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Think of Shakespeare think of Stratford. Stratford-Upon-Avon, known worldwide as the birthplace of William Shakespeare, playwright, poet and favourite of the Queen. Shakespeare is, undoubtedly the world best know playwright and poet, his verse is quoted as part of daily conversations, often without consciousness of origin, his lines have been used as book and film titles.

Stratford is the mecca for all Shakespeare's fans. But where do you go? What is there for the William Shakespeare fan in Stratford-Upon-Avon.

William Shakespeare's Birthplace

First and foremost is probably the house in which the young William Shakespeare began life and grew up. Shakespeare's birthplace is on Henley Street, Stratford-upon-Avon. The house, like most of the Shakespeare properties, is maintained by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust. The house is open to the public, throughout the year.
Summer
(Feb Half Term, then Apr-Oct) Mon-Sun 9am-5pm
Winter
(Nov-March) Mon-Sun 10am-4pm
Shakespeare's birthplace is possibly one of the earliest 'tourist attractions', the house has been welcoming sightseers for almost 250 years. Charles Dickens, John Keats, Walter Scott and Thomas Hardy have visited the house and left their mark and you can still see those marks today. Inside the house you can discover how the young William lived and grew, how his father John earned his living as a glove maker and find out about Williams early married years with Anne Hathaway.

Anne Hathaway's Cottage

No doubt Anne Hathaway is as synonymous with Shakespeare's as is Stratford-Upon-Avon which would no doubt explain why the cottage in which she grew is nearly as famous as the great man himself. Anne Hathaway's Cottage is on Cottage Lane in Shottery, Stratford-upon-Avon. The cottage itself is an outstanding example of an Tudor thatched farmhouse and has award winning garden in which you can stroll whilst you imagine the young Shakespeare wooing the fair Anne. The cottage is ope to the public throughout the year
Summer
(Feb Half Term, then Apr-Oct) Mon-Sun 9am-5pm
Winter
(Nov-March) Mon-Sun 10am-4pm

Mary Arden's Farm

Mother of William Shakespeare, Mary Arden grew up on this farm in Wilmcote. Here William Shakespeare's grandparents lived and worked. Today you can surround yourself with the sights, sounds and smells of a Tudor farm and find out a little about life in Tudor England. There are daily re-enactments of life on the farm, with the farmer, the maid and the labourer bringing to life this everyday scene.

Mary Arden's Farm is on Station Road in the village of Wilmcote, Stratford-upon-Avon. The house is open daily to the public:
Summer
(Feb Half term, then Apr - Oct,) Mon-Sun 10.00am-5pm
Winter
(Nov-March) Mon-Sun 10am-4pm

Hall's Croft

Shakespeare's daughter Susanna lived in Hall's Croft with her husband, eminent physician John Hall. The Croft is a fine example of the more affluent style of Tudor building, with it's luxurious rooms and beautiful interior decor, Hall's Croft is a fascinating place. The rooms are furnished with some very fine examples Elizabethan furniture and paintings, in keeping with the wealth and status of Dr John Hall. There is also a fine display of medical artifacts that belonged to Dr Hall and a first edition of his medical notes that was published in 1657. Dr Hall was know for his use of herbs and you can experience this in the tranquil gardens of Hall's Croft.
Hall's Croft is in Old Town, Stratford-upon-Avon and open to the public throughout the year
Summer
(Feb Half Term, then Apr-Oct) Mon-Sun 9am-5pm
Winter
(Nov-March) Mon-Sun 11am-4pm

Nash's House - New Place

Shakespeare died at New Place in 1616. Although later destroyed, the location is now preserved as a picturesque garden space and is home to the Complete Works of Shakespeare Exhibition. Nash's House and New Place is on Chapel Street, Stratford-upon-Avon and is open to the public throughout the year
Summer
(Feb Half Term, then Apr-Oct) Mon-Sun 9am-5pm
Winter
(Nov-March) Mon-Sun 11am-4pm

Whilst you're visiting this lovely historic places don't forget to stroll a little along the lanes and streets to get a real feel for the beauty of Stratford-Upon-Avon and the early life of the poet and playwright William Shakespeare.