- Pause
- Previous
- Next
A world-class destination. Shakespeare was born in the town in 1564 and died in the town in 1616. He is considered a genius and his wonderful language, humour and analysis of the human condition are unsparing. The houses below are listed in the order in which they are best seen and follow a natural route through the town. It is best, however, to see Mary Arden's house and Anne Hathaway's cottage early, as they can be over-run by coach tours. We can book theatre tickets for you; ask Reception. Pre- and post-theatre suppers can also be arranged at the hotel in case you plan to leave early or return lateish. If you plan to see all the houses, it is cheaper to buy a multi-ticket.
Typical journey time by car is 50 minutes.
Shakespeare Houses
- Mary Arden's House, Wilmcote: Three miles from Stratford-upon-Avon. The girlhood home of the dramatist's mother, it is an early Tudor timber-framed house.
- Anne Hathaway's Cottage, Shottery: One mile from Stratford-upon-Avon. It was home to the Hathaways until the 19th century. William Shakespeare courted Anne Hathaway here prior to their marriage in 1582.
- Shakespeare's Birthplace and Exhibition, Henley Street: The house has been cleverly refurbished. Shakespeare was born here in 1564.
- Harvard House, High Street: Home to the mother of John Harvard, the founder of the famous American University. Houses the Museum of British Pewter and the Neish Collection. Intricately carved exterior.
- Nash's House and New Place, Chapel Street: Exceptional early English oak furniture in the home of Shakespeare's granddaughter. William Shakespeare spent his last years in New Place just next door.
- Hall's Croft, Old Town: A very fine, half-timbered, gabled house, it was named after Dr John Hall, who married Shakespeare's daughter in 1607. Learn about medicine in the Tudor period. Good 16th- and 17th-century paintings.
- Holy Trinity Church: From Hall's Croft, it's a ten-minute walk down the river, past the theatres, to where William Shakespeare is buried.
Royal Shakespeare Company
The Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) is probably the most famous classical theatre company in the world. It operates three theatres in Stratford-upon-Avon. The 1412-seat Royal Shakespeare Theatre, the 432-seat Swan Theatre and the flexible seating studio theatre called The Other Place. The ticket hotline number is +44 8706 091110 and is open from 9am to 8pm, Monday to Saturday. Ask Reception for details of plays. Backstage tours are fun and can be booked on +44 1789 403492.