WEBLINKS
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 |  | Site user Liz Melia takes us on a trip around Stratford
Stratford-upon-Avon has always been immensely popular with tourists looking for something quintessentially English.
Home birds will also find the town - rich in history, tradition and all things theatrical - equally perfect for an exciting day out.
Shakespeare's life in buildings
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As Stratford was the centre of Shakespeare's universe, it seems obvious that some of the most popular attractions in the town are the five 16th century properties associated with the playwright.
Shakespeare's Birthplace in Henley Street, the most popular place of pilgrimage, offers a taste of what life was like for young Shakespeare, right down to the historic books and manuscripts on display.
The building offers a fascinating insight into the life and times of the period - as well as those of the Bard - with displays like the tannery and nursery.
The helpful guides are also very willing to help give in-depth detail of the history of the items in the house.
| Ìý |  | The picture-postcard Anne Hathaway's Cottage
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Adjoining the Birthplace in Stratford town centre is New Place, Shakespeare's home for the 19 years leading up to his death in 1616.
It could be said that New Place - the second largest house in the town when Shakespeare bought it for £60 in 1597 - was cursed with bad luck from the start.
Shakespeare bought the house from William Underhill, who was poisoned by his son two months later. Shakespeare himself was plagued with financial problems after the purchase and was saddled with tax debts.
The final tragedy beset the house itself in the 18th century when George Vertue, during a row with the local authority over tax debts, razed the house to the ground, leaving only the foundations, which remain today.
Nearby is Hall's Croft, where Shakespeare's eldest daughter, Susanna, lived with her medical genius husband Dr John Hall. It is still home to the fascinating dispensary where Dr Hall and colleagues mixed lotions and potions for patients.
Completing the tour are Anne Hathaway's Cottage - home of Shakespeare's wife - just outside the town in Shottery, and Mary Arden's House and Glebe Farm in Wilmcote, which are home to an interesting working farm.
Another fantastic property of interest in the town is Harvard House, home of the founder of the Ivy-League US university John Harvard. The house is now owned by Harvard University and is home to a unique collection of British pewter.
For even more history, you can visit the glorious Holy Trinity Church by the river, where Shakespeare is buried.
ÌýMessing about on the river
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Of course, the river Avon itself is a popular tourist attraction and the magnificent Bancroft gardens on the bank are well worth a visit in the spring and summer - though it can get quite busy with street performers and tourists.
You can also hire rowing boats to travel the river under your own steam. Cruises are available for the less physical and for a unique experience, the Countess of Evesham floating restaurant is well worth a visit.
| Ìý |  | One of the attendants at the butterfly farm
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One of the most famous attractions on the water is right next to the Stratford's most famous pub! The Avon ferry runs from just outside the Dirty Duck and, rather than a glamorous liner, is a rickety chain-and-boat sytem, which provides an almost white-knuckle experience for the hydrophobic.
Once across the river, you can pop into the Stratford Butterfuly Farm, the largest of its kind in Europe, or Cox's Yard, which is home to museums, shops, pubs and restaurants.
Ìý| Ìý |  | The famous Swan Theatre
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The jewel in Stratford's crown has to be the Royal Shakespeare Company which stages plays by the Bard and others in its three Stratford theatres.
These are the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, The Swan and The Other Place.
It pays to make a special trip to see the theatres, even if you just pop in for a coffee at one of the restaurants, for they may not be there much longer.
The RSC has unveiled plans to demolish the main house and redevelop the whole Waterside area - so keep an eye out for changes over the coming years.
The theatres attract visitors from all over the world so if you want to see a play, it's best to phone in advance to make sure you can get tickets on the day you want to visit.
Ìý| Ìý |  | The Garrick, one of Stratford's traditional pubs
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As it takes at least a day to enjoy the whole town, you'll need somewhere to stop for a break and refreshments.
Many of Stratford's best restaurants are in Sheep Street, which is in easy reach of the theatres if you're grabbing a pre or post-show bite.
The fore-mentioned Dirty Duck is very popular with theatre types and you may get a chance to star-spot as well as enjoy a good pint and food which is above the usual pub grub standard.
For a chance to mix with the locals, the traditional White Swan in Rother Street offers history as well as a pint, as does the Garrick.
If you're after something a bit more lively, Yates's is near the cinema and Chicago Rock Café and Bar M are just round the corner from there.
ÌýFor more information on Stratford, including accomodation, contact the Stratford Tourist Information Centre on 01789 293127 or follow the links on the left.
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