I'm not an enthusiast by any means, but I love train travel. The Shakespeare Express is run by Vintage Trains, which seems to be a largely volunteer-led organization. This was my first time on a steam engine train, and it was actually an efficient way to get from Birmimgham to Stratford-upon-Avon. The journey took just over an hour with three stops between Snow Hill and Stratford-upon-Avon.








We had four hours to spend in Stratford-upon-Avon and spent a bit over an hour on a private walking tour with a knowledgeable guide. A recurring theme was buildings blowing up and/or burning. Stratford-upon-Avon is a lovely town. Not pictured is a park along the river with a boat rental and a chain ferry. I was eager to take the ferry, but we didn't have time.



Unfortunately, my finger made it into my only photograph of Shakespeare's birthplace.




After the tour, we had tea at The Fourteas. The decor was well done.



Now, we are enjoying a drink at The Garrick, one of several establishments reputed to be the city's oldest. It was built sometime in the 1590s.