Stratford
is situated about 80 miles north-west of Central London. It is just
about within the range of a day trip but is best appreciated with
a longer stay with an overnight.
To the south of Stratford are the Cotswolds. One of the most picturesque
regions of England. Oxford
and Blenheim Palace
are within easy travelling distance to the south.
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About
15 minutes east of Stratford is Warwick Castle, close to the M40 motorway
junction from London for Stratford. Warwick Castle although an authentic
castle with great historical interest is less like a museum and more
like a medieval entertainment.
Stratford itself is famous with being the birthplace of William Shakespeare
and this is the main draw as a tourist attraction. The theatre, river
and surrounding countryside provide further attractions. |
Shakespeare
Birthplace Trust
Stratford Upon Avon |
Official
Web Site + Admissions |
The
Shakespeare Birthplace Trust promotes the appreciation and study of
William Shakespeare. The trust also manages five buildings in and
around Shakespeare which form the basis of the main visitor attractions.
Each of the Shakespeare Houses is set in beautiful gardens and grounds
and welcomes visitors throughout the year. They illustrate the life
and times of Shakespeare in authentic surroundings.
For detailed Shakespeare information, opening hours and admission
charges see the official web site. |
Shakespeare Birthplace Trust
Official Web Site |
Visiting
Shakespeare's Properties
There are five houses in or near Stratford-upon-Avon connected with
William Shakespeare and his family. The Shakespearean properties offer
a unique experience of the Stratford world in which the famous dramatist
and poet was born, lived and died.
Open all year round, these sixteenth-century houses feature rare period
furnishings and domestic items. Aspects of Tudor life, are on display,
all set in attractive gardens and grounds. The five are:
Shakespeare's Birthplace - See above
in the centre of Stratford
New
Place/Nash's House
- Shakespeare's home from 1597 until his death in 1616
Hall's Croft - Where Shakespeare's eldest
daughter (Susanna) lived near to Holy Trinity Church, where Shakespeare
is buried
Anne
Hathaway's Cottage
- Before marrying William Shakespeare in 1582, Anne Hathaway lived
here. On edge of Stratford
Mary Arden's House -
the house that Shakespeare's mother, Mary Arden, grew up in, 4 miles
outside Stratford |
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City
Sightseeing Bus
Like in many towns and cities in the UK popular with tourists, a hop
on, hop off open top bus operates in Stratford.
There are stops at all the main attractions including all of Shakespeare's
properties (see above).
Commentary is available in 6 languages in addition to English.
Departures are around every 15-20 minutes daily, (Mid march to October)
a circuit taking around an hour if you don't get off. |
| Independent
Visits to Stratford Upon Avon from London |
Stratford
by Coach
The National Express coach services runs from London
Victoria and cost around £17 for a day return. Its a long day
leaving London's Victoria at 08:30, returning about 20:30 in the evening.
The journey is scheduled to take around 3 hours each way.
Schedules and ticketing: National
Express |
Stratford
by Rail
Direct
train services to Stratford run from London's Marylebone station and
take just over 2 hours, an hour faster than the bus.
Fares
are very complicated, a promotional fare leaving London mid morning
is often around the same price as the bus. So check out the various
options at 'The Trainline' - see link right.
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| Stratford
Tours From London |
There
is a good range of day tours from London to Stratford.
All with combine Stratford with visits to either nearby Warwick Castle,
Oxford or the Cotswolds. All will visit the birthplace of Shakespeare
and some visit Anne
Hathaway's Cottage |
Evan Evans Tours Tour Bus |
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