Stratford-upon-Avon, as the name suggests, is a town on the River Avon in south Warwickshire. “Stratford” is used in reference to the local town, whilst “upon-Avon” is added to include the whole district. Having Anglo-Saxon origins, and growing up as a market town in medieval times, the town now has a population of more than 23,676. Stratford-upon-Avon, lined with Elizabethan streets, hidden alleyways and dotted with places of interest, is most famous for being the birthplace of William Shakespeare, and receives millions of visitors every year from all over the world.

The closest airport, Birmingham Airport, which serves flights to all UK, European and international destinations, is about 35 minutes drive from Stratford-upon-Avon. The town is also within easy access from junction 15 of the M40 motorway, and has good rail links from Birmingham’s Snow Hill station, and from London (about seven direct trains a day from Marylebone). Read the rest of this entry »