My Christmas Sunday Photo

Visiting Shakespeare's Birth Place

When we visited Stratford-Upon-Avon this year I was desperate to visit Shakespeare's home, the house is so stunning from the outside and we never got to visit last time we were in Stratford. Its weird isn't it? Shakespeare is one of those names I cant ever remember not knowing, you are aware of him very early on in life, although I did not become aware of his works until high school.

The boys were not initially keen to visit but I insisted they give it a try as surely this is better way of leaning about William Shakespeare than reading it from a book of hearing from a teacher who no matter how enthused they are cannot recreate the feeling of being in the presence of his soul that you feel in his birthplace home. 

We visited two homes of the estate, although I wish we had time to visit them all. The first being Shakespeare birthplace the family home on Henley Street, he born on the 23rd April 1564 to John and Mary Arden Shakespeare. He grew up in this very house itself, it is fascinating to walk around the corridors of the home he would have played as a boy with his 7 brothers and sisters. He married Anne Hathaway at the age of 18 and continued to live here for a further 5 years.

My Sunday Photo, Stunning Stratford

Premier Inn Waterways Stratford-Upon-Avon, Review

I have an admission to make! When we checked into the premier inn waterways at Stratford-Upon-Avon I had no intention of reviewing it. You see I just thought, well it is a premier inn, and it does what it says on the tin. Good clean rooms, great price with no frills.  I am eating my words, this little gem deserves every word of its review it was fantastic. In fact we received better service here than we have in some 5 star hotels on our travels. 

We have stayed at the odd premier inn before and always been happy with exceptionally clean rooms and a great price, so decided to stay at the premier inn waterways after a stay here last year, on a fleeting visit to Stratford-Upon-Avon, where I fell in love with this beautiful town. Please forgive me for the lack of photos, fortunately I do have some, but as I said had no intention of reviewing. 

I booked about 10 months ago and got the amazing price of £35.00 pounds a night, I know a bargain! I requested a room overlooking the canal so the boys could watch the barges out of the window. (for the very short time we would be in the room) When we arrived this had not been honoured. However I mentioned this to the man on the reception, who was most apologetic and asked us if we were happy to wait half an hour and he would sort it. We were happy with this so enjoyed a glass of wine whilst they sorted out room. And true to his word in exactly 30 minutes our room overlooking the canal was ready.

The Lazy Cow Stratford-Upon-Avon

Whilst we were visiting Stratford-Upon-Avon we visited the Lazy Cow steak restaurant, we wanted to visit last year but could not fit it in as we had planned so much. So this year I was determined to eat here. It is such a cool, trendy atmosphere and reminds me very much of my favourite bar in Manchester the  Oast House.

Photo taken by Jack

Photo taken by Jack

It is set in a stunning location, right on the Bank of the River Avon, overlooking a conservation area. Perfect for dinner and drinks on a summers evening. We were greeted and offered a choice of sitting inside or outside, and then shown to our seat and greeted by Beki our waitress for the evening. Beki took our drinks order, which arrived very quickly, and took the time to tell us about certain dishes on the menu and then left us to choose our meals.

Photo taken by Jack

A Day on The Banks of the River Avon

We recently enjoyed an idyllic day on the banks of the River Avon. We had visited Stratford-Upon-Avon last year but had planned lots, and left no time to just chill. The banks of the river looked just amazing. So this year we decided to revisit and spend a day with a picnic by the river.

We were so lucky with the weather it was just glorious, we walked into town and had a little mooch around the lovely shops and then headed to Sainsbury's to purchase our picnic. Once we found a spot under a tree, which was half in the sun and half in the shade we set up our little area. 

PizzaExpress Stratford Upon Avon

Last week we decided to go to PizzaExpress for dinner, it's an easy choice, as the Boys love it. We had been to this one before and had enjoyed a great experience. As it was a hot day we requested to sit in the outside courtyard. It is so pretty with a canopy of leaves over your head. The staff were very obliging and found us seats immediately.

We were offered drinks, which came quickly. The staff were very helpful and pleasant. We ordered the Anti-pasta for starters and the boys had dough balls.