The Royal Shakespeare Company.
The literary heart of England has just been celebrating a milestone, the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare's legacy.
Stratford-upon-Avon irresistibly brims with banner attractions, intimately steeped in the legacy of the Bard.
Where to start? Shakespeare's birthplace, naturally.
The movie-set perfect half-timbered house on Henley St was where William Shakespeare was born and raised.
Period furnished, this glorified shrine to the playwright offers a rich flavour of his formative years.
For the past year, an added feature is the exhibition that focuses on the playwright's circle of friends and family, 'Famous Beyond Words'.
It's beautifully presented and succeeds in lending a humanising element to the birthplace experience.
Another fresh attraction is the ambitious transformation of New Place, the site of William Shakespeare's grand family home of 20 years - now a contemporary heritage landmark to commemorate the 400th anniversary.
Shakespeare was already an established playwright when he bought New Place at the age of 33, later dying in the house in 1616 after writing many plays on site, including The Tempest.
Sadly New Place was demolished in 1759, with just the historic garden remaining.
However, now you can see the footprint of the lost family home, after archaeological excavations of the site. A dynamic permanent exhibition brings to life the story of New Place, housed in the restored Tudor house adjoining New Place.
Another very exciting restoration and opening is William Shakespeare's schoolroom, which along with the town's ancient Guildhall, is now open for public viewing.
It's humbling to stand in the very room where he was educated, and marvel at the Guildhall, built in 1420, where his father played an influential role in the town's civic life.
But for quintessential postcard-perfection, Anne Hathaway's Cottage, the family home of Shakespeare's bride-to-be, is the undisputed heart-stealer.
The picturesque thatched farmhouse, flanked by stunning grounds and gardens, overflows with blooms, orchards and artworks.
Inside the 600-year-old cottage, I ogled many original items of family furniture, including the Hathaway Bed, dating from Anne's time.
But the endearing beauty of the charming cottage gardens was the real thrill, stretching across nine acres, threaded with woodland walks and a sculptural trail.
Back in town, I completed by homage to the Bard, by joining a Behind the Scenes Tour at the Royal Shakespeare Company, which is enjoying greater allure since the theatre complex was remodelled, melding the old with the new.
It's a fabulously illuminating tour, taking in the wardrobe department, the audio and lighting booths and both theatres. Our guide frothed freely with fun facts and insights, effortlessly illustrating what an unrivalled treasure this theatre company is.
Website: www.rsc.org.uk
* Whether you wish to wine and dine at The Arden, or treat yourself to a memorable stay, for best rates and seasonal deals, head to www.slh.com/hotels/the-arden-hotel-stratford/
* The wider Warwickshire countryside is pitch-perfect for leisurely sightseeing, whether it be Royal Leamington Spa, Warwick or Kenilworth. For the very best advice on touring tips and fresh temptations, head to http://shakespeares-england.co.uk
Broccoli planted now will be ready in August, cauliflowers in September.