Shakespeare Postcard, Stratford upon-Avon

I have traveled far and wide over the years and after spending two years in exotic locations, I thought it was time to visit some of the interesting and historical sites that are right on my doorstep, in England.

It’s often the case that travelers often don’t explore what’s right in front of them. I guess because it seems less-exotic. In my case it was time to explore some English towns and cities that I’d always wanted to but never got round to.

The one thing I missed whilst away for two years traveling was the depth in history that England has, it’s sometimes taken for granted by it’s own people that in fact England has a rich vein of history and culture that’s all to often unexplored.

The first press trip for us in England was to the home of Shakespeare, Stratford upon-Avon courtesy of EnjoyEngland. It’s a place I’d never actually been to but always wanted to due to it’s historical association with the writer.

Journey to Stratford upon-Avon from London

The journey started well, Chiltern Rail supplied free internet and relaxing carriages that were not overcrowded. We weren’t in first class, just standard class but for some reason it reminded me of Virgin’s first class carriages without the free food. Virgin should take note, their dreadful train (I can’t call it “a service” because it isn’t) from London to Edinburgh is often so busy that you end up sat outside the toilet on the floor, all for £66 return.

Stratford upon-Avon is just over two hours away from London Marylebone by train and off-peak tickets can cost as little as £25 return.

Welcome break from the big city

The first thing we noticed stepping off the train in Stratford upon-Avon was just how fresh the country air seemed to be and how less crowded everything seemed. Perhaps we have been spending too much time in the big smoke, it was a welcome break from the stresses of the UK’s capital.

We jumped in the first taxi in the queue at the station, although there is a small Hertz office for those looking to rent a car. In hindsight it could have been an option for us as the hotel’s driveway seemed to go on forever.

Welcombe Menzies Hotel, Spa and Golf Club

Welcombe Menzies hotel, Stratford upon Avon

We were staying at the Welcombe Menzies Hotel a 30 minute walk outside the town centre, complete with spa, golf course and helipad. The hotel itself was built in 1866 and has 157 acres of grounds as well as a well maintained garden. .

Our suite looked out on to the hotel’s gardens, it was extremely comfortable and complete with all amenities you’d expect from a four star hotel. Although the Welcombe Menzies Hotel is a grand building with a very high standard of service, it manages to retain a non assuming welcoming feel and the staff were particularly helpful and friendly.

To unwind we sampled the Hotel’s spa facilities including the steam room, sauna, foot massage, jacuzzi. The spa is free to use for Hotel guests but £30 for the day for non guests, extra specialized treatments start at £70 and should be booked in advance.

If you are thinking of staying at the Welcombe Menzies Hotel we’d recommend hiring a car or bringing your own. Although taxi’s are only a 5 minute wait a walk into town can take 30 minutes along a busy main road or by taking a detour along the River Avon.

Shakespeare Houses and Grave

Shakespeare's Grave

Over our two night/three day stay in Stratford upon-Avon we visited Shakepeare’s birthplace, the house he bought – New Place, Shakepeare’s daughter’s house – Hall’s Croft and also his grave in the chancel of the Holy Trinity Church. These sights were all very interesting but the setting for Shakespeare’s grave was the highlight.

The the chancel of the Holy Trinity Church is quite stunning, it had been a wet and cloudy morning but by the time we were exploring the church the sun was breaking through the clouds and piecing the stained glass windows creating an ambient light. To enter the chancel requires a £2 donation for adults, but less for students. The churches backdrop is as stunning as its interior, sitting on the banks of the River Avon.

Eating out

Deli Cafe

Deli Cafe, Stratford upon-Avon

Whilst sheltering from the rain we ate lunch at the Deli Cafe on Meer Street and really stumbled across a no-nonsense gem of a cafe/restaurant. If you’re in Stratford upon-Avon and looking for a good place to eat that is unassuming, straightforward food with good service then I would recommend this place. Also does great all English breakfasts, if you are looking to “get down” with the culture.

The cafe is open 7 days a week, closing at 5pm and opening at 8am Monday to Saturday but 10am on a Sunday.

The One Elm

Having been tipped off about The One Elm’s immense Yorkshire pudding by @Maxine Clayman, there was no way I was leaving Stratford upon-Avon without sampling the Sunday roast dinner. After all, we were here for the English culture and to me there’s nothing me English than a roast dinner with Yorkshire pudding.

Thankfully, what I’d heard was true, their Yorkshire pudding was pretty big and tasted perfect. The beef was cooked well, there was just enough gravy and side portion of vegetables. The One Elm itself was nicely presented, welcoming and had plenty of dinning space. We opted for a table in the window where the sun shining through. The only slight criticism I’d have is that the roast dinner was a little on the pricey side at £13.99. Overall, it was a favourable place to relax, drink, eat good English food before catching our train back to London.

Stratford upon-Avon is a quint town full of Shakespeare, not only his birthplace but also where he was laid to rest. Said to be a quintessential English town by many, Stratford upon-Avon sits beside the River Avon boasting many wooden beamed buildings bending under the weight of their own history, independent cafes and shops are aplenty. If you are looking to escape the hectic pace of London life or dreaming of experiencing more of Shakespeare’s history, Stratford upon-Avon is a superb option to sample what really makes England a great historical country.

For more information on Stratford upon-Avon visit shakespeare-country.co.uk and discover-stratford.co.uk.

For more ideas of discovering England try EnjoyEngland.