Ever wanted to take a few days and step into Shakespeare’s shoes? Experience the life The Bard had, walk where he walked, see the things that inspired him and get to know his family? If you have, Stratford-Upon-Avon is the place for you.
1. William Shakespeare's birthplace
Shakespeare was born in a 16th-century house that looks simple by today’s standards but would have been considered a fairly wealthy dwelling in its day. It is here that Shakespeare spent his childhood years.
Today, it has a small museum and is joined to the concrete and glass Shakespeare Centre, the headquarters of the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust. Inside his birthplace, you’ll find period domestic furnishings, and in the garden behind the house grow the same flowers and plants that would have grown there during his lifetime. You will also be able to see a re-creation of his father’s glove-making shop, a place that a young William might have peered in on to watch his father work.
The Birthplace Trust does its best to make history come to life by employing costumed guides who tell tales of Shakespeare’s life. In addition to this, hosting actors put on a show depicting historical scenes.
Shakespeare's Birthplace
Address: Henley St, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 6QW, UK
Website: Shakespeare’s Birthplace
2. Church of the Holy Trinity
The Church of the Holy Trinity is Stratford’s oldest building, with some construction starting in 1210. Inside you will find several 14th and 15th-century features, and a large organ from the 1800s. Despite their historical value, however, these pieces aren’t the biggest reason behind this being one of the most visited churches in England.
What makes the church famous is that it is the place where William Shakespeare was baptised, attended, and buried. Here you can see Shakespeare’s burial site in the chancel and admire his funerary monument on the wall beside his burial place. His wife and eldest daughter are buried next to him.
Spend some time in this church and contemplate Shakespeare’s weekly attendance, worshipping and giving tithes. You can even examine the stone with the famous epitaph:
GOOD FRIEND FOR JESUS SAKE FOREBEAR, TO DIGG THE DVST ENCLOSED HERE. BLESTE BE YE MAN YT SPARES THESE STONES, AND CURSED BE HE YT MOVES MY BONES.
Church of the Holy Trinity
Address: Old Town, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 6BG, UK
Website: Church of the Holy Trinity
3. Anne Hathaway's Cottage and Gardens
Originally built in 1463 with just three rooms, this farmhouse is where the wife of William Shakespeare lived as a child. She was born in the cottage in 1556. Her family were very successful sheep farmers, and they later expanded the cottage to twelve rooms.
Today the property is surrounded by beautifully cultivated gardens. Visitors come here to see the original furniture, including the Hathaway bed, and learn about the time Shakespeare spent here courting his bride-to-be. You can also wander down the Shakespeare trail and see works of art inspired by his writings.
Anne Hathaway's Cottage and Gardens
Address: Cottage Ln, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 9HH, UK
Website: Anne Hathaway’s Cottage and Gardens
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4. Mary Arden's Farm
Mary Arden was Shakespeare’s mother. She also lived in Stratford-upon-Avon and spent her childhood in this farmhouse. This is a working Tudor farm, so visitors can experience the sights, sounds, and smells just as they were when Mary Arden lived here.
Mary Arden's Farm
Address: Station Rd, Wilmcote CV37 9UN, UK
Website: Mary Arden’s Farm
5. Hall's Croft
Hall’s Croft is the home in which Shakespeare’s daughter Susanna lived with her husband Dr John Hall. It was built in 1613 and includes a walled garden in which John would have had many medicinal herbs planted for use in his practice. Visitors today can admire this garden and learn about the various remedies that were once created here.
Hall's Croft
Address: Old Town, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 6BG, UK
Website: Hall’s Croft
6. Shakespeare's New Place
Shakespeare’s New Place is so named because it was the last place William Shakespeare lived in Stratford-Upon-Avon. He bought it in 1597 and lived there until his death in 1616. He died within the house.
The actual house on New Place no longer exists due to a dispute in the late 1700s between the home’s owner and the town, which resulted in the owner demolishing the building. Follow in Shakespeare’s footprints around the property and imagine him writing works such as The Tempest here. You can also enjoy the works of art and gardens on the property.
Shakespeare's New Place
Address: 22 Chapel St, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 6EP, UK
Website: New Place
7. Shakespeare’s Schoolroom and Guildhall
This schoolroom is where Shakespeare studied from age 7 to 14. It was here that he discovered theatre and became inspired to write. Visitors can explore the schoolroom, see what kind of lessons would have been taught there, and even try some homework from the time period.
Shakespeare’s Schoolroom and Guildhall
Address: Church St, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 6HB, UK
8. Royal Shakespeare Theatre
The Royal Shakespeare Theatre was opened in 1932 and is owned by the Royal Shakespeare Theatre Company. It is entirely dedicated to William Shakespeare. It seats 1,040 people and includes a rooftop bar, an exhibition space, and a riverside walk. Both contemporary and Shakespearean plays are performed here. What better way to remember Shakespeare than to enjoy some live theatre in the town of his birth?
Royal Shakespeare Theatre
Address: Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Waterside, Warwickshire, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 6YF, UK
Website: Royal Shakespeare Theatre
9. Compton Verney Art Gallery - Shakespeare in Art exhibit
A restored 18th-century mansion, this beautiful art gallery is home to six permanent collections of art. The gallery grounds also include a gorgeous park and labyrinth. In celebration of the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death, the art gallery is hosting a special collection known as Shakespeare in Art. This collection focuses on the most influential and emotional Shakespearean plays and includes paintings, photography, projections, a sound score, and readings by Royal Shakespeare Theatre actors.
Compton Verney Art Gallery
Address: Compton Verney CV35 9HZ, UK
Website: Compton Verney Art Gallery
10. Tudor World - Shakespeare Walking Tour
Set within a Tudor property, Tudor World is an independent museum that focuses on unique, immersive experiences to learn about what life was like during this era. Every Saturday at 2 pm, William Shakespeare himself appears to provide tours of his hometown and delight visitors will tales of his life and inspirations. The tour begins at his old tavern and passes by his birthplace, school, and church.
Tudor World
Address: 40 Sheep St, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 6EE, UK
Website: Shakespeare Walking Tour
Spend time with Shakespeare
Spending some time in Stratford-Upon-Avon will delight anyone who appreciates the works of William Shakespeare. With plenty of insight into the personal and daily life of The Bard, there’s no better place to learn about the world’s most famous playwright.
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