Shakespeare's Funerary Monument

Inside Holy Trinity Church in Stratford-upon-Avon sits the monument that's been drawing Shakespeare tourists for nearly four centuries. It's a bust mounted on the wall - carved limestone, dignified, slightly imperious - with an inscription below that confirms this is where the man himself was buried in 1616. You're standing in a proper medieval church, all vaulted ceilings and stone columns, and this monument is just one draw among many, but it's the one that makes people catch their breath.

The bust was likely created within a few years of his death, possibly by Gheerart Janssen. Whether you find it moving or just historically significant depends entirely on how much Shakespeare matters to you. For enthusiasts and theatre types, it's unmissable - this is as close as you'll get to the man. Families with restless kids might find twenty minutes enough; literature students could spend an hour studying the inscription and the craftsmanship.

Holy Trinity charges no admission to the church itself, though donations are welcome. You can visit the monument any time the church is open, which is typically daily, though hours vary seasonally - worth checking ahead. The whole town is Shakespeare-soaked, so combine this with Anne Hathaway's Cottage, the schoolhouse, and a pint at one of the half-timbered pubs.

If you're based at Rayford Caravan Park or Stratford Parks - both within walking distance - this is a five-minute stroll into town. It slots perfectly into a Stratford holiday without eating up hours.