Day 3:

We started the day around 730am. After checking out from Studley hotel, we took a half hour drive to Stratford-upon-Avon, known for the birthplace of the late famous William Shakespeare.

It was a freezing, cold day and I think the temperature was around 8 degree celsius. After parking the car, we ambled down Henley Street in search of a cafe. It was still early and there was almost no one on the streets as yet. Several minutes later, we chanced upon an Italian cafe and went in. Emma ordered a hot soup while I had chips and cappuccino. A great way to begin the day.

At the tourist information, we bought a walking guide brochure which showed us the way around Stratford-upon-Avon. With her great sense of permutation, we marked out some of the more prominent places to go, given the limited time that we have had (We planned to leave Stratford-upon-Avon around 3pm so that the day would still be bright enough and thus easier for her to drive).

First, we went to the place not to be missed - the birthplace of Shakespeare. It was a pretty house, with low ceiling and it helped that prior to entering the house, we were given some information of his background, his works and the legacy that he had left behind. Indeed, a man known for writing great plays, who followed his passion and pursued his dreams in London, and finally made a name for himself.

Next, we walked along Stratford-upon-Avon canal. It was a nice walk, with pretty houses along the canal. Then, at the River Avon, we took some nice pictures but we didn't walk along it as we had more urgent agenda - Lunch.

It was at Hathaway Tea Rooms. I had my first fish and chips for the trip. A quick but enjoyable lunch and we moved on to visit Nash's House and New Place (home of Thomas Nash who married Shakespeare's granddaughter), followed by Hall's Croft (home of Susanna, Shakespeare's daughter, and her husband Dr John Hall). We didn't spend much time in both the houses as they weren't accompanied by guided explanations which might make the visits more meaningful.

Last of all, we went to Anne Hathaway Cottage, home of Shakespeare's wife. There was an enormously beautiful garden that surrounded the house and a walk around the garden already made the experience a wonderful one. Oh, it was also our first time seeing apple trees and it's fragrance literally wafted some parts of the garden. Lovely experience indeed.

We left Stratford around 3pm plus. And it was around an hour plus drive before we reached Oxford's Five Mile Drive, a B&B, at around 4pm plus.

The night ended with a sumptuous and mouth-watering dinner at Jamie's Italian. She had Cockles Vongole while I had Prawn Linguini. All was worth it.

We drove back and retired at around 10pm.