A quaint and quintessentially English town on the banks of the River Avon, Stratford has the friendly buzz of a place that welcomes many visitors. And plenty of them do visit, with up to three million tourists coming each year to see a play, learn about the town's history or just enjoy the general ambiance. In Stratford, there is a lot of culture for those who are looking for it. But you don't need to be a 'culture vulture' to enjoy a relaxing day out here.
Our tour begins at Shakespeare's Birthplace. This is where the world's most celebrated playwright was born and spent his childhood years. The house dates back to the 16th Century, and it has been preserved to reflect the lifestyle of the merchant class during the bard's lifetime. To get the most out of your time here, book a guided tour of the house and gardens. On display, you will find a 19th-century visitors book bearing the signature of another icon of English literature — Charles Dickens.
A short walk along Henley Street, High Street and Chapel Street will bring you to the day's second historical attraction — Hall's Croft. The home of Shakespeare's daughter, Susanna Hall, this impressively preserved building gives a unique insight into life in Tudor Britain. Tours of the building are available. In summer, the gardens offer a beautiful and peaceful surrounding in which to stop and reflect on the differences and similarities between our modern world and the lives of the Elizabethans.
Follow the road called 'Old Town' toward the river Avon, where you will find Shakespeare's final resting place, Holy Trinity Church. Here, you will find a monument to Shakespeare and an epitaph believed to have been written by the bard himself. Well, if you're the greatest writer Britain has ever produced, you might as well do the job yourself, right? The church is an impressive structure with ornate interiors. An impressive sight no matter what your religious or literary leanings.
Stop for lunch or afternoon tea in any number of cosy eateries you will pass along or around the riverbanks. Within the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, there are three dining options. The Riverside café opens late morning and offers indoor and outdoor seating with views across the river. Susie's Café Bar is open Wednesday to Saturday, also from late morning — perfect for a quick bite. For something more substantial, the Rooftop Restaurant and Cocktail Bar is open from 11:30am.
The spiritual home of Shakespearean drama for bookworms and theatregoers the world over — welcome to The Royal Shakespeare Theatre. The building itself actually contains two auditoria: the modern 1,018-seat Royal Shakespeare Theatre facing north and, to the south, the 469-capacity Swan Theatre with its red-brick Victorian facade. It is worth booking a tour of the building, and these take place twice a day, one before noon and one early afternoon. Check their website for the latest prices and timings. Before you leave, be sure to climb the 107-foot viewing tower to take in views across the Warwickshire countryside.
This well-preserved sixteenth-century English farmhouse was the childhood home of Shakespeare's wife, Anne Hathaway. She lived here until she married the playwright in 1582. Surrounding the cottage you will find picturesque gardens, including a traditional English cottage garden, orchards, and a woodland walk. When you're ready for some quiet reflection, there are designated quiet areas in the Sculpture Trail and the Tree Garden. The cottage is approximately a 30 minutes' walk from The Royal Shakespeare Theatre, and you can find the most scenic route here.
Return to the Royal Shakespeare Theatre to enjoy a play. Booking in advance is essential during the busier months, and advisable all year round. If you are not familiar with the play which is being performed, be sure to buy a program which will help you get the most out of the whole spectacle. See if you can spot any of the world-famous actors who often perform here, just a few feet in front of you.
Explore the wonders of Ireland and Scotland on this remarkable 9-day tour. Immerse yourself in the rich cultures of these historic Gaelic nations as you embark on a captivating journey.
Experience all that is Ireland in this 10-day adventure. Ireland's best-loved attractions and its best-kept secrets, including the Wild Atlantic Way.
Discover the best of Ireland and Scotland with this unforgettable 14-day tour. Compare the cultures of these historic Gaelic nations during a magical fortnight.
Experience a once-in-a-lifetime 18-day adventure as you behold the most famous and captivating attractions that Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and England have to offer.
Discover the Island of Ireland, North and South with this unforgettable 14-day tour. Spend 4 days in Ulster, and 10 more in Eire.
Take in the essence of captivating Ireland as you embark on an unforgettable 8-day adventure, immersing yourself in the Emerald Isle's beauty and charm.
Experience the true essence of Ireland in under a week. Ireland's unmissable destinations and the Wild Atlantic Way in one unforgettable tour.
Live like royalty for 10 days across Ireland, staying in real Irish castles and country manors. Enjoy the finest all-inclusive tour Ireland has to offer.
An exclusive tour capped at max. 8 guests, travelling through the idyllic scenes of The Wild Atlantic Way. Including an overnight stay in an Irish castle.
Embark on a unique and intimate journey through the Celtic heartlands of Ireland and Scotland on this exclusive tour designed for a maximum of 8 guests.
Northern Ireland's natural beauty awaits on this six-day fully-inclusive tour of Ulster. Picturesque towns, untamed coastlines and friendly locals await.
Adare is a small town in Co. Limerick, known for its quaint and colourful thatched cottages. Adare is considered to be one of Ireland's most beautiful towns so stop and take in the view. Don't forget your camera today - the perfect chance to capture the essence of old Ireland.
Explore Adare Village along the Wild Atlantic Way.
Take a journey through this once troubled city. See the murals of the Loyalist Shankill Road & Nationalist Falls Road. The Troubles took their toll on the economic life of Belfast, but the past ten years of peace have returned much prosperity while the genuine friendliness of the city never left.
Originally built in 1823, Blarney Woollen Mills was mainly used for the spinning and weaving of wool. After it closed in 1973, it reopened in 1975 — as an Irish heritage shop.
The Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre commemorates the last pitched battle fought on British soil, in April 1746. Learn more about the Jacobite intent to overthrow the House of Hanover and return the House of Stuart to the British throne.
Located within Glenveagh National Park, Glenveagh Castle was built by Captain John George Adair between 1870 and 1873. Having made his fortune through land speculation in America, Adair return to Ireland and began large amounts of land in County Donegal. The castle was built in the Scottish Baronial style and is surrounded by a garden and commands stunning views of the nearby mountains, lakes, woodlands and valleys.
About Highland Folk Museum is a museum and open-air attraction located in the Scottish Highlands. It is designed to showcase the domestic and working lives of the early highland people.
Located alongside the River Shannon in County Limerick, on King's Island. Dating back to 922, to a time when Vikings were the inhabitants of the island (Thormodr Helgason, the Viking sea-king, built the first settlement here. The castle itself was built in 1200, under the instruction of King John of England.
Located alongside the River Shannon in County Limerick, on King's Island. Dating back to 922, to a time when Vikings were the inhabitants of the island (Thormodr Helgason, the Viking sea-king, built the first settlement here. The castle itself was built in 1200, under the instruction of King John of England.
Located close to the Killarney National Park, Moriarty's is an Authentic Irish Gift Store and Restaurant. Hand crafted Irish jewellery, Waterford Crystal and classic and modern tweed fashions and furnishings are all on offer at the gift store. The restaurant is an 85 seater offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Mount Congreve Gardens. Located in Kilmeaden, County Waterford, Mount Congreve Gardens is an 18th century Georgian estate and mansion. It was designed by the same architect that created both of Waterford's cathedrals, John Roberts.
Recently recognised as being one of the top 10 gardens in the world, Mount Stewart is a rich tapestry of planting plant life and stunning walking trails. The house dates back to the 19th century, and was the Irish seat of the Vane-Tempest-Stewart family.
Located on the grounds of the expansive and idyllic Killarney National Park. Muckross House, and its 11,000-acre grounds, was donated to the Irish state in 1932.
Located on the grounds of the picturesque Muckross House and its impeccable gardens. Take a step back in time and see the Irish farming lifestyle of the 1930s and '40s. A time when the horse was responsible for much of the labour and the weather was the be all and end all in terms of production.
The Quiet Man Museum. A reproduction of the quaint thatched cottage from the John Wayne starring, John Ford directed movie of the same name. all costumes, artefacts and furnishings have been recreated in precise detail, to reflect the setting of the 1952 classic. Located in the picturesque village of Cong, County Mayo.
Experience a once-in-a-lifetime 18-day adventure as you behold the most famous and captivating attractions that Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and England have to offer.
Discover the best of Ireland and Scotland with this unforgettable 14-day tour. Compare the cultures of these historic Gaelic nations during a magical fortnight.
Discover the Island of Ireland, North and South with this unforgettable 14-day tour. Spend 4 days in Ulster, and 10 more in Eire.
Experience all that is Ireland in this 10-day adventure. Ireland's best-loved attractions and its best-kept secrets, including the Wild Atlantic Way.
Take in the essence of captivating Ireland as you embark on an unforgettable 8-day adventure, immersing yourself in the Emerald Isle's beauty and charm.
Experience the true essence of Ireland in under a week. Ireland's unmissable destinations and the Wild Atlantic Way in one unforgettable tour.
An exclusive tour capped at max. 8 guests, travelling through the idyllic scenes of The Wild Atlantic Way. Including an overnight stay in an Irish castle.
Embark on a unique and intimate journey through the Celtic heartlands of Ireland and Scotland on this exclusive tour designed for a maximum of 8 guests.
Live like royalty for 10 days across Ireland, staying in real Irish castles and country manors. Enjoy the finest all-inclusive tour Ireland has to offer.
Northern Ireland's natural beauty awaits on this six-day fully-inclusive tour of Ulster. Picturesque towns, untamed coastlines and friendly locals await.
Explore the wonders of Ireland and Scotland on this remarkable 9-day tour. Immerse yourself in the rich cultures of these historic Gaelic nations as you embark on a captivating journey.
As a local Irish company, we at My Ireland Tour are passionate about our country and our local community. We're thrilled that you're interested in visiting the place we call home. That's why we put together this definitive travel guide for anyone who wants to come to Ireland and discover this amazing place for themselves.
This is a completely free resource covering everything from top tourist attractions to the nearest yoga centre. We hope it helps!
