Explore the UK
Stratford upon Avon
Set in the heart of Warwickshire, Stratford possibly attracts more visitors than any other place in England outside of London. This is not surprising when you consider the wealth of attractions that it has to offer; maybe no more than others in nearby counties such as Worcestershire, it is just the nature of them. This is Shakespeare country and it is this which attracts the visitors in their thousands many of them overseas tourists. With easy road, rail and airport access, it is the perfect place for a vacation or short break.
The town sits on the River Avon which flows through the middle of town, once a key factor as trade route and enhanced by linking with the British Waterways Canal network for the Midlands. It is through this network that it is possible to take a leisurely boating trip, or holiday from where you can use the network to enjoy nearby Birmingham and the west midlands area, Staffordshire or even Shropshire.
A visit to Stratford would not be complete without taking in the delights offered by its association with William Shakespeare. There is Anne Hathaway’s Cottage which is at Shottery a mile west of Stratford. The Royal Shakespeare Company Theatre sitting on the banks of the Avon is a must for lovers of the ‘Bard’ the theatre, which was founded in 1960 by Peter Hall, boasts the finest actors and directors working on great plays in some of the best theatre spaces in the world.
The area around Stratford is England's historic heartland, an area of outstanding natural beauty from the rolling Cotswold Hills, and the heritage of Shakespeare Country, to the peaceful marches of the English and Welsh borderlands. Contrasting we have glass and china heritage and the industrial history of the Black Country, which naturally merges with the sleepy villages of Oxfordshire.
Whether you are on a weekend visit, or touring the Heart of England, Stratford-upon-Avon has a very rich and varied programme of events and activities throughout the year. You have a wealth of theatres, arts, music in the parks, river racing, river cruising, walks along the river or you can simply relax and take in the atmosphere that is Shakespeare's Stratford.
