Today, April 23, marks not only William Shakespeare's birthday, but also the anniversary of his death in 1616, aged 52. The Bard, renowned above all for his dramatic works, boasts an illustrious catalogue, including Hamlet, Macbeth and Romeo and Juliet.

To commemorate the occasion, countless admirers will undoubtedly be making their way to his birthplace of Stratford-upon-Avon, where he was also laid to rest at the Church of the Holy Trinity. A previous visitor to the Warwickshire town, who is also a travel blogger, has put together a list of 10 must-do activities for your own visit. London-based Anna took to TikTok to question whether Stratford is "the most underrated" town in the UK.

Showcasing an array of scenes from the town, she went on to outline the very best that Stratford-upon-Avon has to offer.

Royal Shakespeare Theatre

Anna's first recommendation is to catch a "world-class" Shakespeare production on the banks of the River Avon itself. The Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) stages performances at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre (with a capacity of more than 1,000), as well as the neighbouring Swan Theatre.

Shakespeare's Birthplace

The Bard's birthplace and childhood home is situated on Henley Street and is managed by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust. "Discover more about a young William's family life as you travel through the rooms once lived in and loved by the Shakespeares," the Trust says. "You'll also have the opportunity to get up close to objects from the our world-class collection."

Anne Hathaway's Cottage

"A beautiful thatched farmhouse where Shakespeare's wife grew up," Anna enthused. The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust describes the attraction as: "The family home of Anne Hathaway, William Shakespeare's wife-to-be. It is here that Anne was born and raised and where the young Shakespeare would have visited her during the early part of their relationship. Built more than 500 years ago and extended over the years, much of the original survives."

Holy Trinity Church

"See the final resting place of William Shakespeare," Anna enthused. Celebrated as "Shakespeare's Church" by the church's vicar, Reverend Patrick Taylor, meanwhile, it is also the location of the Bard's baptism and where he worshipped. "Whether you live locally or are planning to visit us from far away, you are assured of a warm welcome!" he adds.

Boat rides on the River Avon

Anna revealed visitors to the town can choose between hiring a rowboat or embarking on a leisurely river cruise. Indeed, Avon Boating adds on its website: "Our famous fleet of traditional vessels take you on a sightseeing tour on which you will enjoy stunning and unique views of the Royal Shakespeare Theatre and Holy Trinity Church as well as experiencing the tranquility of the countryside, which the River Avon passes through as it winds its way towards Alveston."

Bancroft Gardens

Anna said she wandered through Bancroft Gardens, which provided "lovely flower displays and views of the theatre and river". Meanwhile, Stratford-upon-Avon's tourism website adds: "There is also the magnificent swan fountain, Gower memorial (featuring Shakespeare and four characters from his plays) and an array of statues, flowers, and seating areas."

Tudor World

Tudor World is located in Startford's town centre and operates as a living history museum housed within a 16th century building. It provides a unique glimpse into what life was like during the time of Shakespeare and sits just metres away from the RSC.

Bancroft Basin

The Bancroft Basin is situated on the Stratford-upon-Avon Canal in the heart of the town and can be easily overlooked due it to being surrounded by stunning gardens. "Spot colourful narrowboats and charming waterside pubs," Anna suggests.

Henley Street

In addition to being home to The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, the MAD Museum and a library, Henley Street is also described by Anna as a "picturesque street full of Tudor buildings, boutiques, and cafés".

The Dirty Duck

A family-friendly, Grade II listed pub, the Dirty Duck has stood since the 18th century and, according to its owners Greene King, "offers charm, character, and unbeatable waterside views of the River Avon". Greene King further states: "Once known as the Black Swan, it has since become The Dirty Duck - yet still displays both names and is the only pub in England registered under two monikers. With The Royal Shakespeare Theatre less than a five-minute walk away, we're a renowned thespian hotspot."