Hall's Croft — Attraction in Stratford-on-Avon

Not as must-see as Shakespeare's birthplace, Hathaway's Cottage, or Holy Trinity Church. The croft is not associated with Shakespeare himself, but with his eldest child Susanna Hall where she lived with her physician husband. As the home of a doctor, its greatest point of historical interest is its medical garden which grows the herbs that Dr Hall would have used in his own early modern medical practice, making it a worthwhile destination for those attracted to medical history. Furthermore, Hall's Croft is an excellently preserved example of vernacular architecture furnished with 16th and 17th-century paintings and all sorts of seats, tables, cupboards, and things that true to the time of Susanna's residency. Do fit it in on your daytrip if you have the time; it makes a good pitstop between Shakespeare's grave and...

Something of a hidden asset among the Shakespeare properties, in many ways Hall's Croft is my favourite, a quiet haven away from the tourist throng. Despite being situated in Stratford town, not far from Shakespeare's grave, it's location doesn't appear to attract crowds in the main.

It is also a surprisingly large house, well stocked with interesting artefacts and staffed by a really knowledgeable team who strive to offer an engaging experience and to unpack the history of the venue and it's links to Shakespeare and his family.

It's a lovely visit, and the house is set in a garden where you can take tea before you leave if, like us, you want to relax and re-charge on a sunny day. The tea room - if not the garden - has separate access if you just fancy a cuppa in a historic setting that's not often...

I bought the full story ticket and this was the last place I visited. I have a 4 and 2 year old and whilst they enjoyed visiting all the other attractions (Shakespeare's birthplace, New Place etc) this one felt like a chore for both them and myself! There isn't much to read to explain to children and the would not have stood and listened to the staff's explanations. The only part we enjoyed was running around in the beautifully kept garden. We had cream tea and a kids meal in the cafe which was served by very friendly staff, but a tad overpriced for what they served (over a fiver for a kids' baguette and packet of crisps). Rating two stars for the lovely staff in the cafe and the well kept gardens - otherwise this attraction was a...