Thursday, October 11, 2012

A Weekend in Stratford-Upon-Avon

As much as we love London, we both enjoy getting out the city every few weeks.
Last week, TE had a convention in Birmingham so we decided to turn it into a weekend excursion.  
Birmingham is a big city in its own right and we wanted something a little more relaxed,
so we settled on the town of Stratford-Upon-Avon.

TE drove up to Birmingham early Friday morning and I took the noon train directly to Stratford.
It's one of my favorite things... a few hours on a train with a good magazine and a sack lunch.
I had a few hours to explore and relax at the hotel before TE arrived just in time for dinner.  


We stayed at The Stratford... nice rooms, good service.

Stratford is the birthplace of Shakespeare and is visited each year by over 3 million tourists.
Luckily, it wasn't too crowded this weekend now that Summer is over.

The town oozes a historical charm mixed in with a healthy dose of 21st Century capitalism.

 



 We happened upon a small weekend market. 


Pulled pork with cracklin' and stuffing?  Yes, please. 
It's missing the saucy tang of a good Tennessee pulled pork sandwich, but it will do.

On Saturday, we visited several of the sites in the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust.  (More on that later.)

That evening we took a walk down to the River Avon for a sunset stroll.  
 

 
We stopped to admire the Gower Memorial in Bancroft Gardens.
It features Shakespeare surrounded by some of his most famous characters...
Falstaff, Prince Hal, Lady Macbeth and Hamlet.




The Bard of Avon
  

There were plenty of longboats gliding along the river.  London is only 185 locks away.



Isn't the reflection on the water fantastic?

We neglected to make dinner reservations on Saturday night, but lucked upon Lambs Restaurant.
They seated us reluctantly with instructions that we had to be out by 8:30pm.
We were led up amongst the rafters of a crooked, medieval building
with instructions to "watch your head."
It was fantastic and the food was amazing!



My dapper Englishman after a very good meal.  

Stratford is home to the Royal Shakespeare Company
and one of the best places in the UK to experience one of his plays. 
Unfortunately, they were all sold out for this weekend. 
But, we will definitely be back.  There is still so much that we didn't see.  

I'll have a few more posts to show you the Birthplace of Shakespeare,
Anne Hathaway's Cottage and Mary Arden's Farm.
I took so many pictures.  I also went a little crazy with the Macro lens.

Do you have a favorite Shakespeare character?

xoxo
Selena



11 comments:

  1. That's it!! I'm moving in with you!! Please alert the husband!!--- just kidding. First of all if you don't mind me asking, what sort of camera do you use? You have an eye for photography, that's for sure, but your photos themselves are always crisp and beautiful. Second I must say... Your writing is exquisite, when I read your blog it's like I want to jump into the pages! I've really enjoyed every piece! ~Tammy

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm getting the 2nd bedroom all ready for you! lol

      I use my hubby's Nikon D90. I often tease him that it's the real reason I married him. Not really. Much.

      I don't think he's touched it since I got a hold of it. He's handy to have around because he carries the bag.

      I never knew how much I love taking pictures. I'm much more comfortable exploring the world with it in my hand. I desperately need lessons and I'm often amazed at the pics that come out of that camera.

      You are a doll to post such sweet stuff about my blog. It's been a lifesaver during this crazy year. And I'm so glad you found me. I look forward to meeting you face to face soon! Get yourself over here, girl!!

      xoxo
      Selena

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  2. What a lovely weekend away. Hubby and I visited Stratford this past summer ( we're from Toronto) and I took a lot of the same pictures as you did. I have fond memories of that same market - hubby and I enjoyed fresh bread and cheese from the market stalls for lunch that day. You have a lovely blog and I am your newst follower.

    Bronwyn
    www.queenbcreativeme.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Bronwyn, I'm so glad to meet you and I'm thrilled you found my blog! I followed yours immediately! I need your creative inspiration desperately!

      xoxo
      Selena

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  3. What a fun trip! I love all those quaint places with so much character and charm. You've inspired me to seek out something similar here in the good ole US of A. We really should take advantage more of weekend driving trips more often!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I didn't get out nearly enough in the US. There is so much to see and do no matter where you are. I can't wait to see where you get to!! Have a wonderful weekend!!

      xoxo
      Selena

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  4. Love the pics! I'd love to go there!
    And not sure if I have a fave character, but I like a midsummer night's dream for sure!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's one of my favorites, too. As well as Much Ado About Nothing. Thanks for the comment!!

      xoxo
      Selena

      Delete
  5. As usual, your pictures are fantastic- but the weather really brought it, too, didn't it?!?! Gorgeous skies!
    Stratford-upon-Avon is one of the places we didn't get to- so it's on the list for next time! I can't show Paul that sandwich pic, because those were market-staples for him. Hopefully we find a good barbecue place here soon, though!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We lucked out with the weather. I was thrilled. NC is known for good barbecue. I want pictures!!!
      xoxo
      Selena

      Delete
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