Now you can walk along the path of the very places where Shakespeare lived and his characters transformed the imagination of readers for generations. Shakespeare lived in a time when one could not simply hop on a train to get to travel where they needed to go but instead relied on their feet or if they were very lucky, a horse. So if you want to delve into the life and times of Shakespeare and walk the paths of the legend himself then consider staying at some of these cities just as he did.
Stratford-on-Avon
As the birthplace of the world’s most famous poet, Stratford upon Avon is an essential stop for anyone who wants to better understand Shakespeare. Many of the buildings that existed in Shakespeare’s day are still standing and in remarkably good shape. The banks of tranquil river Avon are picturesque and an incredibly lovely place to explore. Tour the very house where Shakespeare was born and later died. Of course it goes without saying that while in Stratford you should without a doubt grab a ticket to the theatre. Home of today’s Royal Shakespeare Company, the plays are popular tourist attraction and really give you a chance to experience Shakespeare in his home town. Don’t forget to visit the home of Shakespeare’s wife, Anne Hathaway at her charming cottage that still has many family heirlooms still on display. At Holy Trinitiy Church you can visit not only a historic church but the final resting place of Shakespeare himself. In the evening take a creepy ghostly tour of Straford’s haunting nooks and crannies.
Cotswolds
The rolling hills in the countryside known as the ‘Cotswolds’ are some of the most picturesque in all of England. The green pasteurs and chirping birds brings to mind a sense of 18th century England when life was simpler. There are several small villages that comprise this region such as Chipping Camden, Moreton-in-Marsh, Burford, Broadway, and Chipping Norton. Each is just as picturesque as the last from the cobblestone cottages with thatch roofs to unpaved road only big enough for two horses to pass one another, it is truly a peaceful and serene region and in the early 1600’s you may have even caught of glimpse of the famous playwright passing by your window.
Oxford
The city of Oxford is home to the oldest university in the United Kingdom, none other than Oxford University. There is a deep sense of pride and tradition here from the medieval churches to the university itself, so much of the city is historic and a sight to behold. The University is open to the public most of the time except during exam time. You’ll see the famous Bodleian Library built in the 1600’s and many other centuries old building where students and scholars still venture to learn. Have a drink with the ghost of Shakespeare at the 14th century pub known as the Crown Tavern that was once owned by Shakespeare’s friend john Davenant. Although you will have to toast in memory alone as the pub itself is long gone but one wall does remain and paintings were recently discovered hidden within the walls.
Don’t miss the Ashmolean Museum first founded in 1683 and has an impressive collection of artifacts and art from civilizations from around the world. Oxford University Museum of Natural History is another impressive museum specializing in a wide range of scientific, paleontological and zoological treasure and exhibitions.
Iver
On the road from Oxford to London you may pass through another charming town known as Iver. Here the beautiful forests and babbling brooks meet a charming medieval town. It is yet another chance to explore small town England. In the summer months you enjoy a music concert, stop and enjoy a day at the spa after all of your weary travels, or simply stay at a bed and breakfast and just enjoy the peace and picturesque surroundings. Located near a nice lake there is a sense of nature here including festivals, bird watching, boating, or just enjoying the great outdoors.
London
Though among the mass of one of the world’s largest cities you can hardly picture what London would have looked like in Shakespeare’s days you can at least visit in the famous Globe Theatre. Here Shakespeare’s greatest works were brought to life including Hamlet, King Lear, and Macbeth. The original theatre was built in 1599 but was later destroyed by fire. In recent decades the Globe was rebuilt, though not on the exact location of the original structure, but it does however incorporate an academic approximation of the architecture of the original.
For more information on traveling to England please visit http://destinationeuropeonline.com/locations/uk-england-ireland-scotland.php
