Stratford upon Avon is a delightful compact market town, dating back to at least 1196 when the Bishop of Worcester obtained a market charter and designed the street layout on what is known as a medieval grid.

Stratford is also the Birthplace of William Shakespeare and there are many links in the town to the world's greatest writer. There are three houses in the town associated with William Shakespeare. The Birthplace, Nash's House, with the site of New Place, and Hall's Croft.

The best way to discover Stratford and all it has to offer is to join the award winning Stratford Town Walk. There is a guided sightseeing walk every day, even Christmas day and you don't have to book. Just turn up whatever the weather, on a street called Waterside, just opposite the junction of Sheep Street. Mon, Tue and Wed at 11am. Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun at 2pm. Christmas Day at 10.30am. You pay the guide on arrival and the walk takes up to 2hrs. In addition you are given discount vouchers to save money at a range of shops, restaurants and attractions. Groups can hire a guide for a private walk or coach tour. For more information visit www.stratfordtownwalk.co.uk or call 07855 760377.

Stratford is a great place to visit for shopping. There are the usual chain stores you would expect to find in any great town, but also a superb range of exclusive independent shops. The ideal opportunity to find that special gift for yourself or someone else.

There is an abundance of quality tearooms, restaurants and pubs where you can enjoy a 'cream tea', lunch or dinner after a shopping trip or before a visit to the Royals Shakespeare Theatre to take in a world class performance.

In the evening you can join the award winning magical ghost walk. Operating since 2002 the guides are members of Equity and professional magical entertainers. It is good storytelling with a little magic. The ghost walk must be booked in advance by calling 07855 760377.

For those looking for ghostly entertainment with a difference, try the Stratford Ghost Cruise. It is an evening cruise along the beautiful River Avon with ghost stories and magic. There is a mini bar on board to raise the spirits! The cruise is a partnership between Stratford Town Walk and Bancroft Cruisers.

Bancroft Cruisers offer daily sightseeing cruises on the River Avon. You don't have to book, just join the boat at the Holiday Inn Hotel.

If you have more time to spare you can visit the Butterfly Farm, a haunted Tudor museum called the Falstaff's Experience, or join the open top tour bus. The bus tour goes out of town to see Anne Hathaway's Cottage and across country to Wilmcote to see Mary Arden's House. You can hop on and off all day.

Stratford upon Avon is the ideal base if you want to visit the Cotswolds, Warwick Castle, Comptom Verney or Blenheim Palace. The Tourist Information Centre on Bridgefoot will be able to offer help to visitors on arrival.

The town is busy on Saturdays and Sundays, but quieter during the week. There is a great atmosphere and the town and residents welcomes visitors all year. Without a doubt it is a magical place you will visit once and want to come back time and time again!

This description was last modified Jun 14 2009, 09:32 AM  [ View Page History ]
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