England-Scotland Day 2 (Part 1) – Stratford Upon Avon

4 April 2010

Stratford Upon Avon is a good place to stay for a night when doing a road trip through the Cotswold. Although it is known for being the birthplace of William Shakespeare, there was plenty of other sights to see as well. 

The plan for Day 2 of our England-Scotland vacation was to explore Stratford-Upon-Avon in the early morning and then drive to York. I reckon it would take approximately 3 hours to drive from Stratford to York. We would then spend the late afternoon and night to explore the city of York, including doing the famous Ghost Walk in York.

We woke up early and enjoyed our English breakfast in the Heron Lodge Guest House. Delicious breakfast and this was the first time that we tried the black pudding. After check-out, our hosts gave us some tips on where to park and what to see within the town  – the birthplace of William Shakespeare. I had been here before, back in 1986, where I walked by the banks of the Avon river and enjoyed the scenic views there. So, we headed there again.

Houseboats on the Avon Rive, near where we parked our car.

Boats on the Avon.

These boats are not just a means of transport. They are homes for some.

Boat with a roof garden. There are some places that the boat can’t bring you to. Hence the bike.

Thankfully, the sun was out this morning. It made our walk along the beautiful Avon river so much more wonderful. But one member of the family still felt cold.

River Avon with many swans, geese and ducks in spring. Also rowers.

Viewing platform for watching the geese, ducks, swans.

Locks at Stratford Upon Avon.

Bancroft Garden is located next to the river and here we could see the Gower Monument.

Bancroft Garden at Stratford Upon Avon.

Gower Monument at Bancroft Garden, Stratford Upon Avon.

In honour of William Shakespeare who is born in this town. This statue, showing Shakespeare seated, is flanked by life-size statues of Lady Macbeth, Prince Hal, Hamlet, Henry V, and Falstaff, representing Philosophy, Tragedy, History, & Comedy.

We had a bit of silliness and fun at the Bancroft Gardens. 

Hermaphroditus’s butt! 

Shadows of trees cast by the morning sun. Last photo at Bancroft Gardens before we left for York.

It was to be a long drive to York, most parts via the  M1 motorway. Road-signs in England were pretty easy to follow, provided you had a map and know what were the towns/cities en-route to the destination. I was using the AA Great Britain Road Atlas and also some directions printed from the AA Route Planner before leaving home.

Along the way, we made a brief detour from the M1 to recce the town and university in Loughborough. Loughborough University is one of the good university in England that is worth checking out. It was just a drive through to get a glimpse of the university and town. Before long, we were at the outskirts of York.