The Birthday Connection - by Ruth and Masaaki

Visiting Shakespeare Country seemed to be our destiny as our daughter shares the same birthday with the great playwright. Even before our first trip here, we felt connected to this place in a special way. Stratford-upon-Avon - Shakespeare's birthplace, is a captivating and charming town. Beautiful period buildings, gentle river and banks shaded by willow trees, and of course the world famous Royal Shakespeare Company and Theatres... there are just so much on offer in this small yet vibrant and cheerful town. We particularly enjoyed taking traditional afternoon tea in what was once Shakespeare's daughter's house, and afterwards, taking a stroll along the river bank, watching boats, canoes, ducks and swans going up and down unhurriedly, as if time is of no-one's concern.

Stratford-upon-Avon is a great base for exploring the "Heart of England" too. From here we went on to take day trips to Oxford, the Cotswolds, Warwick, Bath and Blenheim Palace. Each location offers something unique and memorable. Truly there are as many forms of beauty as there are moments in time.

If you come to England to experience the English way of life, to see, to hear and to savour an idyllic existence, I would really suggest that you check yourself into a lovely Bed & Breakfast Guest House (B&B). You will find delightful characters and individuality, you will find warm hospitality and helpful hosts, you will get the real opportunity to interact with the locals and international guests and swap great travel stories and tips, you will even make wonderful friends by choosing lodging which offers that little bit more personal touch and intimacy.

We stayed at a B&B called Moonraker Guesthouse. It was love at first sight! The house itself is beautiful, especially in the summer with hanging baskets of brightly coloured flowers in full bloom. Inside, the décor is warm, tasteful and charming. The place is welcoming, comfortable and spotlessly clean. Interestingly, each of their rooms is named after a character in Shakespeare's plays and accordingly each room has its own personality. There are thoughtful touches everywhere and the hosts are very lovely and helpful. Of course a B&B must offer a hearty breakfast, and that is such a treat here! Everything is freshly prepared, and in Shakespeare's word, as you like it. It is also refreshing to try tasty local produces from free-range eggs to honey to homemade jams and marmalade.

Shakespeare Country was simply unforgettable for us. After our visit, we pondered if there is anything we would change about it. "Ah, I wish we could shift the whole place here to where we are!" I said one day. "Hmm," my daughter said thoughtfully after a while, "why don't we move over there!"

And that's exactly what we did!

The proud owners of Moonraker House - keeping up the good name

More information on Moonraker House >>

Back to Travel Journals >>

Site Map I Contact Us I About Us I Disclaimer I Privacy Policy I Copyright Notice

For more information, reservations or advice email Shakespeare Country: info@shakespeare-country.com