One of my favourite places to visit (Stratford-upon-Avon in General)

Member Name: licclevicki

Product:	Stratford-upon-Avon in General
Date:	12/12/08 (123 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: something for everyone

Disadvantages: busy in high season

Stratford upon Avon
*****************

The town of Stratford is a place close to my heart. A place l have visited for as long as l can remember and a place that l have always enjoyed visiting. There is something for everyone in Stratford, whatever your interests you can visit Stratford for a short stay or a longer stay and have an enjoyable visit with plenty to see and do.

Location
*******
Stratford is located in the heart of England, in Warwickshire. Its easily accessible from many different directions. Located not too far from Birmingham and the M40 and it is within easy reach of Warwick, Coventry, Birmingham and the Cotswolds. Stratford upon Avon, as the name suggests is located on the river Avon.
Stratford has local bus services and a train station available which is within easy reach of the town centre.
Whether you are staying in Stratford for a day or a few days, Stratford is an ideal place to explore, and there are also many places to visit nearby, such as
Warwick castle
Kenilworth Castle
Places in the Cotswolds, such as Bourton on water and Broadway with the fabulous Broadway tower, which towers above the beautiful Cotswold scenery, and on a clear day you can see for miles.
As l mentioned Stratford is within easy reach of Birmingham and Coventry, and you may like to visit Coventry Cathedral.

What to see and do in Stratford
*************************
The town of Stratford has many things to see and do. There are a variety of shops to explore, such as HMV, Marks and spencers and other high street stores, however Stratford also has many tourist shops that supply unique gifts, post cards and things that you may not find available else where.
Stratford has the river Avon running through the town where there is a nice park area which is a great place to have a picnic, to watch the boats go through the locks. The park is pretty which is well maintained with beautiful flowers in the summer months, and a selection of historic monuments. You will notice if you do visit that people stand and watch the boats go through the locks for hours. You can also take boat trips along the river, these are a few pounds, and can be a relaxing trip, or why not hire your own boat?

There is a secure childrens area in the park too, with childrens slides and swings etc. (I confess l had hours of fun here when l was a child).
If you fancy a romantic meal along the river, there is restaurant dining on a boat on the river. I haven't tried this, it is quite pricey but l think it would be a really memorable experience.
Possibly one of the greatest things about Stratford is that it has somehow clung to its heritage, and you will notice many of the buildings have managed to keep the style they have always had and local residents are proud of their town.
Stratford is probably most famous as the birthplace of William Shakespeare the poet and play-writer. There are several historic buildings you may wish to visit whilst in Stratford, such as the wonderful place of William Shakespeare who was born in the house in 1564. Visit Halls croft the place where Shakespeare's daughter lived with her husband, or visit Anne Hathaway's cottage, or Mary Ardens house. These are wonderful attractions located around Stratford, definitely worth a visit. (For more information visit the link at the bottom of this review).

If you fancy a visit to the Royal Shakespeare theatre, this is located next to the park, right by the river, and performs frequent plays that Shakespeare wrote. The theatre is currently undergoing redevelopments.
There really is something for everyone in Stratford, whether you want a quiet walk by the river, dinner in one of the many bars or restaurants, somewhere to entertain the children, or to step into Stratford's history, you wont be disappointed.

Located within the park is the Butterfly farm, which is apparently europes largest butterfly farm, l haven't been for years, infact l think l went on a school trip when l was young. It is a great place to visit with children.
Cox's yard is a bar that lies beside the river. Here you can buy food and drinks, with outdoor and indoor dining. You can sit and have a drink next to the river, and there really is nothing better on a hot summers day. They also often have local musicians playing on the evenings, all for a fee, but if your looking to be entertained, always worth checking what is on.
If you are still not sure what Stratford has to offer you, then how about the evening ghost walks? I could probably talk about Stratford forever. Theres so much to do, and it's a place that holds a great deal of character and history. Its an ideal place for a break away. Be warned though summer can be very busy, especially bank holidays
There are plenty of places to stay, B&B, hotels, cottages etc, but again in summer months its best to book early to be sure of somewhere to stay.

Stratford is definitely worth a visit if you haven't been, there is something distinctly unique about stratford, something that draws me there time and time again!

For more information why not visit
http://www.stratford-upon-avon.co.uk/

Summary: a place for everyone