Oxford and Stratford-on-Avon

Information about Oxford and Stratford-on-Avon

There is a tremendous amount of territory to cover at Oxford. The famous university is surrounded by ancient traditions and scholarly atmosphere. See Magdalen, New and Christ Church colleges. The Sheldonian Theater is another must.
From the Tower of St. Mary's Church you have a fine view of the town. The gardens are particularly lovely. Plan to stay at least two days in Oxford. There are some quite good inns. Confirm reservations in advance.

Stratford-on-Avon has been wonderfully preserved as a shrine to England's greatest poet. You may see the house where Shakespeare was born and Anne Hathaway's quaint little cottage. The town is typically Tudor England. The Shakespeare Memorial Theater has performances of the Bard's great works from April through November. Stay at the Welcombe Hotel or the Falcon Inn.

The food is good at both places. There are other good restaurants in Stratford. Make reservations in advance, especially during the theater season. Shakespeare's grave is in the Church of the Holy Trinity.
Warwick Castle is near by. It is an interesting mixture of many styles of architecture, has a lavish interior.

Tewkesbury Abbey is the great church of the region. Tewkesbury is the scene of a major battle of the Wars of the Roses and the Abbey is a fine example of Norman architecture..