Blog Post

Most of us can remember those high school days of being forced into the study and dissection of those brilliant Shakespearean plays. My personal recollection of this supposed literary torture began in Grade 9 when I was cast as Mustardseed in a “Midsummer’s Night’s Dream.” Oh the days of reciting poetic prose in front of optimistic parents all believing their grade 9 children would graduate as future Romeos… Shakespeare, you sly dog ;).

All this being said, my high school Shakespearean experience didn’t stop at Mustardseed. And although playing that pixie was a satisfying theatrical performance, I was forced to delve even more deeply into a thespian mindset with the imposed memorization of verse after verse in 4 additional classic plays – all tragedies. I had to emulate the hero, the villain, the victims, and the brokenhearted, with judges eagerly awaiting optimal drama to unfold with each scene’s rendition. Nerves would run wild as soliloquies were spoken; and believe me Sir Laurence Olivier was not one of the pupils…

Now that you know my theatrical portfolio, and after going through this literary education, I am now grateful that I was immersed in this English literature that is one part genius and one part eternally influential. And with that admiration, it was the perfect foundation for my getaway to Stratford-Upon-Avon where this poetic mastermind was born, lived and wrote his world-changing works.

 

 

It is fascinating listening to the guide talk about Shakespeare and his life. You learn such interesting tidbits and about the many famous cliches that he coined that are still being said today. For example: “Good Night, Sleep tight.”

You and everyone else i’m sure is aware of that expression. It dates back to the 1500’s and is derived from the need to tie very tight knots on the sides of the bed, keeping it level for sleeping. If the knots were loose, the bed would sink in the middle, keeping you from having a proper night’s rest.

When walking through the house, it is incredible to think you could very well be walking on the same stones as William himself. The village has preserved the walkways and artifacts all these years, ensuring his legacy lives on and for future generations to experience and walk poetically in his footsteps.

After taking the tour, head out of the house and into the gardens to check out the actors performing verses from Shakespearean plays on request. You will be amazed at how these actors know each play so well to be able to recite a character’s part at the drop of a hat, and flawlessly to boot.

Prepare for a minimum of 2 hours here to enjoy the thorough tour, take photographs, read the passages of information, and be entertained by the garden performers. There is also a cafe that serves coffee and tea with cakes and fancies! Each ceramic cup features a famous quote or line from one of his plays. As well, there is a fair-size gift shop featuring many products including every play in pocketbooks, paperbacks, and hard cover formats, as well as all the souvenirs you could want to remind you of your visit.

Next on your Stratford getaway, head down to Anne Hathaway’s cottage. Now, don’t be an uneducated ninny like myself! (hides blushing cheeks.)

I will explain: When it was recommended to visit Anne Hathaway’s cottage as part of our romantic road trip, I kept wondering to myself what the significance was with the American actress and why her cottage in Stratford was so important… many a chuckle later, my British roadtrippers educated me tactfully that Anne Hathaway was in fact Shakespeare’s wife…I wanted to crawl in the ignorant tunnel.

Anne Hathaway’s cottage is definitely a place I would recommend to visit. The thatched cottage is adorned with memorabilia and artifacts preserved over the centuries. If you go on a busy day, you may need to wait a little as they allow limited numbers of visitors per tour. It is worth the wait to see where Anne and William walked and lived and should you need to wait, wander around the gardens until your time is called.

 

After the tour of the house, mosey down to the gardens. The gardens span quite a long distance and house many wild flowers and bushes of various colors. If you’re lucky you will spot wildlife and birds within the gardens coming by for a visit.

 

 

Once you have visited these 2 main attractions, stroll through the little village and browse the shops for little mementos of your trip. Magnets, patches, t-shirts, and more copies of Shakespeare’s literary works are available copy after copy. There is a barge nearby that has ferry rides for those who are keen. The ferry also offers trips to see Shakespeare’s grave if that is of interest.

 

 

Where to Stay

There are many beautiful bed and breakfasts and cozy inns in the little village. Check out some great options here for spending a romantic evening cuddled up to your honey by a wood fireplace.

 

Stratford-Upon-Avon will have you appreciate the work and study of William Shakespeare that you were inevitably forced into as a high school student. The sites and tours will educate you even more through the visit. You can be proud of knowing the origin of certain expressions, Who the REAL Anne Hathaway was, (perhaps the Oscar-winner’s namesake), and that a rose by any other name wouldn’t be half so sweet….Plus for all those Star Wars nerds out there, the force did not forget Stratford. Grab a copy of the Shakespearean Star Wars Hardcover book made especially for you. Truly, a beautiful trip and perfect for any romantic getaway.

****

Need help planning your honeymoon? Get some help on the sidebar here.

Check out the incredible travel essentials for your next trip in our shop!