It’s now one week until my trip to Stratford Upon Avon! Lodgings locations, travel there (from landing in London) arranged. We’ve got our “Full Story” tickets to the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, which gets us into:
- the birthplace
- New Place
- Hall’s Croft
- Anne Hathaway’s Cottage
- Mary Arden’s Farm
Additionally, here’s what I know we have to see (but I know nothing about their relative location to each other, whether they need tickets in advance, or what have you):
- Must have a meal at the Dirty Duck
- The school, of course.
- The church / grave, of course
Does anybody know that “The Creaky Cauldron” is? I don’t think it’s a Shakespeare thing but it seemed like something my kids might like, to break up the Shakespeare.
Alas we will not be seeing a show at the RSC. A family member actually gave us tickets to a show at the Globe (when we go to London the next week) and I could not justify the cost/time of making my family sit through two lengthy Shakespeare shows.
If anybody’s got last minute tips I’m all ears! Looking for any local knowledge about how far things are apart from each other (we’ve arranged no special transportation so I’m hoping everything’s a reasonable walk), what we might need tickets for in advance, what times of day might be better for some things than others, that sort of thing. I’ve been waiting my whole life for this trip so anything and everything that makes it awesome, I’m interested!
Question! How exactly does one hire a car? Say we did want to go somewhere just outside of town. I hear Kenilworth Castle is nice. Or Warwick? What’s my best way to get my family there?
Can’t wait!
Wishing you all the best for your visit. You are going to have a blast. It’s a shame you can’t sneak in a visit to the RSC – a real cut above when it comes to Shakespeare performances. Make sure you visit the gift shop and the terrace bar, anyway. I haven’t done so much of the tourist stuff in SUA, but can recommend Warwick castle https://www.warwick-castle.com/ it’s a bit Disney-fied, but what’s wrong with that? You could also go on a boat ride along the Avon, or just potter around the various shops / sup in the local taverns. There are often street performers too.
The Globe is also great although I am not a big fan of their repertoire this summer. Which play are you seeing? The Globe tour is worthwhile, and the Swan pub next door is good for cocktails. You can also take a stroll along the South Bank which is buzzing in the evenings and has some of the best views in London.
I was not able to get to Stratford – had to leave something on the bucket list – but second the Globe tour. Our tourguide was wonderful at sharing the history and making it come alive. Glad you are seeing a show at the Globe. I don’t know what you’re seeing, but the experience of being there. Of seeing the Groundlings standing there for the entire play. Definitely worth it. Give yourself time to enjoy the walk along the river to the Globe. That was part of the experience. Street performers. Kids playing. Soak it in. You’ll remember it all.