Shakespeare’s Stratford-upon-Avon

This beautiful, picturesque town is the birthplace of Shakespeare and has lots to offer in terms of sights and activities. Now, with the upcoming 450th anniversary of Shakespeare’s birth many of the region’s key attractions will have a year round programme of productions, events, festivals and exhibitions for any fans of his to see and explore.

We started our Stratford-upon-Avon adventure by visiting his birthplace and listening to the guide’s fascinating stories about his birth, life, family and works and then did a front-stage tour at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre.

It’s a great combination, really: first you’ll learn a little about who he really was and what his family life was like. Then, you’ll tour a theatre that keeps his legacy alive by bringing big productions on stage week after week, hundreds of years later.

“Now, good digestion wait on appetite, and health on both!”

After all the touring we enjoyed a very lovely lunch at the Othello Brasserie, a 16th century building right in the middle of the town. Originally this inn was a meeting place for writers, artists and actors since the 18th century. Delicious food, and the afternoon tea is just lovely – if you don’t believe my word, check out Rachelle’s / thetravelbite’s Instagram for proof!

“I would give all my fame for a pot of ale.”

There’s a place called The Garrick Inn, the oldest pub in town, and they actually serve a lovely pint of Shakesbeer. The building’s been around since the early 1400’s, but the inn has gone through a lot: the bubonic plaque epidemic, a fire and several different names.

The Garrick Inn, however, comes from a Shakespearean actor called David Garrick (1717-1779).

“I am a great eater of beef and I believe that does harm to my wit.”

For dinner we went all the way up on top of the theatre! Since most of the night’s pre-theatre dinner hassle was over by the time we got there, The RSC Rooftop Restaurant offered us a nice and quiet moment to rest our feet and get our bellies full.

We even did a little shopping in the theatre shop. New umbrellas! Look how pretty they are and how happy they made us!

“O sleep! O gentle sleep!”

For a good night’s sleep we trusted the Arden Hotel right next to Royal Shakespeare Theatre. It’s a very pretty, welcoming place to rest with a beautiful backyard and comfortable rooms.

There’s an explanation for the #HamletBatch note, too: during our stay it was confirmed thatBenedict Cumberbatch is actually doing Hamlet on a West End stage next year and I went all giddy about it! Here I was, in the birthtown of Shakespeare himself and the appearance of my favourite dude ever in this legendary play was finally, officially confirmed.

These pictures and captions from our Instagram show a few glimpses of what we did during our rather short stay, but if you plan to make a trip to this town or any of the surrounding areas, here’s a few useful links:

Visit Stratford-upon-Avon
Shakespeare Birthplace Trust
Shakespeare’s England