Stratford-upon-Avon situated on the River Avon is a welcoming market town with more than 800 years of history. It is worldwide known as the birthplace of English playwright and poet William Shakespeare.
This is where the story began... Beautiful timbered house and attached museum is Shakespeare’s Birthplace in Straford-upon-Avon. Explore the house where the renowned English poet and playwright was born and grew up with his parents and siblings in the 16th century. He also spent the first five years of his marriage living here with his wife Anne Hathaway. Until the late 18th century the house was owned by the ancestors, then was purchased by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust in 1847.
This is the picturesque 500-years old cottage where William Shakespeare courted his bride-to-be Anne Hathaway. Featuring original furniture including the Hathaway bed. Originally, the cottage was a farmhouse, built back in 1463. Its kitchen and parlour still remain from the original medieval construction. Anne was born here in 1556. The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust purchased the cottage in 1892.
Holy Trinity Church in Stratford-upon-Avon is the church where William Shakespeare was baptised, where he worshipped and where he is buried. Explore the grave of the famous English poet.
Just a few steps away from Anne Hathaway's Cottage and always a great choice for a lunch break. When sunny, sit on the terrace and enjoy a cold drink or a proper British pub dish.
The historical city of Aachen, close to the border to Belgium and the Netherlands is also called Aix-la-Chapelle in French. It developed from a Roman settlement to the preferred medieval imperial residence of Charlemagne and was the place where 31 Holy Roman Emperors were crowned as Kings of the Germans.
Ghent is located in the Flemish part of Belgium, with a medieval architecture that is remarkably well preserved and restored. The historical city features beautiful riversides to stroll along.
Bruges is one of the most well-preserved medieval towns in Europe featuring notable architecture. The historic centre of the Belgian city has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000.
Canterbury is UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Kent city lies on the River Stour and is home to a beautiful cathedral. Still today, the impressive building is focus of pilgrimage and seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury who is primate of the Church of England.
The city of Oxford is globally known as home of the University of Oxford, which is the oldest university in the English-speaking world. Numerous historical university and college buildings boast with marvellous architecture. Everything surrounded by green parks and lush nature walks.
Birmingham is not only birthplace of once entirely new music genres such as Heavy Metal or New Romantic, but also home for globally renowned bands like Black Sabbath or Duran Duran. Brum also offers a really vibrant live music scene.
Cologne is not only worth a visit due to its famous Cologne Cathedral. Moreover, it is a major cultural centre for the region, with numerous museums and galleries as well as art exhibitions and live music venues.
Stratford-upon-Avon (Photo by Bachmeier / Ramsthaler)
