UK - Stratford-upon-Avon

Stratford-upon-Avon, set in the beautiful rural Warwickshire countryside, on the banks of the river Avon, is steeped in culture and history. When we were in UK last August, we took a train to Stratford-upon-Avon, the birth place of William Shakespeare to get a taste of Olde England.

William Shakespeare (1564 - 1616) was born at Stratford-upon-Avon in a house which is preserved intact till today on Henley Street. At the Birthplace, both original and replica artifacts depicting the house as Shakespeare would have known it and Period Guides, dressed in replica Tudor clothing, welcome you to explore what life was like here in Tudor times. Favorite Shakespeare characters and some of his best-loved scenes were also brought to life by actors as we stroll through the house and grounds. You can take part in play if you wish to. No photography allowed in the house except in the garden which features many plants and herbs mentioned in Shakespeare's plays. Visit the gift shop where every purchase supports and preserves the Shakespeare Houses and Gardens for future generations.

Along Henley Street, there are an array of shops and cafes. We stopped to have English scones and tea at Patisserie Valerie (established in 1926) before proceeding to visit Nash’s House and New Place. Nash’s House was said to be the second finest house in Stratford at that time. It was owned by Thomas Nash, first husband of Shakespeare's grand-daughter, Elizabeth. In addition to the exceptional collection of Elizabethan furniture and tapestries, Nash's House also has displays upstairs on the fascinating history of Stratford. Shakespeare spent his retirement years in New Place, next door to Nash's House. Visitors can also enjoy The Knot and Great Garden.

Not too far away from Nash’s House and New Place is the Holy Trinity Church where Shakespeare was laid to rest at the age of 52. His widow was buried beside him when she died in 1623.

Other Shakespeare locations include Hall's Croft (home to William's daughter, Susanna), Anne Hataway's cottage (family home to William’s wife which stands in the village of Shottery, a mile outside Stratford) and Mary Arden's Farm (the childhood home of Shakespeare's mother) which our group did not managed to see on this trip as it was raining. Maybe we will do that the next time if we will to visit UK again 