Surroundings, Stratford-upon-Avon

Anne Hathaway's Cottage is situated in Shottery, 1mi/1.6km west of Stratford town center. This country house, a brick building with half-timbering, a thatched roof and a delightful garden, remains in almost the exact state as it was when Shakespeare won the hand of his wife, Anne, here. Until 1899 it was inhabited by descendants of the Hathaway family. Since then it has been furnished again in the style of the 16th/17th centuries. A small park has been laid out behind the fruit garden. It has been planted with all the trees mentioned in Shakespeare's works.

Shakespeare's mother is said to have been born and lived in Mary Arden's House in Wilmcote (4mi/6.4km northwest of Stratford). This magnificent Tudor-style farmhouse now houses a museum devoted to the country customs of the county of Warwickshire.

Shakespeare is supposed to have hunted in Charlecote Park (4mi/6.4km east of Stratford), was apparently caught, and lashed as a punishment by Sir Thomas Lucy, whereupon Shakespeare turned him into the somewhat laughable justice of the peace Shallow in "Henry IV". The Lucy family owned the estate after 1247. In 1558 Sir Thomas rebuilt the country seat and received there, among others, Elizabeth I.

A popular outing from Stratford is to Alcester (8mi/13km west of Stratford; pop. 4,500). The town features many old half-timbered houses, including the Old Malt House (about 1500) and the picturesque Town Hall.There are a number of well-preserved Tudor style houses and the Old Rectory is a good example of Georgian architecture. Ragley Hall in Alcester is the home of the Jerwood Sculpture Park, a collection of 20th and 21st century sculpture.