Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Exhibition Centre
is based here, and the city has also developed an exciting con-
temporary arts scene. Established venues such as the
Ikon Gallery
compliment
spaces for emerging artists in the Digbeth and Eastside areas.
THE
best
TRAVEL
EXPERIENCES IN THE HEART
OF ENGLAND
W
Seeing the Royal Shakespeare Company perform in Stratford:
The Royal Shake-
speare Company is the world's premier ensemble when it comes to performing the
Bard's full repertoire, and few experiences match seeing them perform in Stratford
on a warm summer evening. The RSC Theatre by the river was recently given a
gorgeous renovation. See p. 452.
W
Dining on a Balti:
If you like South Asian food you're in for a treat. Birmingham's
Balti Triangle is crammed with cheap Indian and Pakistani restaurants touting a
dish concocted by Kashmiri chefs right here. Seasoned and spicy meats are cooked
fresh over a hot flame, and served in the pan with vegetables. See p. 472.
W
Cruising the canals of Birmingham:
It's not Venice, but Birmingham is laced with
canals that offer a unique perspective of the city—its grim industrial past and its
brighter present of renovated wharves, cafes, and shopping malls. Rides by barge
are affordable and fun, and you can even rent your own boat. See p. 466.
W
Hiking the Malvern Hills:
Fine views and fresh walks are rarely so easily accessible,
but the wonderfully rustic Malvern Hills lie just a short walk from Great Malvern
station. Stroll the paths that inspired Edward Elgar, and rehydrate with the
Queen's favorite mineral water. See p. 476.
W
Shopping for secondhand books at Hay-on-Wye:
An unlikely location for a book
pilgrimage perhaps, but this tiny town on the Welsh border is crammed with book-
stores—selling everything from rare tomes to dog-eared paperbacks for a pound.
See p. 693.
12
STRATFORD-UPON-AVON
91 miles NW of London; 40 miles NW of Oxford; 8 miles S of Warwick
The birthplace of
William Shakespeare,
England's greatest playwright, Stratford
commemorates the Bard with a spread of beautifully maintained historic sights from
the Tudor period. The other major draw for visitors is the
Royal Shakespeare The-
atre,
where Britain's foremost actors perform during a long season that lasts from
April to November.
Shakespeare was born here in 1564, and though he spent most of his career in
London, this otherwise plain-looking town has been cashing in on the connection
ever since. Crowds, bus tours, and unashamed tourism now dominates the center,
but visiting the sights themselves, and especially taking in a play or two, transports
you right back to the 16th century.
Essentials
GETTING THERE
The Chiltern Railways train service from London Marylebone
to Stratford-upon-Avon takes about 2
1
⁄
4
hours, with a round-trip ticket starting at £40.
