This final episode in our Stratford-Upon-Avon mini-series revolves around all things theatrical. First, there's a little history on where in the town Shakespeare found his inspiration, then there are 'visits' to all three Royal Shakespeare venues as well as information on the company's museum of props and costumes. Whether you want to discover Stratford's theatres, see a play or learn more about life behind the scenes, all you need to know is here.

Reading Suggestions Know-it-All Shakespeare Edited by Ros Barber and Mark Rylance The Man who Pays the Rent by Judi Dench Fools and Mortals by Bernard Cornwell

Links for this post The Royal Shakespeare Company The 3 Stratford theatres RSC information on Shakespeare RSC Public costume hire The Play’s the Thing (exhibition)

City Breaks: all the history and culture you'd research for yourself if you had the time! Check our website to find more episodes from our Stratford-Upon-Avon mini-series or to browse our back catalogue of other cities which are well worth visiting: https://www.citybreakspodcast.co.uk

We love to receive your comments and suggestions! You can e mail us at citybreaks@citybreakspodcast.co.uk And if you like what you hear, please do post comments or a review wherever you downloaded this episode. That would be a big help!

Stratford-Upon-Avon has many charms – its Tudor ambiance, its riverside setting – but really there’s only one reason why it attracts up to 6 million visitors in a year. Shakespeare. And this episode is dedicated to places where you can 'find' him there today. There's a little biographical background, focussing mainly on his Stratford years and a run-through of five of the most significant places in his life which you can still visit today. As usual, there is much more detail on the podcast.

Reading Suggestions Shakespeare The Biography by Peter Ackroyd Hidden Shakespeare by Nicholas Fogg Shakespeare by Bill Bryson Fools and Mortals by Bernard Cornwell Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell

Links for this post

Shakespeare’s Birthplace Shakespeare’s Schoolroom and Guild Hall Anne Hathaway’s Cottage New Place Holy Trinity Church

City Breaks: all the history and culture you'd research for yourself if you had the time! Check our website to find more episodes from our Stratford-Upon-Avon series or to browse our back catalogue of other cities which are well worth visiting: https://www.citybreakspodcast.co.uk

We love to receive your comments and suggestions! You can e mail us at citybreaks@citybreakspodcast.co.uk And if you like what you hear, please do post comments or a review wherever you downloaded this episode. That would be a big help!

Ok, so Stratford-upon-Avon is not actually a city, but as a town which punches well above its weight historically and culturally, we’re giving it an honorary place in the City Breaks collection. This is the introductory episode, with a little geographical and historical context and an idea for a first get-your-bearings walk around Stratford. It will introduce you to Stratford's Tudor gabled houses, riverside setting, swans and boats and, of course, give a flavour of Stratford as Shakespeare's home town, where he was both born and buried and where he bought the town's second biggest house as a retirement pad. So, with no more ado and as the great man himself might have said, shall we wend?

Reading Suggestions Stratford-upon-Avon Quick Trips by Cynthia Atkins A-Z of Stratford-upon-Avon by Will Atkins Secret Stratford by Nicholas Fogg Shakespeare The Biography by Peter Ackroyd

Links for this Episode Visit Stratford-upon-Avon Guided walks around Stratford

City Breaks: all the history and culture you'd research for yourself if you had the time! Check our website to find more episodes from our Stratford-Upon-Avon series or to browse our back catalogue of other cities which are well worth visiting: https://www.citybreakspodcast.co.uk

We love to receive your comments and suggestions! You can e mail us at citybreaks@citybreakspodcast.co.uk And if you like what you hear, please do post comments or a review wherever you downloaded this episode. That would be very much appreciated!