Shakespeare's Birthplace

So without further ado, let's find out how the son of a glove maker came to be one of those most famous historical figures in the world...

Things to do at Shakespeare's Family Homes

Shakespeare's Family Homes oversee five houses including Shakespeare's Birthplace where you can hear tales from his life and see the very home where the Bard was born!

Shakespeare's Birthplace is located in the heart of Stratford-upon-Avon on Henley Street (one of the main streets in the centre of town). Here, you will delve freely into Shakespeare heritage, listening to tales of Shakespeare’s family life. Get up close to objects from Shakespeare Birthplace Trust’s world class collections and discover how the extraordinary playwright continues to shape our lives today.

Curious visitors can wander the halls of the most captivating cottage in town. Make sure you peer into the Glover's Workshop. Watch some video guides on your mobile to bring the exhibit to life. Browse through many must-see items like the late 16th century oak boarded chest - it's said to have held some of Shakespeare's most valuable possessions. And not forgetting perhaps one of the most crucial artefact at Shakespeare's Birthplace, the Oak Cradle. John Shakespeare and Mary Shakespeare would have had the Oak Cradle made for their newborn William Shakespeare. You can find this breathtaking item in the Birthroom at the Birth House.

Learn about who's hands the house passed through, post-Shakespeare, from one eldest daughter to another. Discover what married life was like for Shakespeare and Anne Hathaway and so much more!

Food & Drink

Browsing ancient artefacts and leafing through informative guides sure does work up an appetite! Not to worry, there is a pop up cafe at Shakespeare's Birthplace that serves a tasty selection of hot and cold drinks, crisps, cakes and biscuits.

There is also 'The Pea Shed' at Anne Hathaway's Cottage. This cafe offers a wide range of hot and cold drinks, snacks and ice creams. Its opening hours are 11am - 3pm daily (please note that opening hours may vary).

Accessibility

• We welcome assistance dogs at all sites.
• There are car parks in close proximity to the entrance to the Shakespeare Centre, including Windsor Street. The nearest Blue Badge spaces are at the top of Henley Street near the statue.
• There are stairs to access the upper floor of Shakespeare's Birthplace.
• Low level lighting at reception
• The ground floor is level access and there is an ambulant toilet and toilets with baby-changing facilities.
• An accessible toilet with baby-changing facilities is located to the rear of the gardens and can be reached before or after the visit to the house.
• At Shakespeare's Birthplace, the ground floor and connecting rooms are narrow, with smaller doorways which might be wide enough for a wheelchair. Powered wheelchairs and mobility scooters are not suitable.

For more accessibility information visit the website here:https://www.shakespeare.org.uk/visit/plan-your-visit/access/access-bp/

Travel & Parking for Visitors

On Foot

Shakespeare's Birthplace and Shakespeare's New Place are within easy distance of each inStratford-upon-Avon town centre.

Anne Hathaway's Cottage can be reached via a pleasant 20-25 minute walk from the town centre.

By car

Stratford-upon-Avon is a short drive from junction 15 of the M40, close to the M42 and M6 motorway networks. The town can be reached by road from London in under 2 hours.

There are a number of pay and display car parks in Stratford-upon-Avon town centre, as well as a Park & Ride, which is signposted from the A46.

There is a pay and display car park a short walk from Anne Hathaway's Cottage, in Cottage Lane, Shottery, CV37 9HH.

Find out more about blue badge parking.

Local Buses

Visit the Warwickshire County Council website for information about local bus routes around Stratford-upon-Avon and the surrounding towns.

By coach

Stratford-upon-Avon is easy to reach by coach with regularNational Express services providing good value travel between all major towns and cities in Europe.

Shakespeare’s Birthplace

Coaches are permitted to drop off and pick up visitors from the Windsor Street coach park, just one minute's walk from the ticket desk at the Shakespeare Centre. Coaches are then requested to wait at the Stratford Leisure Centre coach park until collection of their group.

Shakespeare's New Place & Hall’s Croft

Coaches are permitted to drop off groups in front of the property, but must then wait at the Stratford Leisure Centre coach park until collection.

Anne Hathaway’s Cottage & Mary Arden’s Farm

Free coach parking is available on site.

By train

National rail services run to Stratford-upon-Avon train station, which is a comfortable ten minute walk from the town centre. Visi tNational Rail Enquiries to plan your journey and download useful information to help you find your way into town [PDF] from Stratford-upon-Avon station.

West Midlands Railway offers a frequent and fast service from major cities including Birmingham,Coventry and Wolverhampton to Stratford-upon-Avon. Visit West Midlands Railway to book tickets.

There are regular train services covering the short journey between Stratford-upon-Avon and Wilmcote, which is just a 4 minute walk from Mary Arden's Farm.

• Explore the house where Shakespeare was born
• Hear tales of Shakespeare's family life
• Learn about the Bard's works