Beautiful and famous Stratford upon Avon
Stratford upon Avon, famous for the birthplace of Shakespeare
Set in the Midlands of England, 22 miles (35 kilometres) south-east of Birmingham, lies this historic town by the river Avon.
Stratford has a population of just over 25,000 and is world-famous as the birthplace of William Shakespeare, the poet and playwright.
Many of the buildings connect with the famous Bard, and the area has many Tudor style buildings and properties with thatched roofs.
Attractions
Many tourists, particularly on warm summer days, sit on the lawns outside the Royal Shakespeare theatres and picnic or stroll along the riverbank, watching the many swans that swim here all through the year.
At the far end of the lawns is the Canal Basin, part of the London to Birmingham canal, where you can watch canal boats navigate the lock or walk past the touring and permanently sited boats.
On the edge of the gardens, you will find Swan Fountain, unveiled in 1996 by Queen Elizabeth 2. From this fountain, guided tours of the city begin every day, including Christmas Day, organised by Stratford Town Walk.
Walk across the footbridge, and you will find a Butterfly Farm, the largest of its type in Europe.
Back on the town side of the river, you can stroll through the Tudor style frontage of retail outlets whilst finding historical reminders of Shakespeare.
Visit Henley Street and find the house where Shakespeare was born on 23rd April 1564.
At Wood Street, High Street and Sheep Street, you find many independent traders, including Curtis Brae, the famous Teddy Bear shop.
Sheep Street is the restaurant area, although there are many to be found elsewhere in the town.
Anne Hathaway’s Cottage is another attractions. Shakespeare’s wife lived here before she married him.
“New Place” which Shakespeare owned and where he died, and Hall’s Croft where Shakespeare’s daughter Susanna lived after her marriage.
4.9 million visitors per year visit the Royal Shakespeare Theater Complex and centre.
The riverside sets the Shakespeare Theater with the Bancroft Gardens beside it.
Tours of the complex are available daily, from 9.00 a.m. (10.a.m. on Sundays).
It is also possible to climb the tower for remarkable views of Stratford upon Avon and the surrounding Warwickshire countryside.
The theatre offers many events during the year with productions of Shakespear and works from all over the world.
Please visit the Shakespear Theatre Company website for upcoming events and dates:
History
The city’s history goes well beyond Shakespeare.
It was a market town, granted a royal charter by King Richard in 1198, allowing it to hold markets.
Because of its location, Stratford upon Avon also became a centre of the leather industry, and local shops still sell locally made leather goods.
Festivals in Stratford-upon-Avon and nearby
Shakespeare Birthday Celebration, every year in April.
The highlight of the weekend is the procession through the town and the unfurling of the flags.
Sightseeing and tourist information
Open topped tourist buses take visitors around the town with a guided commentary.
The Tourist Information is in Bridge Street near the waterfront, and their web address is stratford-upon-avon.co.uk.
How to get here; It can be by road, rail, or by air.
Many areas around England have coach tours available, there are up to 7 trains a day from Marylebone Station, London, and the nearest airports are Coventry and Birmingham.
More attractions near Stratford upon Avon
Not far from Stratford, just 15 kilometres (9 miles), is Warwick.
This little town is also situated by the River Avon, with just over 27,000 people.
Most come to Warwick to visit the famous and historic Warwick Castle
Tours and things to do in Stratford upon Avon
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The Historic Warwick Castle in Midlands England
The Historic Warwick Castle in Midlands England
Visitors to the Midlands of England should visit the historic town of Warwick, set on the banks of the River Avon, a small town with a population of just over 27,000 people. Most people come to Warwick to visit Warwick Castle. A majestic castle initially built by William the Conqueror in 1068 in wood. It was rebuilt in stone in the 12th century and with major additions in the 14th and 17th centuries.
It’s also lovely to stroll through the old town Warwick and look at the beautiful architecture.
When you visit the castle, you will find history depicted in a modern, exciting way.
The entrance is by the Stable Courtyard, and you will see a reconstruction of a Ballista, a siege catapult.
Entrance to the walled castle is through Clarence Tower, and once inside, you will view the large grassed area and gardens which lie inside the walls.
Warwick Castle has many towers built for defence around the walls.
Caesar’s Tower has the 14th-century gaol where you can still see the names of the imprisoned scratched into the cold, dark walls.
Clarence Tower is a reconstruction of the 15th-century building.
As you walk around the walls, the views of the surrounding countryside are spectacular.
At the far end, beside the river, you will see the Trebuchet, one of the world’s most significant siege engines, which were built as a reconstruction in Denmark and brought to the castle in 2005.
This 18-meter tall catapult, weighing 22 tonnes, can fire large rocks over 200 meters.
At various times during the year, demonstrations of its throwing power take place.
Away from the lawns, you will find the Sword in the Stone area depicting the legend that Arthur pulled the sword Excalibur free, showing him the rightful king.
The Earls of Warwick were owners of the castle for over 400 years since King James 1 gave it to Sir Fulke Greville in 1604, who converted it into a stately home. Since the end of the 17th century, it is available for tourists, and Queen Victoria visited in 1858. In 1978 the castle was leased to the Tussaud’s group (of Madame Tussaud’s waxwork fame), and this company has now merged with others to become the Merlin Group. The castle’s main buildings have had 6 million pounds spent on them in the last ten years. The Great Hall and State Rooms use wax models to help depict life in the castle as it used to be. It is the largest room in Warwick Castle, and there are over six rooms that depict the Edwardian and Victorian high society lifestyles. There are also 12 rooms depicting the Royal Weekend Party, where the primary guest was Edward Prince of Wales, later to be Edward the seventh. Inside the walls, mainly on the grass area, daily events are held. These include the “flight of the eagles”, where birds of prey fly around the area, archery displays and jousting. For young children under 10, there is the Princess Tower, where young children pretend to break a curse. Entry here is included in your entry ticket, but because of its limit of 30, you must book a time slot when you buy your ticket. There are modern, extra attractions that give a unique atmosphere to the castle. Individual tickets, which must be bought separately, are for the Merlin Castle Dungeon and the Merlin Dragon Tower, both with timed entry tickets. The Merlin Castle Dungeon has ten rooms depicting the most frightening of times in the castle’s history. It is interaction with live actors and special effects. The tour takes about 50 minutes and is unsuitable for children under ten years, for pregnant ladies, for those with heart conditions or those easily frightened. The Merlin Dragon Tower is based on the TV drama “Merlin” and shows the young magician trying to protect Arthur. You will get a chance to talk to the dragon and to look in the magic mirror. The dragon breathes smoke and fire. The tour takes 15 minutes, and under 18’s are only allowed when accompanied by an adult. Children under four are allowed free. It’s so much to see, so it is good to spend an entire day in the castle.Entertainment and events outside Warwick Castle
Sources and external links
Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warwick_Castle
Warwick Castle official website: https://www.warwick-castle.com
Where to Stay – Hotel Tips
Warwickshire Hotel and Country Club
With a spa centre, hydrotherapy pool and sauna, this hotel is a leisure dream. It has a fitness centre as well.
Guests can also enjoy an 18-hole golf course, a par three short course and a driving range.
Luxuriate in beautiful surroundings, book a spa treatment and take a jog along a designated 5 km course.
Festivals in Warwick
Tours and tickets to Warwick Castle
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Gordes in France, A Provencal Gem !
About Gordes in France
Gordes is full of charm and set amidst the beautiful scenery of the Vaucluse department in Provence.
It’s difficult to miss this lovely commune as you approach because, like many others in Provence, it is set on a hillside, overlooking the surrounding vineyards and olive groves.
It is actually known as one of the most beautiful villages in France, so this is Provence at its best!
For many people, a visit to Gordes means wandering around this charming village and soaking in the atmosphere and architecture. There are narrow, cobbled streets, many of which lead to the castle right in the heart of the village and at its highest point. This is the town’s major tourist attraction, and it was partially rebuilt in the Renaissance style in 1525. The cellars of Saint Firmain Palace are also famous, while a little outside the village is the Senanque Abbey. Village des Bories Also, a little outside of the village is an open-air museum called the Village de Bories, where there are around 20 dry stone huts built in the 18th century. The hills and agricultural lands surrounding the village are great to explore on foot or by bike.Things to See and Do
The Senanque Abbey
Getting to Gordes
The village has a rural setting so you won’t find any large cities nearby, but that is of course part of its appeal.
Marseille is around 90 kilometres (56 miles) almost directly south, while the City of the Popes, Avignon, is around 40 kilometres (25 miles) to the west.
Both Avignon and Marseille have airports. From the airport it would be easiest and most convenient to rent a car and drive through the beautiful Provencal scenery.
Hotels and Where to Stay
Gordes has a permanent population of only around 2,000 people, so this isn’t a large town, and there’s a limited number of places to stay.
La Bastide de Gordes Hotel and Spa is a stunning luxurious 5-star hotel with beautiful views.
Hotel Les Bories and Spa are set on its 8-hectare estate amidst olive trees, lavender, cypresses and oak trees.
Overview of all hotels in Gordes
Of course, you can also opt for more basic accommodation if you want to experience more how the locals live, and a popular option is to rent a farmhouse as a private rental or stay in one of the quaint B&Bs.
The Weather
Summers are much like the rest of Provence, relatively dry and relatively hot, and you’ll find the hottest temperatures in July and August when average highs are 28 to 29C.
There are usually just a few days of rain in these months, making this a great time to visit.
Winters are cold, but not excessively so unless there’s a Mistral wind blowing through.