A Guide to Stratford upon Avon
Posted: Saturday, January 09, 2010
by Herdeep Mann
Activ UK
Stratford upon Avon is located in the Heart of the Warwickshire countryside, and is easily accessible from a number of large motorway networks as the M6 and M40; the town itself is just off the A46 Stratford road, which also serves Warwick and Leamington spa. Air links are also excellent with Birmingham International Airport nearby. At the last census the population of the town stood at around 24,000
But the town has both historical and modern touches, from Theatres to shopping centres, to Ghost tours, and haunted houses, as well as offering relaxing boating tours along the River Avon, to walking tours into the beautiful countryside which surrounds Stratford . The history of the town dates back to as far as the 7th century, the town been founded by the Saxons, with the word Straet Ford which means by the roman road, and Avon is a Celtic word which means river or water.
By the 12th century the village had been transformed into a town, and from then on it soon became a bustling town with various trades present. So that's a short history of the town, but as I said earlier the town has many other assets, as the Royal Shakespeare Company, the world famous theatre known for its Shakespeare's plays and productions. Its main aims is to keep audiences up to date with Shakespeare, but it also hosts work from other dramatists-and artists from all over the world.
If you are a Theatre goer then you won't be disappointed, as the Royal Shakespeare Company employs some 500 people, and uses the latest technology like "CAD" designs for it set designs, and no detail is left to chance right down to the wigs the performers wear. But if you would rather do something else then Stratford has an array of attractions like the Stratford Butterfly Farm, which houses Europe's largest butterfly farm, or visit Bancroft Gardens , a well known meeting place for local residents and tourists alike with its lush green lawns and great views of the river Avon . And while there take a relaxing cruise down the River Avon. Or take what is known as a riverside walk, which is a great way of exploring the town, the distance been about 1 to 2 miles along metalled footpaths.
Then a visit would not be complete without visiting the birthplace of William Shakespeare, and the Holy Trinity Church , where Shakespeare was baptised and was buried, plus you can also visit Anne Hathaway's cottage at Shottery.
Or alternatively you could spend a day at the races by visiting the Stratford racecourse, the course is a small National hunt course, which attracts quality jockeys and trainers, and is a premier venue. Large crowds are always expected, and the main racing season is between March and October. The Main events held here range from Ladies day to Countryside Days, and The Birmingham Mail Family Day. The sheer thrill of attending a jump at the Stratford racecourse with its colour, speed and its continuous excitement never fails to impress anyone who attends.
If it's the Dark history of the town you are after there are the museums you can visit, like the Creaky Cauldron, which as history goes is said to be England 's most haunted museum.
If you would rather be out and about then the Stratford Town Walk can offer ghost tours and cruises(go at your own risk!),and the Falstaff Experience can take you to "Shrieve`s building and museum said to be the most haunted building in the UK.
Buts that's enough about some of the interesting events and places, what about the all important eating out and shopping experience, in Stratford, once again you have a mixture as you would expect from the antique shops selling you Art and souvenirs, to modern complexes like the May bird Centre which has a number of famous brands under its roof. And you should not forget the famous outdoor markets, like the Stratford Farmers Market, held at Rother Street , where you can purchase local produce like chutneys and cheeses.
The town is also well known for its Charities, and the help that they provide for the local residents, as well as for the surrounding areas. One of the main charities is the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, considered as the most important Shakespeare charity in the world. It is this charity that cares and maintains the five Shakespeare houses in and around Stratford upon Avon . The main objective of the trust is to promote in every known corner of the world the study of the plays and the famous works of William Shakespeare. As well as preserving books,records,manuscripts and photographs of historic interest. You may want to take a visit to the Shakespeare Centre which is a unique setting for corporate hospitality conferences and other programmes.
As for restaurants think you will find that the town has a good selection to suit all tastes and budgets, from Indian to Chinese to Thai, and of course the Italian and French to traditional English restaurants' as you would expect, with most been located in and around Ely Street, which is only about 4 minutes walk from the Royal Shakespeare Theatre.
There is also something for the Art and Music lover in Stratford , various Art galleries are dotted around the town, but the two main ones are located at Henley Street , and Chapel Street , and have on view large selections of watercolours, and etchings, plus sculptures and fine art on view. But if its entertainment you want then you need to visit Cox's Yard located at Bridgefoot,this is the hub of live music and events in Stratford .
They have a vast array of different music and bands on offer, and there order books are always full, ranging from heavy metal to jazz and blues music to salsa, and sometimes even gospel choirs have been on the playlist.
Stratford upon Avon would not be a major tourist town if it did not cater for the many thousands of visitors it has all year round, therefore you can find what you need to know by visiting the Stratford Tourist Information Centre located at Bridge foot, which can be easily accessed from the major motorway networks. Then catering for the tourists themselves you have several caravan and camping sites around the town, all within easy reach of the town centre. Plus bed and breakfast accommodation is in abundance, all located in and around Grove Road which once again is only about ten minutes walks from the RSC and other famous attractions.
If you don't want the hassle of a B & B,then you may want to consider going self catering, Stratford has some beautiful and well equipped cottages which are available in season as well as out, some of which are set in beautiful landscaped gardens, the Windmill Grange been one example, a luxury self catering cottage with all the mod cons as you would expect. There are also sporting activities in Stratford upon Avon, you can take up, for example biking, and hiking are popular with the Stratford ramblers association always looking for members. Or you can join up to the Stratford bike hire club.
If you are visiting the UK ,or you are a resident, then a visit to this fascinating town should surely be worthwhile and enjoyable.
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Top-level comments on this article: (4 total)Welcome to Searchwarp interesting article I may visit the area some time soon with my husband never been there enen though we moved to Bristol 2 years ago.
welcome to searchwarp. I have always wanted to visit S-u-A but have never been able to do so. Thanks for the description.Hi Richard thanks for the comment yes i have been there many times it is a beautiful town with a fascinating history
here's another welcome to searchwarp, Herdeep!
Welcome to Searchwarp!Hi. Herdeep. Thank you for sharing this information to us. It is tempting me to come visit England.Have a wonderful day.All the best to you and yours,NenitaThanks for the commentHi Nenita thanks for your comment sorry its taken so long to reply i have been very busy with the site.
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