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Internationally famous as the birthplace of William Shakespeare, Stratford-upon-Avon lies on the banks of the River Avon approximately 35 kilometres south of Birmingham in Warwickshire. So if you are in search of a holiday destination steeped in culture and history, come and visit Stratford-upon-Avon, which has plenty of theatrical goings-on throughout the year adjacent to well preserved sites of historical interest and areas of outstanding natural beauty.
From a strictly historical point of view, Stratford-upon-Avon traces its origins to the Saxon period of Britain's heritage. Granted its initial market charter in the early 12th century, Stratford-upon-Avon gradually developed into a pristine, pastoral hamlet nestled in the heart of Warwickshire county. And throughout the following centuries, Stratford-upon-Avon continued to embrace and cultivate this heritage, a unique sense of culture and history which remains embedded in the fabric of the town's identity to this very day.
Sites of Interest in Stratford-upon-Avon
Once you have arrived in Stratford-upon-Avon, you will find a small charming market town which is rather fond of its most famous resident William Shakespeare. As a matter of fact, millions of visitors descend upon Stratford-upon-Avon every year in order to follow in the footsteps of the Bard himself. Shakespeare's birth home remains one of the most visited landmarks in the whole of the town along Henley Street. But this international landmark is not the only site of interest in Stratford-upon-Avon.
The Falstaff Experience, situated along Sheep Street, is yet another wildly popular attraction for first-time visitors interested in taking a tour of the town's history. The property alone has stood for more than 500 years, according to local lore, and includes Tudor World, a speciality museum which focuses on the Tudor era of Britain's heritage.
Stratford-upon-Avon is also the site of Ann Hathaway's Cottage, the childhood home of Shakespeare's wife to be. The cottage itself lies amongst meticulously manicured landscape and even includes an impressive collection of family heirlooms on exhibition.
Stratford-upon-Avon Waterside
Perhaps the top attraction in town, Stratford-upon-Avon's waterside has been re-developed over the centuries as a leisure canal. The internationally famous Royal Shakespeare Theatre, home of the famed Royal Shakespeare Company, lies along waterside's banks. Canal boats are available for hire along the moors, and it is not uncommon to witness throngs of holidaymakers enjoying leisure strolls along the banks of the canal. Waterside is even included in the popular Stratford Town Walking Tour, a guided tour of the town's sites of interest. So once you arrive in Stratford-upon-Avon, be certain to inquire about the walking tour at the local tourist information centre and follow in the footsteps of the Bard for yourself.
Transportation in Stratford-upon-Avon
Travel directions to Stratford-upon-Avon are easy to follow. To arrive in Stratford-upon-Avon by road, you would do well to take the M40 Motorway away from greater London to the number 15 junction. Keep watch for the A46/ Stratford Road interchange and travel south to the A439/ Warwick Road in order to arrive straightaway in Stratford-upon-Avon town centre.
If travelling to Stratford-upon-Avon from the north of Birmingham, follow the M6 through Birmingham to the M42 in order to reach the M40. Then, be sure to travel west to the same number 15 junction in order to reach the road to Stratford-upon-Avon proper. But if you fancy travel by rail, Stratford-upon-Avon Railway Station serves as the terminus of the Birmingham-Stratford Line as well as the Leamington-Stratford-upon-Avon Line.
Stratford-upon-Avon Places to Stay
Once you have toured Stratford-upon-Avon's attractions, you will have plenty of accommodations to choose from conveniently located near town centre and waterside. Stratford-upon-Avon is well provided with countryside cottages, locally-owned hotels and nationally renowned bed and breakfasts, too. So book your accommodations well in advance and walk in the footsteps of the Bard in Stratford-upon-Avon.
Accommodation in Stratford-Upon-Avon
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