Self Drive in UK : Shakespeare's home town, Stratford

Finding Shakespeare in Stratford-upon-Avon

This town has many tourists around the globe and we could immediately felt that when we walked into the town center. Introducing the old place which is the birthplace and new place of Shakespeare’s home. We started our walking from the old place to the new place.

This is the birthplace of the great English poet, William Shakespeare and he was also buried here after he pass away at this town in Startford-upon-Avon.

If you are Shakespeare enthusiast, this is really a great place for you to explore and learn more about Shakespeare’s life. There are few sites where you can visit, his home, birthplace and of course the most exciting one – the theater and his final resting place too.

This place has many tourists and the shops here are selling all kind of souvenirs, antique and weird stuff, you never know what you will find. Just go and dig out the treasure.

You would be surprised to see building dating back Tudor period and still well-kept. The below old building is the public library but not opened to public now as it is under work maintenance. I tried to peep inside but could not see much as it was quite dark. Just imagine Shakespeare writing love poem in this old library.

Even people like me who doesn’t know much about Shakespeare would love this place too as the old English town is really attractive.

There are many students excursion from Europe as they are speaking other European languages so candies shops should be popular here.

Met many students excursion groups walking around the town of Stradford to find out about Shakespeare’s past. May be it would helped for their exam after personally witness the historical site.

Mercure Stratford-upon-Avon

Above is the Mercure Hotel located in the heart of the town, best location.

Shakespeare New Place

Shakespeare’s new place is his final place of residence. You are now invited to walk in Shakespeare’s footsteps through a new entrance on the footprint of his original gatehouse.

Few artwork displaced upon entry to the gate, the man on the right is the guide who will explain the history to you if you show him the ticket you have purchased.

The Knot Garden

The Knot Garden was restored in keeping with the intention of the original design.

WS – William Shakespeare

Truly a gorgeous garden and quite stunning!

Sculptures and artwork found in the garden

This place is really clean, I din’t see any rubbish at all.

The Great Garden

This is another garden in the New Place called the Great Garden.

Enjoy the peaceful and tranquility of this garden. If you have bought some WS books from the souvenirs shop, you can read WS ‘s poems aloud here at this garden.

The New Place has a very huge garden, you can find many traditional plants and flowers here.

“We know what we are, but know not what we may be”

~ William Shakespeare

How many days should I spend in Stratford-upon-Avon?

If you are fan of Shakespeare, you can stay 2 days one night here as there are 5 houses to visit plus the museum, church and theater play,etc. Upon arrival, please visit the visitor center as they have some package tours cum tickets for entrance to the houses. Please choose the tour package suit you best depending on how much time you have and your interest.

I only spend an afternoon at Stratford-upon-Avon which is quite enough for people like me 🙂

More pictures showing the town center.