Stratford and Shakespeare

Well, hardly time to unpack and wash the smalls and its off again, with friends from work, to Stratford-upon-Avon for three days.

I have been to Stratford before, but the memory was quite hazy, so everything came as a nice surprise. I knew to expect the old half-timbered houses and lots of Shakespeare, but it exceeded expectations. It really is a beautiful, well preserved, picturesque town. Lots of our American cousins there of course, thats OK, but why are they so loud? They seem to have no idea of how they come across, the image that they convey. Don't get me wrong, the Americans I have met have been lovely individuals, but abroad they often seem like demanding children. Anyway, enough.

If you plan to visit several of the Shakepeare houses its best to buy a ticket that give you entry to them all, it works out much cheaper. If you don't manage to visit them all, save the ticket for your next visit (or give it to a friend) because it lasts for ever.

We loved Shakespeare's birthplace both inside and out and there was a lovely garden. It was interesting to learn his history and follow his family tree. How unfortunate that none of his direct descendants survived.

All the houses were very impressive, he obviously was a wealthy man on his return. Anne Hathaway's cottage was beautiful, it must be one of the most photographed houses in the country. We toured the gardens too, sat in the bower, trying to look melancholy, and then charged around the maze.

The river is great, swans, geese, narrow boats and weeping willows. We had a gentle boat trip down the Avon admiring the houses of the rich, sloping down to the water.

The highlight of the trip was a visit to the Courtyard theatre, part of the Royal Shakepeare, to see a performance of Twelfth Night. The star of the night was Malvolio closely followed by the fool. A real treat.

Stratford is apparently the most visited place outside of London, we certainly enjoyed our trip.

Well, where shall we go next? I shall have to check the offers on my email, but there was a lot of talk in the car on the way back about a Xmas trip to Cardiff!! Bring it on!