Stratford-upon-Avon, a medieval market town established in 1196, occupies a unique position in British cultural heritage as the birthplace and home of William Shakespeare, Britain’s greatest playwright. Key properties associated with Shakespeare’s life have been exceptionally well preserved so visitors can experience a real flavour of life as Shakespeare and his contemporaries would have lived it. Stratford’s beautiful setting on the River Avon in the area known as the Heart of England, its excellent shops, restaurants, tea rooms and pubs, and the fact that it is the home of the Royal Shakespeare Company, all make it a superb homestay location.