Stratford-upon-Avon

Stratford-upon-Avon, Warkwickshire

40miles from Oxford, we were at Stratford.

I wanted to visit StratfordUpAvon as a standard FOUR kid. The Std 4 non-detail text not only introduced me to the abridged version of Shakespeare’s works, but also to Stratford through sketches and text.

A small town on the Banks of river Avon with just 24,000 permanent residents - Stratford is best known as the home town of the great English playwright and poet, William Shakespeare, iff ones’ not under the contention that, ‘he could not have written what the world thinks he has written’.

City Square and Saturday Market

Holy Trinity Church

This is where Shakespeare lies buried, and thus a place of pilgrimage. Beside Shakespeare also lay buried are Anne Hathway (bard’s wife) and Daughter.

Holy Trinity Church, on the banks of River Avon.

Royal Shakespeare Company – The Courtyard Theatre

Royal Shakespeare Company – Swan Theatre

Bridge Street

Bard’s Street

There are umpteen number of shops selling works of Shakespeare and specially, ‘The Complete Works of William Shakespeare’. But, had already stacked that in the shelf back home. But, luckily spotted a tourist free, students free, Oxford University Shop and shopped for Tees.

Shakespeare’s Birthplace and Garden

Shakespeare’s house has been restored with 16^th century décor and some authentic items preserved. The recent inclusions are the Gardens.

The Christmas Shop

Never seen one such exclusive shop. The stuff here was absolutely enticing.

Ann Hathway’s Cottage

Approx 1mile from the town centre, in the hamlet of Shottery is Hathway’s Cottage. She is said to have lived here until her marriage to Shakespeare.

Oxford II

Sheldonian Theatre, Broad Street

The ceremonial hall of the University, opened in 1609 and the first major building designed by Sir Christopher Wren. There are a series of busts outside the theatre facing the Broad St, with strange expressions, hair style and facial hair. To its right is the Clarendon Building, the former home of the Oxford University Press, and the current home to University administration.

Blackwell’s book shop – opp the Sheldonian Theatre, is the largest space dedicated to book sales in Europe. Another 9 specialty branches of this dedicated to Music, Art et al dot the city.

St Cross

Ashmolean Theatre

River Thames Walk

The walk is for my next visit. But this time, it was just the Willow Trees, Bridge Street, R.Thames and a short 10min walk along.

Narrow lane, high walls, green fence, and cobbled street. Loved walking down this lane.

University Church of St Mary, High Street

The church dates back to 1280 and contains the University College too.

Oxford University Press Bookshop, High Street is the official outlet for University souvenirs and gifts, selling T-shirts, tracks, sweaters, jackets and other paraphernalias. The University shop has outlets in every street and we saw tourists flocked in ever shop. To my disappoint it was impossible to get hold of an Oxford Tee here. The young gen crowd not only shopped for themselves, but also undressed and dressed amidst the crowd, without rendering necessity for a change/dressing room.

Covered Market at High St is said to be the oldest covered market in England. Small shops, unusual stuff, chocolate, cake shop, hat, fine butchers, florists, leather, glassware, cafes, you-name-it…

Info to help plan some other jaunt - There is a YHA right at the centre of the city.

‘Dreaming Spires, Gothic splendor, picturesque architecture, inviting University Colleges, frivolous-flippant younger gen, modern lifestyle and vibrant life’ – is Oxford to my eyes.

Not far from Oxford, on the way to Stratford-up-Avon is Blenheim Palace. Huge Palace grounds, lots to see for a days visit. We drove towards Stratford skipping Blenheim Palace.