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This historic market town on the River Avon in Warwickshire draws visitors from across the globe, largely because William Shakespeare was born here in 1564.
His birthplace on Henley Street is a timber-framed house that's been carefully preserved and is well worth a visit. Just outside town you'll find Anne Hathaway's Cottage, the home of Shakespeare's wife, which gives you a genuine sense of what Tudor life looked like.
The Royal Shakespeare Company is based here, and the modern RSC Theatre puts on performances throughout the year. Even if theatre isn't your main interest, the riverside setting makes for pleasant walks, and you'll find plenty of cafes and restaurants with views over the water. The town centre still has its medieval layout with narrow streets and period buildings, though it does get quite busy with tour groups, particularly during summer.
Shakespeare aside, Stratford works well as a base for exploring the broader Cotswolds region. Train and bus connections are good, so you can easily reach surrounding villages and countryside. The town itself has a fairly touristy atmosphere, so you might prefer visiting outside the peak season if you're after something quieter. When booking accommodation or transport, use the full name Stratford-upon-Avon to avoid confusion with the London area of the same name.
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