As the winter chill descends, escape to the enchanting town of Stratford-upon-Avon, where The Arden Hotel’s history is waiting for you to unlock its rich tapestry of stories. Discover a world of literature, religion and war, during your winter break.
A remarkable piece of hotel history
The Arden Hotel, an architectural gem steeped in history, was built in the late 1600s, standing as a testament to centuries gone by. William Shakespeare’s father, built a property for the 1,500 population market town in the 17th century, which the Arden was part of, and it’s believed William Shakespeare wrote some of his works in the Elizabethan gardens. Since then, the building has gone through many transformations and owners, but officially became a hotel in 1965, managing to preserve its rich history throughout it all.
So, what 5 great historic activities can you enjoy during your visit?
1. Explore Shakespeare’s birthplace
No visit to Stratford-upon-Avon is complete without paying homage to the literary giant, William Shakespeare. Explore his birthplace, a mere stone’s throw away from our hotel, from Anne Hathaway’s cottage to his homes and more. This is a great chance for you to immerse yourself in the world that shaped the wordsmith, and afterwards head back to your room, with its own special hotel history connected to Shakespeare and one of his prized writing spots.
2. Discover the secrets of the Tudor World
Step further back in time with a visit to Tudor World, a living history museum that breathes life into the past. Engage with interactive exhibits and witness the Tudor-era come alive, complementing the Arden Hotel’s rich Tudor history and origin.
3. Walk past The Almshouse
Sir Baptist Hicks, a silk trader and one of the richest men in England, financed The Almshouse homes that were, and still are, used as homes for twelve pensioners during the early 17th century. These historic homes tell a story of generosity, unity and community care.
4. Get a glimpse into the spiritual history of the town
Another great way to enjoy your winter break with us is to visit the 800-year-old Holy Trinity Church, where Shakespeare rests. From magnificent stained glass windows dating from the 1400s, to a sanctuary knocker from the 1200s, where anyone found touching this in the past could claim sanctuary for up to 37 days, there’s centuries of spiritual and religious history to unpack here.
5. Immerse yourself in military history
Similar to the way our hotel’s history tells many stories, Stratford-upon-Avon as a town has plenty to offer. From literary to military history, visit the Stratford Armouries museum, boasting a world-class collection of arms and armour, from full-size armoured horses, artefacts from the English Civil War to displays of Indian and Persian talwars, as well as Indo-Persian armour.
This is a great place to visit if you’re a history buff, looking to brush up on your local military history.
As you weave through the historical fabric of Stratford-upon-Avon, let the Arden Hotel be your gateway to a unique and unforgettable winter break. Discover our exclusive winter offer, and soak up our hotel’s fascinating history.
