Stratford-upon-Avon is forever synonymous with history and culture. A medieval market town in England’s West Midlands, is the 16th-century birthplace of William Shakespeare. Possibly the most famous writer in the English language, Shakespeare is known for his sonnets and plays such as 'Romeo and Juliet' and 'Hamlet'. The Royal Shakespeare Company performs his plays in the Royal Shakespeare Theatre and adjacent Swan Theatre on the banks of the River Avon. Other places of interest are Anne Hathaway’s cottage This is real-life ‘Shakespeare in Love’. Originally a farmhouse, this was the site where Wills courted Anne, who would later become Mrs Shakespeare. The pretty cottage has its original furniture and features, and the romantic gardens are the stuff sonnets are made of. Stratford-upon-Avon Butterfly Farm. The UK’s largest tropical butterfly attraction is an ideal rainy-day activity. Wander through exotic plants and gurgling waterfalls while hundreds of free-flying butterflies flutter around you. Countess of Evesham. Also known as Stratford’s ‘Orient Express’ this 70m restaurant cruiser drifts up and down the Avon along some of its prettiest stretches. For a day with a bit of a difference, you can visit The Mechanical Art and Design museum, but better known as the MAD museum in Henley Street which boasts "brilliant-but-bonkers machines" made by Kinetic artists. Items on show include mechanised flipbooks and a musical typewriter. *The Wizarding World of Dr Thaddeus Bombay at Creaky Cauldron Where Magic Begins Spread over three floors, the Wizarding World of Dr Thaddeus Bombay is a phantasmagorical experience of magical delights *After Dark at Creaky Cauldron Where Magic Begins Warwickshire’s Premier Scare attraction *Stratford's original theatre of fear, The Dark Arts Theatre Company present their Truly Terrifying Tales of History told by the original Master of the Macabre. *The Magic Alley at Creaky Cauldron Where Magic Begins A phantasmagorical emporium of magical delights from wands and spells to sweets and quirky gifts - all at the sign of the Creaky Cauldron