Inevitably
Stratford upon Avon is linked with William Shakespeare. The bard was born here,
spent most of his adult life in London, then retired to Stratford.
To see Stratford and follow the Shakespeare trail you are well advised to park
your car, then use a mixture of walking and bus to discover the history of
Shakespeare.
A two hour walk will cover the
following:
Shakespeare's birthplace, an early 16th century, half timbered building in
Henley Street.
Down Bridge Street to Clopton Bridge, built in the 15th century
Shakespeare also went to school here at the Grammar School
Along the River Avon to the modern (built
in 1932) Royal Shakespeare Theatre. There are three theatres in the complex, one
of which runs the Shakespeare productions. Tickets, particularly for the
classics like Hamlet, can be difficult to obtain.
Along Southern Lane to the tree lined approach to Holy trinity Church,
overlooking the river, where Shakespeare is buried.
His tomb is marked by a simple
engraved stone in front of the alter
Near
the church is Halls Croft. This is a fine Tudor house with a walled garden,
which was the home of Shakespeare's daughter Susanna.
If you then take the open top tourist bus, you can get to Anne Hathaway's
cottage, at Shottery, one mile west of Stratford. The cottage is a thatched
house with 12 rooms, where Shakespeare is thought to have courted his future
bride.
You will find that the bus, which follows a circular route, is a convenient way
to see Stratford. The ticket enables you to get on and off at will. You just
catch the next bus when you are ready.
