A Local's Guide to Stratford Upon Avon

When people think of Stratford upon Avon they automatically think of Shakespeare - the English poet and playwright but I think of it as my home for just over 3 years. Since moving to this beautiful part of Warwickshire I have truly fell in love with the place and the people. In the Summer the town really comes alive with river and food festivals and even with the scores of tourists lining the streets outside Shakespeare's house there is still a lovely atmosphere. Everyone I meet always says how lucky I am to live in Stratford Upon Avon so I want to share with you the lovely places I like to go to and interesting facts you may not know.


Facts about Stratford upon Avon


  1. The Dirty Duck pub is very close to the RSC and celebrities performing there have carved their name into the tables.
  2. Dating back to the 1400s, the Garrick Inn is the oldest pub in Stratford.
  3. Stratford was given lamp posts by councils from across the world and these are scattered around town - a fun treasure hunt for kids.
  4. Since 1926 British bike manufacture Pashley cycles has been making beautiful bikes in Stratford upon Avon.
  5. Built in 1932, The Royal Shakespeare Theatre is 84 years old this year.
  6. David Bradley who plays Filch in Harry Potter and Walder Frey in Game Of Thrones lives here.
  7. The oldest house in Stratford is a 15th century, Grade II Listed building called Masons court.
  8. Stratford upon Avon is getting its own Monopoly board which will feature around thirty landmarks.
  9. An archaeological investigation of Shakespeare's grave at Holy Trinity church was completed this year and they discovered his skull may be missing.
  10. At 120km, the River Avon is the UK’s 19th longest river.
the garrick inn


(The Garrick Inn)


Restaurants in Stratford upon Avon

The one thing Stratford is not short of is places to eat and drink which is great for me as I am a real foodie. Unfortunately my bank balance hasn't given me the option to try every restaurant in town but I have tried quite a few including the best Thai food I have ever had at The Giggling Squid, British indoor and outdoor dining at Cox's Yard which backs onto the River Avon, Greek food at El Greco and a great sunday roast at The One Elm. Other restaurants that I am still eager to try is a new Thai Restaurant Sabai Sabai and 33 The Scullery which both have great reviews on Tripadvisor.









Cafe's in Stratford upon Avon


When it comes to coffee my boyfriend is a connoisseur so when we first met he took me to one of his favourite coffee shops in town Box Brownie on Henley Street and I could see why. Inside it is so quaint, the staff are super welcoming and did I mention they offer award winning coffee?! Yes my lovely friends at Monsoon Estates were awarded 3 Gold Stars at the Great Taste Awards for their Espresso Blend and they were also listed in the Top 50 Food List.




monsoon estates

Another new café in Stratford also stocking Monsoon Estates coffee along with yummy bread and cakes is Bouche Bakehouse on Sheep Street. Just look at them scones and brownies - I had to control myself when taking these pictures...



Independent gelato kitchen Hoorays popular with kids and adults is a great addition to Stratford upon Avon, they make all their gelato and sorbets onsite along with hot crepes and waffles I have to say it's calorific!


hoorays



Shops in Stratford upon Avon

One of my other favourite pastimes is shopping, along with the usual high street shops Stratford Upon Avon also have some truly unique shops such as the Nutcracker which sells Christmas decorations all year round! If you're a big fan of Christmas and start planning for next year on boxing day this is the shop for you. Another cute addition that I love is the Peter Rabbit specialist shop with plenty of gift ideas for children and adults.


If you’re into your fashion and accessories like me then you will want to take a look inside the little gift shops that line Henley Street or Gemini Woman that has been offering Scandinavian style on Wood Street for over 30 years.



 



William Shakespeare
Last but not least I can't forget the talented man who was born here - William Shakespeare. Tourists frequently visit his birthplace on Henley Street where he was born in 1564, making the half timbered house over 450 years old. When you go inside the house you will see it’s presented to reflect how he may have lived there.

Over time his plays have been brought to life by the Royal Shakespeare Theatre who are currently showing King Lear and Cymbeline on stage. But if you don't have time to watch a play then there are plenty of other options inside the RSC including the Tower - where you can see stunning views of Stratford, theatre tours, explore the free exhibitions or eat at the Rooftop Restaurant which I highly recommend.

The Shakespeare's birthplace trust website is a great guide for things to do if you've never been before.


RSC



Have you ever visited Stratford upon Avon?

*All images are my own


Liz x

5 comments

  1. I have been DYING to go there! Every time we are in London we miss it :-(
    xo Jessica
    www.whatsfordinneresq.com

    ReplyDelete
  2. Can't wait to go there! It's nice you post something like this! :) I would love to experience getting there! Ice cream shot was so mouth watering!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Great to find out about this part of London as I will be traveling there next year! Also I love all your photos they are awesome! :)

    ReplyDelete
  4. Totally bookmarking this! We're planning a trip this summer!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Alright, cue the wanderlust! I can't wait to visit here...have yet to visit London, and these fun facts have me convinced I've gotta come.

    Coming Up Roses

    ReplyDelete