A city in the county of Warwickshire in the UK, located 35 km from Birmingham, Stratford-upon-Avon (Stratford-upon-Avon) is best known as the birthplace of the great playwright William Shakespeare.
A massive pilgrimage to Stratford takes place every year on October 12 (if the 12 falls on a Sunday, in which case the fair takes place on October 11), when one of the largest fairs in the country, the Mop Fair, takes place in the city.
How to get to Stratford-upon-Avon
Birmingham Airport is located 29 km northwest of Stratford and serves both domestic and international flights.
Chiltern Railways provides regular rail service. connection with London (cost 9 GBP, travel time 2 h 15 min). The station is located within walking distance to the west of the city center. During the high season, in July and August, the Shakespeare Express branded train runs between Birmingham and Stratford (20-25 GBP, 1 hour).
National Express organizes bus services to Birmingham (GBP 8.40, 1 hour), Oxford (GBP 12, 1 hour) and London (GBP 10, 3 hours). Buses depart from the Riverside bus station.
To get to Stratford by car, you can take the M40 motorway from London to junction No. 15. Distance – 164 km, travel time about 2 hours.
The city is small, so it is better to explore it on foot. Or rent a bike at Clarkes Cycles on Guild St for 17-20 GBP per day.
Weather in Stratford-upon-Avon
According to bridgat.com, the climate in Stratford is temperate maritime, and, like throughout England, very mild and humid. The coldest months are January and February when the temperature drops to +3°C, the warmest month is July with a temperature of +15°C.
Shopping
Henley Street is one of the oldest streets in the city and is now the main tourist and shopping center with many cafes and street performances. It goes without saying that Stratford-upon-Avon is one of the best places to stock up on Shakespeare memorabilia.
Kitchen
National British cuisine can be tasted at the Edward Moon’s restaurant, located at 9 Chapel St Town Center, or at Lambs at 12 Sheep St Town Centre.
Attractions and attractions in Stratford-upon-Avon
A lot is connected with the name of Shakespeare in Stratford. It’s worth starting from the house where he was born (address: Henley St). Continue to William’s wife Anne Hathaway Cottage, located 1 mile west of Stratford, in Shottery or at Mary Arden’s Farm, a fully recreated 1570s lifestyle including scents and traditional farming activities in which you can participate in person. Walk to the “New Place” – the house where William Shakespeare spent his last days until his death in 1616 (address: Chapel Street). And finally, visit the Holy Trinity Church, where Shakespeare was baptized and where he was buried. The Shakespeare attractions ticket will be valid for 12 months from the date of purchase and can also be purchased in advance at www.shakespeare.org.uk at a discount.
In addition to the Shakespearean sites in Stratford, you can visit the Stratford Butterfly Farm, where a tropical habitat has been created for them inside huge greenhouses. In addition to butterflies, the farm is home to birds, a pond with fish and an exhibition of some insects and spiders.
The Stratford Armories, located on the outskirts of the city, contains personal weapons and armor from the collection of James Whigington, and is considered one of the largest private collections open to the public.
The theaters in Stratford are also notable: the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, opened in 1932, the Swan Theatre, and the Waterside Theatre.
A separate pleasure is a boat trip organized by Bancroft Cruises. Cruises start from April to October from the Holiday Inn pier and last 45 minutes (cost 7-10 GBP).
