This is what I just read on the web site. We were planning to go out to Stratford tomorrow but if Rick thinks it's overrated I don't want to waste time and money on a place we might not enjoy.
What do you all think? Not that I listen to everything Rick says, but this really struck me as something to pay attention to.
Hi! I agree with Rick but haven;t been there in a really long time. SOrt of been there, done that! I think it would be more interesting to take the train
to a Cotswold village and wonder around...more
English, if a trifle bit upmarket! Still charming.
Have a lovely cream tea.....my favorite thing.
I haven't been to Stratford myself but heard the same things. May I suggest to visit the Globe Theatre in London instead? There is a small museum attached to it and the guided tour is quite fun. Even better: try to get tickets for a show (no shows in winter).
I have been to Stratford, and it was one of the best days of my trip. I managed to get the last seat for a production of Romeo & Juliet at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. In fact, it was a seat actually on the stage. They had two rows of seating on balconies ringing the back of the stage, and part of the action took place on our seating level. When the curtain was closed, we were behind it watching the next scene being set up! I would definitely recommend it if you are a Shakespeare fan.
I guess it all comes down to personal taste, but, I wouldn't make a special trip there. I was taken there as a side trip after a day out at Warwick Castle with English friends. We loved Warwick ( when we were there they had an amazing jousting show on) , and on the way back to their town we stopped at Stratford . Cute I guess, but we wandered around for about an hour and then left. I suppose it one was big on Shakespere one would stay longer, or maybe see a play, but my 14 yr son is neither, and I am not a huge fan either.
We won't be staying the night in Stratford, so unless the plays are during the day, that's going to be out for us.
I assume you mean Stratford upon Avon. Yes it's a tourist place but not bad for a visit. There are a few interesting sites. This time of year the crowds might not be so bad but the lodging may be overpriced.
We've spent about six weeks in UK the past couple
years and Stratford on Avon has been our least
favorite day trip from London. Unless you are a
dedicted Shakespeare fan, I would not bother.
Thanks for the input. We'll find somewhere else to spend our time, and yes, I did mean Stratford upon Avon.
S on A is be no means overrated. The problem is that an awful lot of people visit it for the wrong reasons. If you find the Porter's jokes in the 'diversion' during the Scottish Play interesting and full of insight into the politics of the early reign of James I - S on A is going to thrill you, and it does thrill many, many visitors each year.
If, on the other hand, you prefer Indiana Jones to 'Two Gentlemen of Verona' you are probably going to enjoy Warwick Castle a whole lot more.
It's very expensive and I hate to see people shell out hard earned cash for stuff that they find boring.
If you're not that interested in Shakespeare there are better places to go and you'll find S on A 'Much Ado about Nothing'.
If you are a Shakespeare afficionardo it will be 'As You Like It'
N.B. It is my experience that Americans have a much greater knowledge of Shakespeare than most of the English.
I like to think I know Shakespeare. When Jeopardy has a Shakespeare category, however, I'm reminded how much I don't know.
I think it all comes down to personal taste. If this is something you and your family want to do then do it regardless of other peoples opinion. If you are not really into it then why bother? People's opinion are different and that is what makes it an opinion, but don't spend your vacation visiting places only on other people's word. You have to experience what you want to. I was told once when we went to NYC not to visit Serendipity because it was overrated and crowded, we went anyway and it was one of the most memorable days of our trip!
I read this as well but it is not deterring us from making it our base for 5 nights next May. We plan on visiting the historic homes (Shakespeare's birthplace and Anne's cottage), the butterfly farm, walking along the river, checking out the architecture and taking in a performance of the RSC. We will do 2 day trips; Warwick and Kenilworth. I know the town has become a huge tourism mecca and may be cheesy but I plan to look past it all and into it's historic past. You can make what you will of any place. Personally, I thought Broadway was a letdown but many love it.
We decided on London for the day and had a great time. After sticking around Oxford (which we love), visiting Blenheim Palace (loved) and Bath (wouldn't go there again, but it was a nice day), we totally enjoyed London and raced around visiting many places we had already seen.
Al, do you know many 14 yr old boys who would prefer " Two Gentlemen of Verona" over "Indiana Jones"??? I doubt it.
I see a lot of theater at home. I was there in March, so probably not near as crowded. Stayed in a charming B&B at the end of town opposite the theaters and enjoyed just wandering about. Scored a ticket to "Macbeth" when one of a party of Texans took ill and sold me theirs. I think I had seen more classic theater than they, so enjoyed it more. The next night went to the movies at a little cinema.
Also enjoyed Warwick Castle a lot, and would not have missed it.
I agree with Colleen - a place is all about personal taste. I loved Stratford, not just for the Shakespeare connection. Travel anywhere is what YOU make of it, not what some-one else has said. Rick, on a podcast, refers to the Sistine as a 'paint job', (however tongue in cheek) but fortunately people still throng the chapel. Happy trip.
