As a resident of Northants, where do you think of when the chance of a weekend away comes up? London? Somewhere on the coast? Manchester? Liverpool? Cardiff?
All of the above may come into your head, and they are all great places to go, but there is somewhere a lot closer that offers a fantastic short break with plenty to do – and that place is Stratford-Upon-Avon.
The birthplace of William Shakespeare is just 50 miles from the centre of Northampton, and is a great place to visit in its own right, as well as being a great base to take in the other attractions that part of Warwickshire and the ‘Heart Of England’ has to offer.
Stratford itself is about more than just Shakespeare, although obviously the life, times and works of The Bard do dominate.
There is the excellent museum, house and gardens at his birthplace, with the original 16th century house still in situ in the middle of the town, and other historical landmarks such as his wife Anne Hathaway’s Cottage and gardens, Hall’s Croft (the home of Shakespeare’s daughter) as well as Mary Arden’s Farm - a working Tudor farm.
Then there is the magnificent-looking Royal Shakespeare Company theatre in the heart of the town that stages plenty of, as you would expect, The Bard’s works – although plays and productions from other playwrights are available!
But if Shakespeare or going to the theatre in general is not your thing, there is still plenty to interest you in Stratford.
There is the beautiful park in the town, the centrepiece of which is the river Avon, on which you can hire a boat to row or motor around on. A perfect setting for messing about on the water.
There is also a crazy golf course there, while the Butterfly Farm, which is always worth a visit, is just next door to the park and the only place to go to have butterflies as big as a dinner plate land on your shoulder.
You can hear them breathing I tell you!
The town is also packed with good pubs and restaurants to suit every budget, and you have to enjoy a drink in The Garrick, which has been a pub since the 15th century!!
And yes, if shopping is what you designate a leisure pursuit, then you are catered for.
My wife Fiona and I stayed at the Menzies Welcombe Hotel, Spa and Golf Complex, which is just a mile outside town, and is a beautiful hotel, with stunning grounds.
The room was spacious and modern, while the hotel itself is wonderfully maintained.
The staff were courteous, professional and very polite, and the bars and lounges relaxed and comfortable.
On the first night we ate at the a La Carte restaurant, and the meal was excellent, while the buffet breakfast was up there with the best I have tasted. And, as my waistline can testify, I have polished off a few plates of full English in my time!
The Spa is top notch, with a large pool plus sauna, steam room, gym (perfect to work off that cooked breakfast) and everything else you would expect.
We used the Welcombe as our base for the weekend, and it is perfect for that as the delights of Stratford are not only a few minutes away, the towns of Warwick and Royal Leamington Spa are also easily accessible.
Warwick is just five miles down the road, and we spent a very relaxing afternoon there on the day we returned home.
We didn’t visit the impressive-looking Warwick Castle on this occasion as time was tight and it would have been too much of a rush, but that is definitely on the agenda the next time we head into Warwickshire.
As is the trip to Leamington Spa, and also nearby Kenilworth, which also boasts an historic castle to visit.
So next time you fancy a few days away, and you have exhausted the usual haunts, I can heartily recommend Stratford.
I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.
Websites:
Stratford Tourist Board: www.stratford-upon-avon.co.uk
Menzies Welcombe Hotel Spa & Golf Club: www.menzieshotels.co.uk/hotels/midlands/stratford-upon-avon-welcombe-hotel-spa-and-golf-club
Royal Shakespeare Company: www.rsc.org.uk