Shakespeare's Stratford upon Avon Tour

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The Birthplace Anne Hathaway’s Cottage Riverside walk by the Avon A glimpse of Tudor life “This other Eden, demi-paradise” With your private guide enjoy a leisurely drive through rolling countryside to the north west of London taking us to “the forest of Arden” in Warwickshire, where William Shakespeare grew up and whose woods, cottages and country characters provided inspiration for much of his writing. Although Shakespeare left Stratford as a young man, to pursue life as an actor and writer in London, he kept his family home in the place of his birth, returned constantly during his lifetime, and retired there in his middle years, a prosperous country gentleman. He is buried in the pretty parish church where he was christened. In this day-long exploration, we will begin at the pretty cottage where William courted Anne Hathaway – a picture perfect thatched farmhouse in a delightful cottage garden. Then we visit the simple house in Henley Street where he was born – now part of an international centre for Shakespeare scholarship, with a wonderful museum. A riverside stroll by the Avon takes us past the Shakespeare Memorial Theatre to Holy Trinity church where the playwright was baptised and is buried. There is much more to see in Stratford-upon-Avon; among many fine, timbered houses is the Harvard House, once home to John Harvard’s mother and now owned by the University, and Hall’s Croft, where Shakespeare’s daughter Susanna lived with her successful doctor husband. Perhaps you would like us to drive you the 3 miles to pretty Wilmcote to visit the Tudor farmhouse where his mother, Mary Arden grew up. Stratford is a delightful place to spend an unhurried afternoon; browse among the bookshops, stroll past the Guildhall and the old grammar-school where Shakespeare studied, down to the river to feed the swans. The White Swan – affectionately known as the Dirty Duck – is one of many possibilities for a leisurely lunch, and delicious tea-shops abound. And of course, in season, we can usually arrange tickets for a play – the perfect way to complete a day in Shakespeare’s Stratford. Make the day special and include nearby Warwick Castle. Including Warwick castle is ideal for families, your guide can explain the gory details of medieval life and give you an insight into medieval battle and castle design. Birds of prey, archery and combat exhibitions are all part of the program during the Spring and Summer. Luxury Vacations UK offer private driver-guided tours to the Cotswolds, Stratford-Upon-Avon and Warwick Castle.