If someone had told me twelve years ago when I was a performing arts student that at some point in the future I´d be visiting Stratford Upon Avon, Shakespeares birthplace –  I would never have believed it.

Considering the financial struggle the majority professional actors go through, England seemed like a very far away land which I would only visit in photos or films.

Then one day I decided to spend my hard earned money on some flights and explore the world before it was too late.

Guess where I ended up 5 years later? Right here in the England.

I’ve travelled to a few places outside London but none of them came close to what I once had imagined England to be until I stepped off the train in Stratford Upon-Avon.

The air is fresher, people are friendlier, the scenery is absolutely stunning and more importantly this special little town presented the world with one of the most renowned and if not the most important playwright of all times. I was uncontrollably excited about visiting all places associated with Shakespeare, much like any other tourist in town.

Tickets can be bought from any of the Shakespeare Trust sites individually or as a pass and they are valid for a year for multiple visits.

Actors bring to life Shakespeare’s most famous characters guiding us throughout the sites and sharing more about the history contained within the walls.

Shakespeare’s birthplace

First stop was a visit to the house on Henley street, located on the main street in Stratford-Upon-Avon. It’s the author’s birthplace and where he grew up.

It is believed that his father, John Shakespeare, a skilled leather-worker, had his shop attached to this house where he manufactured  gloves and purses  for sale to the nobility. Later in life Shakespeare lived here with his wife, Anne Hathaway, for five years.

Nash’s House and the New Place

This well preserved Tudor building was named after Thomas Nash, a wealthy barrister and first husband of Elizabeth, Shakespeare’s granddaughter.

The couple lived in this house which has been converted to a museum and is furnished as it would have been in Shakespeare’s times. The exhibition upstairs shows various plays and costumes over the years organised by RSC (Royal Shakespeare Company).

Adjoined to the Nash’s house lies the New Place which is the house William Shakespeare bought when he had already established himself as a renowned playwright.

Here, it is believed that he wrote some of his later work such as the Tempest and also where he died in 1616. Unfortunately the New Place had been destroyed by an eccentric owner in the 18th century. All that remains is a fascinating archaeological dig where you are able to discover more about Shakespeare’s later years.

Take some time to explore Shakespeare Memorial Garden. The large Mulberry tree is said to be a cutting from the original tree of Shakespearean time.

Hall’s Croft

This Jacobean building was home to by Shakespeare’s daughter Susanna and her wealthy physician husband, Dr. John Hall and is just around the corner from Nash’s House.

There’s a collection of medical notes, equipment and books of medical practices from the time. The walled backyard contains a variety of plants and medicinal herbs believed to have been used for his patients treatments.

Mary Arden’s Farm

Unfortunately we were unable to visit this site where William Shakespeare’s mother grew up as it is closed during winter and only re opens late March.

It would have been a lovely to experience the Elizabethan way of life in the picturesque countryside and to interact with the daily routine of a working farm.

Anne’s Hathaway Cottage

This charming cottage is just over a mile from the town centre and it was the pre-marital home of Shakespeare’s future wife.

The 12-bedroom building is set in beautiful English gardens and has changed very little since Anne Hathaway’s time. Part of the furniture has been past down through the family which helped to retain the Elizabethan atmosphere.

Shakespeare grave

Shakespeare’s final resting place can be found at the Holy Trinity Church where he was baptised as an infant and married as a young man.

This magnificent church, located at the banks of River Avon dates back to 1210 and is the oldest building in Stratford.

His grave can be find at the altar, a donation of 2 pounds is required for upkeep of the church.

Personally it was the highlight of our trip, to stand in a tranquil place, full of history, honouring an idol. It was particularly stunning when the sun was shinning through the church’s beautiful glass windows.

Stratford-Upon-Avon is also home to the Royal Shakespeare Company and watching one of their shows when you’re in town is one opportunity not to be missed.

Shows are very popular and sell out pretty quickly so make sure you guarantee your tickets to complete your William Shakespeare expedition in style.

The trip to Shakespeares birthplace and final resting place in Stratford upon-Avon was courtesy of EnjoyEngland. Take a look at their website for more idea of things to do in England.

For more information on Stratford upon-Avon visit shakespeare-country.co.uk and discover-stratford.co.uk.