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The grounds of The Stratford hotel, which has a Shakespearean theme
by Keith Hunt
It is easy to wax lyrical about a stay at The Stratford in the home town of probably our greatest ever writer.
No need to pose the question to stay or not to stay at the four-star hotel, five minutes walk from Stratford-upon-Avon's town centre.
We arrived on a wet weekend with flood warnings across the area, but the welcome from staff was warm and efficient.
The Stratford, part of QHotels, not surprisingly has a Shakespearean theme running through it, but without overkill. The main restaurant is called Quills and pictures relating to the great man are liberally distributed throughout.
There are 102 tastefully furnished and well-equipped rooms, perfect for relaxing in after a long day sightseeing.
Tastefully decorated rooms in The Stratford hotel
And plenty there is to see in this feel-good market town. There were a long list of attractions available but we plumped for matters Shakespeare.
Our first stop was the centre of town in Henley Street, at the house where Shakespeare was born in 1564.
Guides were available to disseminate helpful information and an actress offered to perform sonnets on request.
Why is it you can never think of one when needed?
Shakespeare's birthplace is one of five properties in the area linked to the bard, which have now been turned into tourist attractions.
Mary Arden's House is his mother's childhood home; Hall's Croft is the home of the husband of his daughter Susanna; and Nash's House and New Place are his family home from 1597-1616.
With time limited we decided to visit Anne Hathaway's Cottage, family home of Shakespeare's wife dating back to the mid 15th century, just outside the town.
The quagmire conditions prevented us from touring the outstanding gardens but we were able to go into the thatched house to get a taste of life back then.
Anne Hathaway's Cottage in Stratford
On the first of our two nights we stayed at the hotel and enjoyed a gourmet meal in the Quills restaurant. The food and service was tip-top.
On the second night, we dodged the persistent rain by taking a taxi into town and eating at a friendly Italian restaurant, before going on to the famous riverside Royal Shakespeare Theatre.
Because of flood fears, it was touch and go whether we would get to experience the atmospheric "thrust stage auditorium", which extends into the audience on three sides and offers greater intimacy between performers and those watching.
But a performance of Alexander Pushkin's stirring play Boris Godunov, who reluctantly takes the throne after Tsar Ivan the Terrible’s death in 16th century Moscow, went ahead.
We hopped into a taxi back to the hotel for a night cap to round off a perfect, if inclement, weekend.
Best known for theatres, Stratford is home to the Royal Shakespeare Company, which performs around the world and is one of the best known ensembles.
Historical attractions also dot the area, which include Blenheim Palace, birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill and Coughton Court, the historic house that witnessed the Gunpowder Plot to blow up the House of Lords. Or witness the industrial revolution in action at Charlecote Mill, a restored watermill on the River Avon.
For those that don't mind a fright, visit the Bombay Manor Museum and Stratford Ripper experience. By night, the museum offers spooky walks and overnight ghost hunts.
Tours of Stratford can be taken by boat, cruiser, open-top bus, bike or hot air balloon.
For more information about the range of attractions visit www.visitstratforduponavon.co.uk or www.discover-stratford.com.
