What is Stratford-upon-Avon known for?
Stratford-upon-Avon is a market town in Warwickshire, known as the birthplace of William Shakespeare. It attracts visitors from around the world to see his family homes, his grave and performances by the Royal Shakespeare Company.
Shakespeare was born in Stratford in 1564 in a house on Henley Street, now known as Shakespeare's Birthplace. Visitors can tour the house and learn about his early life.
He married Anne Hathaway, whose family cottage in the nearby village of Shottery is a popular attraction with its thatched roof and gardens.
Theater and history
The Royal Shakespeare Company performs Shakespeare's plays at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre and the Swan Theatre, on the banks of the River Avon.
Shakespeare is buried in Holy Trinity Church, where his grave carries a curse against anyone who moves his bones.
The town has many Tudor timber-framed buildings, including Hall's Croft and Shakespeare's New Place, the site of his family home. Visitors can take boat trips on the river. Shakespeare's birthday is celebrated each April with parades.
The town is about two hours from London by train or car.