England – Stratford upon Avon (En)

Stratford-upon-Avon, a medieval market town in England’s West Midlands, is the 16th-century birthplace of William Shakespeare. Possibly the most famous writer in the English language.

We went to walk with Ben’s mum and her husband John along the Avon River, where we saw the Holy Trinity Church known as Shakespeare’s Church, due to its fame as the place of baptism, marriage and burial of William Shakespeare. More than 200,000 tourists visit the church each year. Holy Trinity contains many exciting features, including a 14th-century sanctuary knocker on the church’s porch; the 15th-century Clopton chantry chapel; twenty-six 15th-century misericord seats in the chancel; several large stained glass windows; the American window in St Peter’s Chapel, unveiled in 1896 and inscribed “The Gift of America to Shakespeare’s Church” and copies of the baptismal and burial records of William Shakespeare.

Then we went walking next to the Avon River which has amazing views, many parks, swans, and boats, and where we saw the Young Traders Market National Final. The Royal Shakespeare Company performs his plays in the Royal Shakespeare Theatre and adjacent Swan Theatre on the banks of the River Avon.

Then we went to have a drink in the Dirty Duck Pub, an 18th-century pub (formerly known as The Black Swan) popular with actors which has a room full of pictures of the famous actors who have visited the pub.

And the next days we went to a party at Ben’s brother’s house Dominic and a BBQ at Ben’s aunt Wendy’s house, where we caught up with all Ben’s family, including Joe and Joanna whose wedding we went to in Sorrento.