International Studies Abroad ®est. 1987


Stratford-upon-Avon & Warwick Castle

Location: England


On this excursion, we will be exploring two of the most fascinating and historically significant cities in the UK. The town of Stratford-upon-Avon was chartered in 1196 and is to this day considered a market town, a special municipal status within the UK. It is perhaps most famous for being the birthplace of the one and only William Shakespeare. It is also the town where Shakespeare spent many of his early years and lived with his wife, Anne Hathaway (not to be confused with the contemporary Hollywood star), and family.

Stratford is, appropriately enough, also home to the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, the world's most prestigious Shakespeare production company. Certainly Shakespeare tourism is now a main driver of its prosperity. That said, Stratford's importance goes beyond its ties to Shakespeare. Up until the Industrial Revolution it was the gateway to the British canal network and was a town of appreciable importance for commerce and trade.

Warwick Castle, like many castles throughout the UK, was begun shortly after the crowning of William the Conqueror in 1066. It is also located in Warwickshire, like Stratford, and was strategically built so as to use the Avon as a natural defence. Like many English castles, this one has gone through a number of renovations over the years from traditional to a military stronghold to a country home. The Castle was already receiving tourist visits as early as the 17th century, and today it has developed into one of the most popular tourist attractions in Britain with around 750,000 visitors a year.

**This is a one-day excursion and may or may not be offered every semester

Available in the following sessions

Optional in the following sessions