From its early history as a market town to the present day, Stratford has remained one of England's most beautiful towns. The birthplace of playwright William Shakespeare, Stratford is situated in the countryside, on the banks of the river Avon. Many of the town's buildings date back to Shakespearean times. Visitors can see his home and walk through his gardens, which contain the trees, flowers and herbs mentioned in Shakespeare's works. (GETTY IMAGES)