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Stratford-upon-Avon’s
half-timbered village defines “tourist attraction” and
mobs up in the summer when everyone turns up to tour town and
then walk the rather pleasant mile out to Shottery where Anne
Hathaway’s Cottage has been more often photographed than
London Bridge.
Think Disney in 16th century England, and
buy your ticket from the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust offices
on Henley Street. Do realize that a lot of what you see is
rather a stage set as the 20,000 locals make a nice living off
tourists.
Must
stops include Shakespeare’s birthplace on Henley Street with
some decent manuscripts and, for the botanically inclined, a
garden filled with flora mentioned in Shakespeare’s plays.
The nicer walled garden in Hall’s Croft, his daughter’s
home, is worth a visit when there are special events. So is
nearby Avon Croft.
If town crowds out try the stroll along waterside past
the gardens along the Avon River or cross the river to a
picnic in the Recreation Grounds that avoids tourist food in
local restaurants. So does taking the chain ferry across to
the Dirty Duck side of the River Avon.
From
March through December, the Royal Shakespeare Theater
performances seem designed to keep visitors in town overnight.
The portraits and costumes in the Royal Shakespeare
Picture Gallery are worth a visit, but staying overnight in
Stratford-upon-Avon won’t do much for the lodging or meal
budgets, and there’s usually better Shakespeare in London.
Frankly,
if you’ve limited time check out the Globe Theatre in
London, visit the Theater Museum off Covent Gardens, or enjoy
Shakespeare on another London stage.
For the couple of hours on the train or tour bus,
you’re better off in Brighton, Cambridge, Dover, etc. If you
are there for dinner, try Desports.
TIP:
Never, never, never visit in summer!
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