Stratford-upon-Avon, being the birthplace of William Shakespeare, offers a variety of unique and literary-themed souvenirs. Here are some popular options for souvenirs you might want to pick up during your visit:
1. Shakespearean Memorabilia
- Shakespeare Books: Copies of Shakespeare’s plays, sonnets, or special editions with annotations or illustrations.
- Shakespeare Portraits and Prints: Reproductions of famous portraits of Shakespeare, often framed or printed on items like mugs, t-shirts, and bags.
- Shakespeare Souvenir Programs: Many shops sell programs from performances at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre.
2. Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) Items
- RSC Merchandise: T-shirts, hoodies, posters, and other items showcasing the Royal Shakespeare Company’s iconic logo and productions.
- RSC Collectibles: Limited-edition prints, tickets, and other memorabilia from special performances.
3. Handcrafted Items
- Local Pottery: Handmade pottery, often featuring Shakespearean themes or the local scenery.
- Wooden Souvenirs: Handcrafted wooden items, such as chess sets, plaques, and figurines.
- Glassware: Beautifully crafted glass pieces, such as blown glass ornaments, often representing local motifs.
4. Historical and Heritage Items
- Miniature Replica Houses: Models of Shakespeare’s birthplace or Anne Hathaway’s Cottage.
- Stratford detailed on John Speed’s old map of Warwickshire c.1600
- Pictorial Map of Stratford-upon-Avon
- Historic Maps and Prints: Reproductions of old maps of Stratford or prints of the town during Shakespeare’s time.
- Vintage Items: Antique-style jewelry, watches, or trinkets from the Tudor era.
5. Tea and Food-Related Items
- Shakespeare-themed Tea Sets: Beautifully designed teacups or tea sets with quotes from Shakespeare’s plays.
- Locally Made Chocolates and Biscuits: Stratford has a number of local artisan shops selling handmade chocolates, biscuits, and preserves that make great edible souvenirs.
- Stratford-upon-Avon Tea: Local blends of tea that can remind you of the town long after your visit.
6. Themed Clothing and Accessories
- Shakespeare Quote Apparel: T-shirts, scarves, and hats emblazoned with famous Shakespeare quotes like “To be, or not to be” or “All the world’s a stage.”
- Handmade Jewelry: Pieces inspired by Shakespeare’s life or the Elizabethan era, such as silver rings or necklaces shaped like quills or scrolls.
7. Shakespeare’s Birthplace Souvenirs
- Memorabilia from the Birthplace: Souvenirs like bookmarks, journals, and magnets available at the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust shop.
- Quills and Ink: Quill pens with ink, a nod to Shakespeare’s writing tools.