit the Knott’s Garden with its beautiful sculptures and plants.
Hall’s homestead
This Tudor-era house is one of the most attractive in town. Dr. John Hall, who married Shakespeare’s eldest daughter, lived here. Visitors can explore the lavish rooms of the house, explore the fascinating collection of apothecary equipment and books in the doctor’s office, and the first edition of his medical records, published in 1657. Afterwards, it’s worth visiting the beautiful garden (where medicinal herbs grow) and café, as well as the souvenir store specializing in local handicrafts.
The Royal Shakespeare Theatre
The Royal Shakespeare Company is located here. The building houses a unique theater with a single room that allows actors and audience to share the same space, as they did in Shakespeare’s time.
There is a restaurant on the roof of the theater. There is a beautiful view of the city of Stratford-upon-Avon, which makes for great panoramic photos. The theater also has a 36-meter high tower. Take a walk along the river stretching from Bancroft Gardens and Gower Memorial (1888) to Holy Trinity Church (guided walks available throughout the year).
The Garrick Inn and Harvard House
“The Garrick Inn is a 16th century restaurant. It is richly decorated with carvings and remains a great place to eat and soak up the atmosphere of this historic city. The neighboring Harvard House was built in 1596 in the half-timbered style. It is famous for having once belonged to the mother of John Harvard, the founder of Harvard University (the house is now the property of that institution).
Town Hall
Next to the town hall (1769) stands a statue of Shakespeare, given to the city by David Garrick, the famous actor and manager of the Drury Lane Theatre in London. Of great interest to visitors is the Guild Chapel at the corner of Chapel Lane. It is a single-nave Gothic church with a beautiful wall painting of the Last Judgment circa 1500. On the upper floor of the adjacent hall, children were once taught grammar. As many believe, Shakespeare was educated here.