Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire

19 October 2007

STRATFORD-UPON-AVON is one of the UK's best known towns, famous of course as the birthplace and home of William Shakespeare. Situated in the heart of the English Midlands, right on the banks of the River Avon, it remains the quintessential market town where the Bard was born, schooled and married before moving to London. He returned in his later life and now lies buried within the walls of Stratford's grand Holy Trinity Church.

The town itself, which now has a population of around 22,000, dates right back to medieval times, it's streets lined with black and white buildings steeped in history.

Hundreds of thousands of tourists visit Stratford each year to visit the historic properties associated with Shakespeare and the home of the Royal Shakespeare Company.

Aside from its Shakespearian attractions, Stratford also boasts a vibrant and ever-growing town centre filled with shops, bars and restaurants.

With a diverse and varied range of independent and multi-national stores, a day of shopping in Stratford-upon-Avon is a pure pleasure.

Stratford-upon-Avon is undoubtedly one of the most picturesque towns in England. Predominantly, most famous for it’s rich Shakespearian history, Stratford is set in stunning Warwickshire countryside, on the banks of the River Avon. With easy access via rail or road, an afternoon of shopping here will surely be an afternoon to remember.

Whether you wish to visit the interesting markets or stroll through the number of quaint back streets full of unique boutiques and interesting gift shops, Stratford has something to offer every shopper.

The range of stores is indeed assorted and we can guarantee that you will probably run out of time before you run out of shops to browse through! From gift shops to clothing stores, jewellers to antique dealers and bookshops to chocolatiers, you will be sure to find whatever it is that you are looking for, whether it’s an outfit for a special occasion or a charming gift for a certain someone.

If you are looking for bespoke tailoring, designer outfits or up to the minute fashions, Stratford boasts a chic collection of upmarket clothing stores such as Madeline Ann, which stock elite, high quality designer wear. Independent clothing stores such as Gemini, Beautique, Cordelia, Ideal Clothes and lingerie specialist, Camille, can also be found within the town centre. Alongside the independent boutiques Stratford also has a number of multi-national stores, such as Accessorize, Monsoon, Next and Principles, which are all popular choices with shoppers.

Looking for something special for your home, perhaps furniture, ornaments or soft furnishings? Stratford has a range of stores guaranteed to make your home interior as beautiful as can be, including Cornucopia, Fred Winter & Company, Home Sweet Home, Kitchenalia and Lakeland Limited to name but a few.

The town also offers a variety of rare antique shops, so if you’re looking for anything obsolete from books to furniture or china to fine art, look no further than antique stores such as Falstaffs, Stratford Antique Centre, Taylor & Brook Antiques and Queen Anne Antiques & Crafts. Don’t forget to keep a look out for any antique markets too!

Stratford really is a shopper’s paradise, and with the River Avon flowing straight through the centre, it’s a great excuse to pack up a picnic for lunch, give the credit card a short rest and take a bit of ‘time out’ on the scenic river bank – bliss! Although, there is a mouth-watering array of eateries capable of catering for every taste!

For more information about Stratford visit www.stratfordobserver.co.uk

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