As the home of William Shakespeare, Stratford-upon-Avon is steeped in both literary and cultural heritage. Explore five Shakespeare Houses linked to the famous Bard, each offering a different insight into his life and times.
Shakespeare's Birthplace, on Henley Street, is one of the most evocative attractions in the world and undoubtedly the centrepiece of any visit to Stratford. See Shakespeare's home as he would have lived in it as a ten year old boy. Based on meticulous research, the Birthplace's parlour, hall, bedrooms, kitchen and butlery are furnished in authentic 16th century style. The new visitor centre and exhibition entitled ‘Life, Love & Legacy: A New Introduction to William Shakespeare’, will see visitors journey through five zones in a truly immersive experience. The visitor centre, which is set within the grounds of the house where Shakespeare was born, is the centrepiece of the five houses that The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust opens to the public in and around Stratford.
Anne Hathaway's Cottage represents the quintessential English country cottage and garden. This world-famous thatched cottage was the home of Shakespeare's wife, Anne Hathaway. See the room where Shakespeare is thought to have wooed Anne, view the many country artefacts and furnishings relating to Shakespeare's day and enjoy the beautiful garden and orchard.
Once the family home of Shakespeare's eldest daughter, Susanna, and her husband the physician Dr John Hall, Hall's Croft is the grandest of the Shakespeare Houses. Learn what it was like to be both doctor and patient in Shakespeare's day through a well-documented exhibition of the Doctor's work in early 17th century Stratford-upon-Avon.
Situated in the heart of Stratford, Nash's House was owned by Thomas Nash, the first husband of Shakespeare's grand-daughter Elizabeth . Adjoining Nash's House is New Place Garden, the site of the house William Shakespeare bought in 1597, and where he later retired and died.
Visit the childhood home of Shakespeare's mother, Mary Arden, and discover the fascinating story of this charming farmhouse. Step back in time to the 1570s and experience what life was like for a farming household in Shakespeare's time at neighbouring Palmer's Farm. Watch the period interpreters, dressed in replica Tudor clothing, perform a wide range of activities from hand-milking sheep, cooking over an open fire, baking bread, dipping tallow candles...and much more.
No visit to Stratford would be complete without visiting Shakespeare's grave in Holy Trinity Church. Peacefully sited on the bank of the River Avon, Holy Trinity is one of England 's most beautiful parish churches. It also contains the graves of Anne Hathaway, Dr John Hall, Susanna Shakespeare and Thomas Nash.
For more information visit the official Stratford visitor website: www.discover-stratford.com
