Stratford-upon-Avon is 121 miles from London and 2 hours by train from Paddington Station. There are many Elizabethan buildings in this colorful town. One ticket will admit you to see the most important sights. All major sights are open from 9-6 PM. Allow yourself time to explore the village because it has a great deal of charm.
Shakespeare's Birthplace: ... on Henley Street. Shakespeare was born here April 23, 1564 and died 52 years later on the same day. The home is filled with memorabilia, including a portrait, and furnishings of the writer's time. The building is a typical half-timbered structure dating from the early years of the 16th century. See the oak-beamed living room, the bedroom where Shakespeare was born, and the full kitchen. Walk through the garden out back.
Anne Hathaway's Cottage: Located 1 mile from Stratford at Shottery... really too far to walk. The thatched, wattle-and-daub cottage is where Anne lived before her marriage to Will. In sheer charm, it is one of the most interesting buildings in the area. The Hathaway's were farmers and their home provides insight into family life during this period. Much of the furniture and accessories are original. Shakespeare was only 18 when he married the much older Anne.
New Place: This building, on Chapel Street, is where Shakespeare retired to in 1610. He died here 6 years later. The current house is a reconstruction. The Knott Garden, which adjoins the house, is worth a visit.
Mary Arden House: ... where Shakespeare's mother lived. It's a half-timbered house 3 miles from Stratford. Mary, too, was from a family of farmers. The barn here is now a museum.
Holy Trinity Church: This lovely parish church of Stratford is distinguished because Shakespeare is buried in the Chapel. A contribution is requested to see his tomb.
Harvard House: Home of Katherine Rogers, the mother of John Harvard, who was the founder of Harvard University. It's a fine example of an Elizabethan town house from 1596. The present furniture is from the original period.
An Elizabeth Show: The New Heritage Theatre continuously presents an Elizabethan pageant, which tries to recreate the time of Shakespeare. The current pageant is an outgrowth of one from 1575.
Royal Shakespeare Theatre: This is the famous theatre where Britain's foremost actors perform during the "season".
Louis Tussaud's Waxworks: 60 Henley Street. The comedies, tragedies, and histories of all Shakespeare's plays are illustrated with wax figures.
Author of this article is Gene Gill. For more information visit his website: Gene Gill Miniatures.
