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Stratford-upon-Avon

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Stratford upon Avon is probably the one English village name that raises the brow of people alien to these shores more than any other including many in their own lands, for it immediately throws up the name of a man who will either be loved or hated by all who ever had to study his work.

That man being possibly the worlds greatest writer and playwright namely William Shakespeare of whom any child will tell you that they had to learn some part of some play written by him. No matter where one goes in this world of ours the works of William Shakespeare will be found in almost any country in pure or translated form. I don't have to say that he was, or is not, everyones cup of tea, as it were, for he had and still has his critics, but for sure he has left an indelible mark on life and language the world over. Whether we like it or not that man has helped make us, as a nation, what we are today and I daresay most other nations who have embraced his writings into their education systems as well.

Who among us can deny the oft used phrases such as "once more into the breach" or "friends, Romans and countrymen" or even "double, double, toil and trouble" as never having been used in some part of a conversation by themselves even in jocular form. Friends, we all are now part of it for it has been formulated in our very beings, generation after generation and may I say as one who hated studying Shakespeare we are all the better for it even though most would not admit it.

Stratford plays an important part in our story as it was here that the bard was married, and here where he settled in his later years, and here where he died and was laid to rest. Today it is here where thousands, nay hundreds of thousands have come to visit the places he trod. It is here that possibly the greatest Theatre Company and greatest actors in the world stage the works of the great man.

For anyone who has not visited Stratford I would immediately say do so, for it is truly a lovely place with an atmosphere that even Hollywood couldn't capture. As a Scot who has travelled the roads of England believe me when I say that there are not many places on these Islands as bonnie as Stratford upon Avon. The town itself is a mixture of the Elizabethan and the modern without the latter killing the aura of the former. The variety of shops and wonderful tearooms make browsing a pleasure and if you mix all that in with the historical sites and museums in and around the area then one should never be bored. The riverside with its punts, boats and barges always remind me of "Wind in the Willows" for some reason and on a lazy English summer day what could be better than lazing around on the river.

For the sporty amongst you the area around the town has fishing, golf, racing, castles, museums and other historical sites plus some wonderful walks. Of course I mustn't forget the theatre for a relaxing evening.

For eats the town has some wonderful places serving sumptuous food at varying prices.
Hotels, guesthouses, caravan and camping sites are available.

Travel is by rail, bus, coach or car.The nearest airports for visitors from abroad are London, Birmingham and Manchester with links by rail, bus or coach to Stratford upon Avon.