Stratford-upon-Avon and Bladon

We left Coventry with the full intention of driving on to Bladon, the town near Oxford where we had reservations in a B&B. Along the way we decided to make a quick stop to visit Shakespeare’s birthplace, and to do a little shopping. The tour of the birthplace was a bit overpriced, but it wasn’t bad. The town itself is active, and the theatre along the banks of the Avon looked spectacular. Too bad we didn’t get to see a performance there.

You’ve probably never heard of Bladon, but if it’s still possible for you to do so, we heartily recommend it as a nice place to spend a few days. Like so many other small towns and villages near larger towns and cities, Bladon is but a shadow of its former self. We did enjoy visiting a local pottery, touring the church and Churchhill’s grave, and found the “local,” the White House, to be a great place for spending some time and eating great pub food.

Maybe the coolest part was the gate to the Blenheim Palace grounds, between our B&B and the pub. Locals have free access to the grounds along a path that leads to Woodstock, the larger town on the opposite side of the Palace.