Shakespeare

Shakespeare’s England proudly carries the name of its most famous resident. As the birthplace and home of playwright William Shakespeare and his family, this is the place to connect with a British icon.

The Life of the Bard

As the birthplace and former hometown of Shakespeare, Stratford-upon-Avon bears reminders of his legacy around every corner. Visit the Shakespeare family homes to discover the people and places that shaped his life.

In Shakespeare’s Birthplace on Henley Street, stand in the room where he was born and learn about his childhood in a busy family home which also served as his father John Shakespeare’s glove making workshop. Household guides will lead you on a journey through life in the family home and give you an insight into how the young William grew into the town's most successful son and continues to shape our lives and language today.

A short walk from the town will bring you to the childhood home of Shakespeare’s wife, Anne Hathaway’s Cottage. Tucked away in the peaceful village of Shottery, the thatched cottage with its charming gardens was built more than 500 years ago and although extended over the years, still bears many of its original features.

Shakespeare’s New Place is the site that was William Shakespeare's family home for 19 years and was also his final home in the town from 1597 until he died in the house in 1616. Although the original house was demolished in 1759, its legacy and the story of Shakespeare is still prevalent in the stunning gardens which now remain.

At Shakespeare’s Schoolroom you can attend a real-life Latin lesson with the schoolmaster and experience what education may have been like for the young playwright. Hear how he would have been influenced by visiting performers and learn the twists and tribulations of Elizabethan school life that helped inspire a young school boy into a literary legend who is revered across the world.

The Holy Trinity Church on the banks of the River Avon is home to Shakespeare’s Grave. The church is where William was baptised and worshipped, and eventually buried with members of his family later buried beside him. Complete your journey from Shakespeare’s cradle to grave by paying a visit to his tombstone and discover the curse that he ordered to be placed upon his tomb.

The Work of the Bard

The Royal Shakespeare Company, based in Stratford-upon-Avon keep the work of Shakespeare alive by performing plays by him and his contemporaries within their theatre spaces within the town. Audiences and theatre lovers worldwide can experience the works of Shakespeare in The Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Swan Theatre and The Other Place with a busy production schedule all year round.

Many of the towns and villages surrounding Stratford-upon-Avon bear tales of Shakespeare and visits he paid during his life in Warwickshire. From National Trust’s Charlecote Park where Shakespeare was reportedly caught poaching deer, to the grounds of Billesley Manor Hotel where he is believed to have found inspiration for his play ‘As You Like It’.