A trip to Stratford is not complete without a visit to the home of the Royal Shakespeare Company. The theater was built in 1926 following fire damage to the 1879 original structure. Fortunately it was not completely destroyed during the fire; parts of the original building, a cross between a German castle and French chateau, are still clearly visible. A second auditorium, the Swan Theater has also been incorporated into the older part.
Proudly proclaiming the fact that it is "Europe's largest", the Stratford-upon-Avon Butterfly Farm affords a peaceful retreat away from all things Shakespearean. Hundreds of butterflies can be viewed at close quarters, many of the species sporting spectacular colors. For those interested in less attractive, more frightening creatures, other insect displays are available, including stick insects, leaf-eating ants and the world's largest spider.
If you are looking for a day out in the open, a bit of drama and the chance to place a bet or two, look no further than the Stratford-upon-Avon Racecourse. Steeple chasing has taken place here for almost 250 years with 14 meetings held each year between March and November. In between cheering on your favorite filly, enjoy refreshments from a tempting range of eateries and bars, or at the large picnic area at the center of the course. Although relatively small in size, the course is counted as one of the region's best. The racecourse also offers rental space for a variety of events, including corporate functions, wedding receptions and private parties.
Housing one of the world's finest collections of Pre-Raphaelite art, with works by Rossetti, Ford Madox Brown and Holman Hunt, Birmingham's principal museum and gallery is located in a stunning Victorian building. The museum displays works by British and European artists, along with collections of ceramics, sculpture, silver and stained glass. You can also find archaeological, ethnographic and local history exhibits, including Egyptian mummies.
As the only surviving example of the once prevalent Back to Backs of Birmingham, these historic buildings are a rare treasure. During the 19th Century, a number of buildings were built back to back around a common courtyard to meet the demands of the rapidly growing population of the city as a result of industrialization. These houses were inhabited by the working class who managed to survive in these cramped quarters. Each of the four Back to Backs around the courtyard has been restored and refurnished as a representation of four different time periods, giving visitors an extremely rare opportunity to take a peek into the lives of the ordinary working men and women of the 1840s, 1870s, 1930s and 1970s. Only a few slots are available each day and prior reservations are a must if you wish to visit these homes.
The jewelry industry developed in the city from the mid-19th Century. At its peak in the early part of the 20th Century, it employed nearly 20,000 workers. Today, the Jewellery Quarter is a bustling area that produces over a third of the UK's jewelry, and you can find tons of bargains in its many small shops. It's also home to the award-winning Museum of the Jewellery Quarter and some good restaurants.
St Cyprian's Church, Hay Mills is a splendid example of Gothic Revival style architecture. The origins of the church can be traced back to 1860 when James Horsfall, a famed wire manufacturer, builtt a school room for the use of his employee's children. This came to be used as a chapel and was finally incorporated in to the current church building 1873. Adorned with a number of rich architectural details, what the church is best known for is its stunning collection of stained glass windows by Hardman & Co. While some depict biblical scenes, other bear images of saints. Whatever the theme, each and every one of the windows are characterized by intricate details and a vivid use of colour. Also of interest is the church's beautifully carved pulpit and the font which serves the dual purpose of being a memorial to Horsfall's daughter. The church continues on as an active parish church even today with a devoted and enthusiastic congregation.
Built in the 12th Century, the The Church of St Mary the Virgin is a lovely place with excellent architecture. The church houses wall paintings from the 17th and 18th Century. The churchyard houses graves of many notable people. It is an active church which conducts regular services and prayers and is listed as a Grade II building by the English Heritage.
The origins of All Saints Church, Allesley, can be traced back to the 13th Century, however it is believed that a church has existed at the site since Norman times. Although the church has undergone a number of changes over the years, it has been designated a Grade I listed building and is deemed to be of immense historic and architectural importance. As you explore the church you will come across a number of monuments and memorials, taking you on a journey through the history of the church's congregation. Active even today, the church continues to serve the community and has embraced a blend of different styles of worship.
The Catholic Church of the Sacred Heart and St Catherine of Alexandria, located in Droitwich Spa, Worcestershire is a wonderful place of worship beautified by the remarkable mosaic interiors. The simple yet elegant brown brickwork exterior does little justice to the elaborate and intricate mosaic work adorning the interiors. The mosaic work was begun in 1921 and it took a humongous 12 year period to finish the same. Almost eight and a half tons of Venice imported glass fragments have been used to produce the ornate mosaic work in the equally treasured church.