This was the childhood home of Shakespeare’s mother, Mary Arden, and is your opportunity to experience a real Tudor farm. Costumed residents are on hand to help you get a feel for the place, along with pigs, goats, sheep and cattle. The farm complex includes Mary Arden’s house, many barns and outbuildings and the farmhouse of the Palmer family (pictured above). During the year there are many organised activities and displays. For instance, at weekends there’s a birds of prey demonstration and you’ll also find Tudor entertainment from time to time. We enjoyed the extra dimension that the farm adds to the collection of properties connected with Shakespeare. It’s the one that young children will get the most out of, but it’s certainly not just for families. The farm is the village of Wilmcote, a short drive from Stratford. The Hop-on, Hop-off Bus Tour also stops here. The farm is closed in the winter. This is an extract from our free Shakespeare Country Guide.
Basic adult admission to Mary Arden’s Farm is £9.50, but you can also get a combined ticket for all five Shakespeare properties. The other buildings are…
Shakespeare’s Birthplace – Where Shakespeare grew up
Anne Hathaway’s Cottage – Where Shakespeare’s wife grew up
Nash’s House & New Place – The location of Shakespeare’s last house
Hall’s Croft – Where Shakespeare’s daughter lived with the town doctor
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. Mary Arden’s Farm is open between March and October daily from 10am to 5pm but it is closed in the winter months.
LOCATION & CONTACT
Address: Mary Arden’s Farm, Station Road, Wilmcote, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 9UN
Tel: +44 (0)1789 293455
Mary Arden’s Farm is owned and administered by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust
Tel: +44 (0)1789 204016
Fax: +44 (0)1789 262073
Email: info@shakespeare.org.uk
MORE ON MARY ARDEN’S FARM
Shakespeare’s Birthplace Trust – Official website
Attractiontix – Discount admission to Mary Arden’s Farm
Stratford Hop-on, Hop-off Bus Tour – Stops at Mary Arden’s Farm
Hotels in Stratford-upon-Avon – Best prices from Hotels.com
Visit Shakespeare’s England – Official website with accommodation, special offers and more information. Alternatively call +44 (0)1926 471 329
Stratford Upon Avon Guide Books – Amazon.co.uk (UK)
Stratford Upon Avon Guide Books – Amazon.com (US & Canada)