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- William Shakespeare died on his birthday (23 April) in 1616, the day he turned 52, and he was buried in his local parish church, Holy Trinity. Shakespeare managed to secure his plot by buying a tithe deed which gave him the right to have a grave in the chancel of the church, to be buried alongside other family members. The church is a functioning place of worship for the local congregation, so bear in mind that visiting hours to see the pulpit may be restricted.
- Cycling or walking along this beautiful stretch of is a must. The canal at Stratford is the beginning of a 26 mile waterway which runs all the way to Birmingham, and the whole route can be walked or cycled, taking in a series of pretty villages before entering the outskirts of Birmingham and finishing in King's Norton.
- Treat yourself to a night or two at the Arden Hotel, a top-notch residence situated in the perfect spot: just opposite the River Avon and the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. Rooms are lovely: spacious, comfortable and contemporary, with large comfy beds. Eating here is a joy: the Waterside Brasserie, with relaxed and stylish surroundings offers great food. There's also a Champagne Bar and a lovely waterside terrace overlooking the Avon - perfect for sunny evenings.
A drink at the world-famous Dirty Duck (or the Black Swan, which is its original name) is a must. If you're lucky, you'll find yourself rubbing shoulders with many of the actors working in the town.
- Rising 36m above the River Avon, the Tower at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre has become an iconic part of the Stratford townscape, offering fabulous views. If you don’t fancy the walk, a lift will take you up to the 32-metre high viewing platform. This is just part of the view, taking in the Clopton and Tramway bridges over the river Avon.
- For millions of Shakespeare enthusiasts worldwide, this house is a shrine. William Shakespeare was born in this house and lived here until he was old enough to marry. He also spent the first five years of family life here with his new wife, Anne Hathaway. For more information visit shakespeare.org.uk
- If you're looking for a slightly quicker way to see as much as Stratford-upon-Avon can offer, try sightseeing on an Open Air Bus, which will take you through the sights, including Shakespeare's Birthplace, Mary Arden's house and the Holy Trinity Church. This sightseeing tour bus is pictured outside Hall's Croft, once the home of Shakespeare's daughter, Susanna.
- Discover where the young William Shakespeare courted his future bride Anne Hathaway at her picturesque family home. Anne Hathaway's Cottage is a thatched farmhouse with many original items of family furniture, including the Hathaway Bed. The cottage is in the hamlet of Shottery, which is just over one mile from the town centre and can be accessed via a pleasant, well sign-posted footpath.
- Of course, aside from the historic buildings, the major attraction in Stratford is The Royal Shakespeare Company and Theatre, a beautiful space packed with exhibitions and art installations, both traditional and contemporary. If you're planning to watch a play (and of course you are), you'll need to book in advance as shows sell out and only a small number reserved for on the day purchases. The rooftop restaurant on the third floor offers wonderful food and views.
There are a whole host of restaurants, pubs, cafes and tea rooms in Stratford. Try the Church Street Townhouse for a relaxed lunch in the heart of the town. There's a bistro-style restaurant and two bars.