Great Britain, Stratford upon Avon – The Birthplace of William Shakespeare

Next to the royal theater, the main sight in the city, you may walk to other five places related to the titan. The first one is the exact copy of Shakespeare' native home in the city center. Here you may see an exhibition focused on the history of his family history, you will visit the garden where young Shakespeare used to take walks. If you were lucky, you may see some excerpts of his plays on a small concrete yard before the entrance. The inside of the house resembles the time when the writer was alive. You tour the house individualy, therefore you may take as much time as you please to explore it thoroughly.

Shakespeare's new house is another popular place. The author moved in there at the age of 30. However, don't let the name fool you for the house had been rebuilt many times and completely demolished in 1759. The guide will show you the ground plans of the original house, and tell you about the history of the place. Then you can walk through the garden and have a look at a small exhibition there. Yet we feel that many would find this plece unerwhelming as nothing more than a large garden along with some items have been maintained. 

Also, you may visit Anne Hathaway's, the wife of Shakespeare, residence situated on the edge of Stratford. It takes about half-an-hour to get there from the city center. Anyone who loves British architecture will love the walk. There are unique historic houses along the way, including typical British neighborhoods with all houses looking the same. The road goes across the park and ends in a small forest. Near there there is Anne cabin. A garden with grazing sheep belongs to the house. A tour inside the house takes about 30 minutes. However, you may spend a lot more time in the gardens.

Next you may visit the house of Shakespeare's daughter Susanna. Close to the house, there is a herb garden maintained by her husband who was a medical practicioner. An open-air theater takes place here in the summer months. Mary Arden farm is the last place on offer. This one belonged to Shakespeare's mother. Children will love the place the most for they may stroke here horses, donkeys, pigs, cows, or sheep. Guides demonstrate the everyday on the farm, how once cares for animals as well as how hand crafts are made. Also there is a playground.

You may buy the tickets individually, choose three or see all five places. At the visitors' center in the city center, they sell tickets for cheaper and you may get some advice in addition to that. They recommend you where to go. Castle Warwick is the most beautiful place around, only half-an-hour of a train ride from there.

If you want to visit a typical British place with many quiant houses, parks, and gardens while listening to commentary by a local, Stratford is the place to be at. 

GPS: 52°11'37.3"N 1°42'27.1"W

Text and photos: Karolína Lhotáková