Stratford-upon-Avon could as well be renamed Shakespeareland. Not only is it Shakespeare’s birthplace, but also this is referenced all over the place – the Mayflower Chinese takeaway being a particularly memorable take on it.

It’s a very nice place for a day trip, with a pretty city centre full of nice shops.

HOW TO DO IT:

• Go: Trains from London take as little as 2h, from £29 return.
• See: Wander around the city centre, stopping at Shakespeare’s Birthplace. Then head to Anne Hathaway’s Cottage. If the day is nice, hop on a boat tour.
• Do: Book in advance and see a play by the Royal Shakespeare Company, always an amazing experience!

The 5-minute trip planner: Planning a short trip in no time.