Stratford,
an attractive town with half-timbered houses, is famous as the
native town of William Shakespeare (1564-1616). The
hometown of William Shakespeare, Stratford is very touristy,
but we still think it's a must-see. While there, be sure to
attend a performance by the Royal Shakespeare Company. Take
one of the city walking tours guided by a local playwright (they
start from the Royal Shakespeare Theatre) and visit the sites
associated with the Bard, especially Anne Hathaway's cottage
(in nearby Shottery), Shakespeare's birthplace (don't breeze
past the exhibition), Holy Trinity Church (he's buried there
-- the riverside setting is idyllic) and Mary Arden's House
(which is 3 mi/5 km away in Wilmcote and popular with kids).
Only dedicated fans need take time to see the other in-town
Shakespeare properties. Also check out the British Pewter Museum,
which displays finely crafted tankards, pilgrim's badges and
children's toys. If time permits, walk around nearby Charlecote
Park and visit the town of Warwick for its highly entertaining
castle and the medieval Lord Leycester Hospital (across High
Street from the castle walls). Stratford also makes a good base
for exploring the Cotswolds.
