The Bards Backyard

Stratford upon Avon was our trip today and we headed out pretty early for us. It's only 30 minutes from Coventry and we arrived, paid our parking and were on the walking trail by 10. Straight up onto the River Avon, dodging the school excursions, and paused to watch the swans, white in England, and the punt moving through the lock and down to the river.

A wander to the Royal Shakespeare Theatre where they were happy for us to just wander around, take photos and check out some great costumes and photographic exhibitions. Couldn't go into the Auditoriums because they were in final rehearsals but it was really open access and very interesting.

Outside the theatre we saw a great little Airstream Caravan converted to coffee shop but not open for coffee. They always look great, would love to see inside.

Stratford upon Avon was very quaint, Shakespeare's town, touristy but still beautiful. Again gardens, old Tudor style pubs and houses, narrow streets, churches and history everywhere.

Finally found a coffee shop worthy of the name. "Box Brownie" passionate enthusiastic staff, smooth rich coffee - thank goodness, we were really starting to worry that the UK didn't have real coffee.

On to a Victorian historic house "Charlecote Park" 900 years old, lovely gardens, amazing library and house, parklands dotted with deer and sheep. Situated right on the Avon River. It's hard to absorb the history when Australia is such a baby by comparison. England is dotted with these gems.

What a lovely day. Home to the fire and a good cup of tea.