You’ll find this beautiful building right in centre of Stratford upon Avon. Shakespeare was born here in 1564 and was the son of a glove maker. Entry to the birthplace is through the more modern exhibition building next door. The birthplace is quite small and it’s normal to find queues to get in at peak times, but it’s worth it. We’ve visited in both high season and low season and it’s fair to say that your visit will be enhanced by aiming for off-peak times of the year, or just off-peak times of the day! Make sure you spend a bit of time in the garden here. We’d recommend that you walk right to the bottom near the metal gates to get the full view of how attractive the garden is when pictured with the house. The birthplace is one of 5 buildings with Shakespeare connections in and around Stratford. This is an extract from our free Shakespeare Country Guide.
Basic admission to the birthplace will also grant you entry to the two further Shakespeare properties based within the town. You can also buy a ticket to visit all five. The other buildings are…
Anne Hathaway’s Cottage – Where Shakespeare’s wife grew up
Mary Arden’s Farm – The childhood home of Shakespeare’s mother
Nash’s House & New Place – The location of Shakespeare’s last house
Hall’s Croft – Where Shakespeare’s daughter lived with the town doctor
Adult admission to the town properties is £12.50 or a ticket for all five will cost you £19.50 (2011 prices). Booking online here can save you money! Also, tickets are valid for 12 months from the date of issue to allow you to return for free. Shakespeare’s birthplace is open every day from from 9am to 5pm (April, May, September & October), from 9am to 6pm (June to August) and from 10am to 4pm (November to March).
LOCATION & CONTACT
Address: The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, The Shakespeare Centre, Henley Street, Stratford upon Avon, Warwickshire CV37 6QW
Tel: +44 (0)1789 204016
Fax: +44 (0)1789 262073
Email: info@shakespeare.org.uk
MORE ON SHAKESPEARE’S BIRTHPLACE
Shakespeare’s Birthplace Trust – Official website
Attractiontix – Discount admission to Shakespeare’s Birthplace
Stratford Hop-on, Hop-off Bus Tour – Stops at Shakespeare’s Birthplace
Visit Shakespeare’s England – Official website with accommodation, special offers and more information. Alternatively call +44 (0)1926 471 329
Hotels in Stratford-upon-Avon – Best prices from Hotels.com
Stratford Upon Avon Guide Books – Amazon.co.uk (UK)
Stratford Upon Avon Guide Books – Amazon.com (US & Canada)