Twenty-four Hours in Stratford-Upon-Avon, Shakespeare's Town of Provenance
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Page 1: My first day in Stratford-upon-Avon was an eventful one. Jampacked with the usual (and unusual) items first-time tourists are bound to do, the itinerary is one that nearly covers all of the bases: Shakespeare's Birthplace, Magic Alley, Shakespaw Cat Cafe, the Stratford Butterfly Farm, and a walk around the River Avon!
27 OCTOBER 2020, 0800 AM
MY ACCOMMODATION OF CHOICE, THE VIRGINIA LODGE
I had a marvelous stay at the Virginia Lodge, one in a row of B&B's along the A4390. For just £46.00, I scored a double bedroom with an en suite toilet and shower. It may not be the Crowne Plaza but it's, all the same, a very nice place to stay when in Stratford. The owner of the B&B is a very nice gentleman who chatted with me about how life is outside of London and how the coronavirus had impacted local businesses while I chowed down my English breakfast-- which was also superb! With lockdown restrictions starting to ease in England, Stratford is expected to make an economical comeback with its hospitality and tourism sector.
A very comfortable double bed guaranteed to make you sleep like a baby.
The amenities in my room at the Virginia Lodge.
What an opulent-looking dining room!
My board came with a free hearty English breakfast!
0900 AM
ANNE HATHAWAY'S COTTAGE
One of Stratford-upon-Avon's most popular tourist attractions is Shakespeare's wife's lavish former dwelling about a 20-minute walk from Victoria Lodge. Thanks to the pandemic, Anne Hathaway's Cottage was closed to the public during the time of my visit but as there was ample time to kill before I'm due to visit the Bard himself, I decided to nevertheless pay a visit, hoping to just get a glimpse of it from the outside.
And get a glimpse of it I did! The cottage where Anne Hathaway spent her childhood to grow into William Shakespeare's missus is enormous and well-preserved. The gardens that I saw through the iron grates were well-manicured and looked lush from the morning showers. Ah, "if only's" swirled through my mind as I dejectedly walked back towards the town center. It's a visit meant for another time.
Anne Hathaway's Cottage.
1000 AM
HOLY TRINITY CHURCH, SHAKESPEARE'S GRAVE
Let's face facts. Stratford-upon-Avon is on the map mostly owing to the fact that one of its former residents had garnered the distinction of being named the world's greatest playwright and dramatist-- William Shakespeare. That said, the entire holiday would be of ill taste if a tourist had come all the way to this little town in the midlands and not visit the grave of the Bard.
The church's grounds and cemetery are also both worth a look, as I had discovered, when I took the pleasure of having a leisurely walk to fritter away time after the parish had to delay their opening hours to accommodate visitors. Plus, the church is situated right by the banks of the River Avon so there's a riverside walking trail as well.
While entry to the church is absolutely free, a voluntary donation will be very much appreciated. Outside, visitors did not mind the occasional drizzle and cold spell of air as the 100-or-so-meter queue threatened to extend with the continuous influx of people. At last, it was finally time to meet the Bard sharing tenancy with none other than God.
At the second farthest lot on the left lies William Shakespeare, 1564-1616.
Visiting Shakespeare's Grave was a solemn affair, as if visitors came to see the grave of a familiar old friend rather than that of an old-world celebrity's. Maybe it's because we were in a church, and we were mindful of our manners. Sure there was still the occasional chatter amongst friends and families, but overall not boisterous, not even distractive. The attendant taking watch over Shakespeare's grave was very accommodating and engaged me in conversation when he saw me curtsy in reverence to the altar. In summary, it was a quiet and very meditative experience and I wish that I had actually absorbed some of Shakespeare's writing genius.
And with that, my very brief holiday ended before I even felt it start. But I came to relax and allow myself a second wind-- a brief boost of strength and inspiration before I tackle some more of whatever hurdle life throws at me.-- and I daresay it was a goal well-met!
MY TAKEAWAY THOUGHTS: I believe a person's legacy is the most long-lasting impression that will remain on Earth until the planet crumbles into dust. What better way to leave your footprints than to die with dignity knowing that the works of your hands have reached out and touched a lot of lives and inspired others to be as inspirational? If a person's legacy is a brick, then wouldn't it be grand if everyone could at least leave behind a brick wall? I mean, look at Shakespeare-- he left behind more than that. He left behind an entire town. And it's called Stratford-upon-Avon.
Here's to your legacy, Mr. Shakespeare!
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Shakespeare's Birthplace
Magic Alley, Shakespaw Cat Cafe
Stratford Butterfly Farm, River Avon
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