00:00Stratford-upon-Avon, known around the world as the birthplace of William Shakespeare,
00:06but in 2026 it's the town itself rather than its most famous son taking another bow.
00:13The Sunday Times has named Stratford as one of Britain's best places to live. It was one of only
00:19seven Midlands locations selected for the annual guide, which examined schools, transport culture,
00:25green space, community life and the strength of the high street. They highlighted the town's family
00:31appeal, its riverside setting, open spaces, attractive homes and highly regarded schools.
00:37The mix of independent and familiar shops, its cinema, restaurants and busy sports clubs also
00:44helped Stratford make the list. From the air it's easy to see why. The River Avon curves through the
00:49centre, passing Bancroft Gardens and the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. Pleasure boats share the
00:54water with rowing crews and swans alike, while centuries-old streets sit only a short walk
01:00from parks and open countryside. The town's history is impossible to separate from Shakespeare.
01:06His birthplace still stands on Henley Street, where the timber-framed house draws visitors from
01:12across the world. And further along the historic spine is Holy Trinity Church, where Shakespeare was
01:19baptised and later buried. In nearby Shottery, Anne Hathaway's cottage offers another connection to the
01:26family story. Those familiar landmarks are now enjoying renewed attention because of Hamnet,
01:32the award-winning film inspired by Maggie O'Farrell's novel. Although it was not filmed in Stratford,
01:38its story is rooted here. The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust reported the visitor numbers across its attractions
01:44rose by 15-20% after the film's release. The Trust is now running special Hamnet tours at Anne Hathaway's
01:52cottage. It's another example of Stratford in finding new ways to make a 400-year-old legacy relevant to
02:00modern audiences. Tourism has always powered the local economy, bringing millions of visitors to the
02:05wider district. The Sunday Times judges said that energy also helps make the town centre an enjoyable place
02:12for residents. But life in a town visited by millions brings challenges. Local people have raised concerns
02:18about traffic congestion, affordable housing, road repairs, cleanliness and health services. The
02:25council's most recent survey found that three-quarters of Stratford area residents were satisfied with the
02:30area, although that figure had fallen. That makes Stratford more than a picture-perfect backdrop. It's
02:36a working town trying to balance the needs of residents with the demands of a global tourist destination.
02:42Shakespeare's made its name famous, but the river, green spaces, cultural life and sense of history
02:48keeps Stratford-upon-Avon thriving. More than four centuries after the Bard's death, the town he left
02:54behind is still finding new audiences and new reasons to take centre stage.
02:59See you next time.
02:59See you next time.
