Welcome to a journey through time and the life of one of the world's greatest literary figures, William Shakespeare. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a curious traveller, visiting Shakespeare's Birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon offers a fascinating glimpse into the Tudor era and the early days of this iconic playwright. Here’s everything you need to know about visiting, from ticket options to what you can expect at each site.
On-the-Day Visits: Visiting during less busy seasons has its perks, including the likelihood of securing entry on the day without pre-booking. This flexibility can be particularly appealing if you prefer to keep your plans open and spontaneous. However, even in quieter times, it’s wise to arrive earlier in the day to avoid any potential afternoon queues, ensuring you have ample time to soak in the atmosphere and the exhibits.
Planning Your Visit / Booking in advance online: As you're planning to arrive mid-morning on a Sunday, it’s a wonderful time to explore without the rush of weekday crowds. For a seamless experience, booking your tickets for a lunchtime slot is recommended. This timing allows you to enjoy a leisurely morning stroll through Stratford’s charming town centre, perhaps grabbing a coffee and a pastry from one of the local cafes, before heading to the birthplace.
For those looking to immerse themselves fully in Shakespeare's world, the Shakespeare's Story Ticket is your golden ticket. This ticket grants you access to three remarkable properties: Shakespeare's Birthplace, Anne Hathaway's Cottage and Shakespeare's New Place. Each site offers a unique peek into different aspects of Shakespeare's life and times.
The ticket prices are quite reasonable, considering the breadth of experiences they offer. Adults can expect to pay around £27.00, while concessions are priced at £22.95. Family rates are also available, making it a great option for a family outing. The tickets are valid for one year from the date of purchase, allowing you to explore each site at your leisure.
*Please note: Shakespeare's New Place is currently closed and not reopenig until spring 2025. So we advise booking individual tickets for the other sites.
Shakespeare's Birthplace
Located in the heart of Stratford-upon-Avon, Shakespeare's Birthplace is a beautifully preserved Tudor house where the bard himself was born and raised. Open daily, the house welcomes visitors from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, offering a chance to step back into the 16th century. Inside, you'll find period furnishings and numerous artefacts related to Shakespeare's life, including some first editions of his works.
Admission is included with the Shakespeare's Story Ticket, but standalone tickets are also available if you're just visiting this site. Adult tickets cost £20.00, and concessions are £12.50. The site is a must-visit for anyone looking to connect with Shakespeare on a personal level.
Anne Hathaway's Cottage
A short drive from Shakespeare's Birthplace, Anne Hathaway's Cottage is the charming childhood home of Shakespeare’s wife. This picturesque farmhouse is surrounded by stunning gardens and offers a tranquil retreat from the busier tourist spots. The cottage is open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily, allowing ample time to explore both the interior and the lush gardens.
Tickets to Anne Hathaway's Cottage can be purchased as part of the Shakespeare's Story Ticket or individually. Individual tickets cost £15.00 for adults and £12.50 for concessions, providing access to both the cottage and its gardens. It's a perfect spot for a leisurely afternoon, soaking in the romantic atmosphere and perhaps finding inspiration, just as Shakespeare might have.
Shakespeare's New Place
Shakespeare's New Place is the site of the bard’s former home, where he spent the latter years of his life and penned many of his famous plays. Though the original house no longer stands, the site has been transformed into a mesmerizing garden that interprets his life and works through sculptures and artworks.
Closed for winter. Reopneing spring 2025.
Plan Your Visit
All sites offer small gift shops where you can purchase souvenirs and books to remember your visit. Cafés are available at or near each site, providing refreshments and a place to ponder the enduring impact of Shakespeare’s works.
Visiting Shakespeare's Birthplace and associated properties offers a comprehensive look at the life and times of William Shakespeare. With the detailed insights from each location, visitors leave with a deeper appreciation of the bard's contributions to literature and culture. Don't miss this captivating experience in the heart of England!
Note: All prices as of 7th Feb 2025.