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Stratford-Upon-Avon/Warwick day trip-- tomorrow...

Posted by (Austin, Tx) on

Hi-
I am taking an early train tomorrow from London to S.U.A. and am torn about going to Warwick for half the day. I have a dated RS book on Great Britain, but I am assuming in the last 4 years any writing on it hasn't changed much. But Rick gives the castle 2 stars out of 3, or triangles, whatever they are, which isn't bad at all, but then the writing about it is less than appealing. So I am not sure whether I should go.
I love castles, but he describes this one as a theme park, for kids, etc.... and there is some Madame Tussauds there? That I care nothing for. Their website is no help whatsoever, its hideous and makes it look like a joke.
I am only there for the day and other than walking through the town to take pictures and going to Shakespeares house, I have no further plan.

If anyone sees this in the next 8-12 hours and has an opinion to share with me, please do :) Thanks!

Posted by
1266 posts

Ashley - It's been a few years since I have been to both Strartford-upon-Avon & Warwick Castle, but I enjoyed it. Basically we walked through town to Shakespears house and then headed to Warwick Castle. The reenactments at the castle I thought were fine.

Posted by
1075 posts

"and there is some Madame Tussauds there?"
Warwick Castle is owned by the same company that own Madame Tussauds...........Nuff said.

Posted by
51 posts

I found S.U.A. to worth a full day. In addition to Shakespeare's birthplace and the riverfront, I found Shakespeare's grave, and the Guild Chapel to be very interesting. I originally had planned just a half day in S.U.A., but ended up spending the night as I enjoyed it much more than expected.

By the by, I have very little interest in Shakespeare, and still found the town worth seeing.

Posted by
3895 posts

Stratford-Upon-Avon is worth a whole day in itself. You can walk around, see the houses (Shakespeare's Birthplace, Hall's Croft, Nash's House, and Anne Hathaway's Cottage). See The Royal Shakespeare Theatre. There is also an unusual Clock Tower in the center of town. Just stroll beside the Avon River. Eat lunch in a pub. A very different experience from being in London, to state the obvious.

Skip Warwick Castle if you don't have a burning desire to see it. Many people who go to see it do so knowing the history of it, and that's why they want to see it. But you are obviously not interested for that reason, so I'd say skip it.
It is a lovely castle, but those that go there strictly for the history just have to overlook all the wax figures and the carnival-like touristy atmosphere in the summertime.

I know it's the middle of the night in London, but maybe you will read this early in the morning when you are sipping your coffee or tea and trying to decide. I'd go to Stratford-Upon-Avon. That will be enough for one day.

Posted by
111 posts

Skip Warwick. Especially if transportation is a hassle. We saw the garden below and the old hospital, which was missable. Stay in one spot and enjoy it to the hilt.

Posted by
149 posts

Thank you all for your opinions. I have decided to skip it after sitting here in a coffee shop in Stratford reading the replies. Going to focus on SUA :)
Thanks again!

Posted by
149 posts

Thank you all for your opinions. I have decided to skip it after sitting here in a coffee shop in Stratford reading the replies. Going to focus on SUA :)
Thanks again!

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