The literary geek in me will never leave, and that became clear when I recently visited Stratford-upon-Avon in the United Kingdom with my best friend. We drove an hour from Birmingham, where we were based, and lucked out with the weather with non-stop sunshine and 65-degree weather all day.
I was quite surprised how big the town was when we arrived. For some reason, in my mind, I had chalked up the town to be a tiny medieval town where only Shakespeare’s house and a few other businesses were, but I was proven wrong soon enough as we struggled to find parking in the busy area. Of course, the town had those classic Tudor-style buildings with dark wood beams accenting white walls and ornate windows, but there was much more awaiting, as well.
There happened to be a market and fair the weekend we visited, as it was on a bank holiday weekend, meaning locals flocked to the area to join tourists for a day of sunshine. We first ventured to the Shakespeare center, where we bought tickets to Shakespeare’s birthplace. The building still stands, with original furniture and décor from the time period on display to show what the house would have looked like when Shakespeare lived there.
The house overlooks a beautiful garden with massive roses and other vibrant flowers. Throughout the house and gardens are plaques with quotes from various Shakespeare plays. There are even statues and sculptures of playwrights and writers from around the world who lived at the same time as Shakespeare to highlight the power of literature in the 16th and early 17th centuries.
After wandering through Shakespeare’s home and the gift shop (yes, I did buy a Hamlet ornament in which he’s holding the skull of Yorrick … a reference only fans of Shakespeare can appreciate), we grabbed lunch at a cute Thai restaurant before heading to the river to walk the bank and take in views of the landscape. You can even rent paddleboats to venture up and down the river, and each boat is named after a Shakespeare character, which I loved.
We walked the length of the river until we reached the 13th-century Church of the Holy Trinity, where Shakespeare was baptized, married Anne Hathaway and is now buried. Anne Hathaway and their daughter Susanna are buried alongside him. While the church is free to enter, you have to pay a small fee to enter where Shakespeare is buried.
My friend pointed out an even older tomb behind Shakespeare’s, dating to the 1400s, in which he said, “Isn’t it weird how Shakespeare also saw that tomb of the man buried there just as we are now?”
Before we left town, we couldn’t pass the chance to get ice cream on such a lovely day. We opted for Hooray’s Gelato Kitchen, which had a line out the door. We sat and enjoyed our ice cream before returning to Birmingham to rest before our next day’s adventures.
— Aoife O’Riordan, associate editor

Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
May 8, 2025New Taipei City Art Museum Opens
After years of preparation, New Taipei City’s first public art museum, New Taipei City Art Museum, opened at the end of April. Positioned as a public art museum, NTCAM aims to become more than just a cultural landmark by seeking to actively engage with citizens, international visitors, artists and the broader community in Taiwan through dialogue and collaborative projects.
Sponsored Content
Sail Unique with Explora Journeys
SAIL UNIQUE: A New Chapter in Luxury Ocean Travel Imagine a place where modern European elegance meets the rhythm of the sea — where time slows down, and every detail is crafted to inspire connection and quiet indulgence. This is Explora Journeys, the luxury lifestyle ocean brand from MSC Group created to redefine how we explore the world.
Daily
May 8, 2025Fort Lauderdale Hosts Third Annual Sports Fishing Competition: The Catch
The third edition of Sports Fishing Competition’s The Catch, powered by Verizon, returned to Fort Lauderdale’s scenic marina this past April, bringing current and former professional football players together to compete in an offshore fishing pro-am against 16 professional SFC angling clubs and competitors.
Daily
May 7, 2025Welcome Spring with The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park’s Picnic in the Park
There’s a lovely alchemy that takes place when you mix sunshine and a leafy park. Add a picnic basket full of goodies and you’re on your way to a memorable outdoor escape. At The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park, guests can embrace springtime in the city with a gourmet picnic-to-go lunch in Central Park, featuring fresh fare thoughtfully curated by Executive Chef Andrew Burriesci.
Sponsored Content
Royal Air Maroc Marks Five Years with oneworld: Strengthening Connectivity Between USA and Africa and Expanding Global Reach
Royal Air Maroc proudly enters its fifth year as a member of the prestigious oneworld alliance. Since joining in April 2020, RAM has demonstrated resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic, emerging as a dynamic airline that enhanced its digital services and expanded its network. The airline plans to grow its fleet to 200 aircraft by 2037, reinforcing its global presence.
May 2025
May 7, 2025LEED Certifies a Growing List of Properties Worldwide
Surrounded by more than 200 acres of protected forest in Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle, Heritance Kandalama was the world’s first resort to be LEED certified, a feat accomplished in 2000 just two years after the U.S. Green Building Council launched the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification program. The 5-star property treats and repurposes 100 percent of its wastewater and effluents and works to achieve its goal of zero waste reaching landfill, among other sustainability efforts.
ZURiTO Review
eFlyer Reviews
May 7, 2025eFlyer Deals
May 7, 2025Mexico Grand Hotels Extends Cinco de Mayo with Limited-Time Promotion
Cinco de Mayo may be over, but that doesn’t mean the celebrations have ended. Mexico Grand Hotels extends the festivities of the Mexican holiday with its 5 de Mayo sale.
Sponsored Content
Seoul: Your Next MICE Destination
Seoul has rapidly become a leading global MICE hub, known for its rich culture, advanced technology and strong economy. As the capital of South Korea, it offers a strategic location in East Asia and a booming cultural influence through K-pop, K-movies, Korean cuisine and K-dramas. With its vibrant atmosphere and business-friendly environment, Seoul is increasingly the top choice for MICE organizers and corporate travelers seeking connection and collaboration.
eFlyer Deals
May 7, 2025SLS Baha Mar Launches Ultimate Offer for Mother’s Day
Give mom the gift of relaxation and indulgence with SLS Baha Mar’s Milestone Moon, Suite Escape offer. With this offer, you’ll treat mom or the mother figure in your life to 30 percent off stays at its newly renovated suites, as well as a $500 resort credit.
ShareThis