A quiet weekend for two or a family break in Shakespeare’s County

24 June 2008

Set in the heart of England, Stratford upon Avon has something to keep most families happy. It’s also a great placed to visit if you’re lucky enough to escape with out the children! We visited by ourselves recently and found a lovely barn conversion to stay in. The barn has been carefully restored by the current owner into several separate properties, which is ideal if you want a larger get together.

We stayed in the smallest property, The Cart Shed, which has two bedrooms. The property is well designed and was spotlessly clean and well furnished. The spiral staircase up to the first floor bedroom might not be for everyone, but there is a twin bedroom downstairs.

The barn is in Weston on Avon, which is a short drive into Stratford. The lovely Cotswolds are a short drive away too, so plenty to do and see. The next village of Welford on Avon has three pubs to choose from to eat out. They all looked fantastic, but we were there for just 2 nights, so only got to try the Bell Inn. The food was delicious, but you will need to book or be prepared to eat and run as we had to do. We were reliably informed that the Shakespeare Inn offers a free taxi service should you and your party wish to have a drink or two. Now that’s what I’d call customer service as well as extremely sensible! The Four Alls, which we only drove by, has a lovely riverside setting.

All properties are available for short stays from 2 nights; perfect for grabbing a quick weekend break and of course are available for one or two weeks too.

If you have little children the Ragdoll shop (11 Chapel Street) has to be worth a visit. Home to Teletubbies, Brum, Tots TV and more it sells the latest toys, books etc, but also has little nooks and crannies where children can play or watch a DVD. My two children loved it when they were little.

The Butterfly Farm, Teddy Bear Museum and nearby Warwick Castle are also must visits for a family day out.

Finally, there’s the various Shakespeare attractions. The RSC, Shakespeare’s birthplace, Ann Hathaway’s Cottage, Mary Arden’s House, Hall’s Croft, Nash’s House and New Place and Harvard House.

To book The Cart Shed visit Cottages4you, Prop Reference 19038.

Written by jane · Filed Under Cottages, Great Britain