Shakespeare's Birthplace — Attraction in Stratford-on-Avon

We visited in August 2020 so staff at the site were following guidance aimed at limiting the transmission of COVID-19. Masks were to be worn, hand sanitisation stations were present throughout and a one way system in operation. You will not be welcomed until your time slot as the trust attempts to manage numbers so arriving early will only ensure a wait outside. A further precaution taken by the trust was to close all other properties in their care which was a disappointment but understandable...we will just have to arrange another visit!

I found the tour of the house really interesting and the staff were on hand in some rooms and keen to share their knowledge. There were some displays which were not accessible and no amount of squinting to read text on displays helped me - I am thinking of an original window with etchings on display upstairs.

Presumably in a bid to reduce numbers on site, the trust have installed QR codes that can be scanned using your camera on your phone which will then take you to videos relating to that particular display. I thought this was useful but if I had listened to them all there and then, I could not have adhered to social distancing. You can watch them another time though and relive your visit.

I would recommend taking your time reading displays before your entrance to the house as they are very interesting and it also prolongs your experience - the tour of the house does not take very long, particularly if you are unable to watch the videos on site.

I really enjoyed my visit to Shakespeare's birthplace and walked away having learned a little bit more.

After we visited the birthplace and raided the gift shop, we went to see Shakespeare's schoolrooms, the RSC and The New Place - whilst these buildings were closed, it was a lovely photo opportunity and offered a further connection to Shakespeare. We also visited The Gower Memorial of Shakespeare in Bancroft gardens, The sculptures of Bottom and the fiddler commissioned by Israel, The Jester statue and the sculpture of Shakespeare in Henley Street.

The Arden Hotel was a welcome spot for drinks in their rose garden. The ambience was lovely and the staff were warm...

When myself and my mum who I was pushing a wheel chair entered the foyer, we were met by security for bag checks and proceeded to be helped by a lovely lady who informed me as I was my mum's carer it was only myself I had to pay for which was a nice surprise, she applied the payment via the hand held screen which she was holding so you could easily enter your details, or alternatively at the desk, also on line if you know what date you are expecting to come and visit. We were then informed what to expect in the house, I could leave my mum in one of the downstairs rooms in her wheelchair where some more experienced historians were telling the public about what went on in this part of the house, it wasn't busy at this time we visited about 11.45 am so my mum could easily soak up the atmosphere. Obviously as a historic house there was no lift or access for wheel chairs upstairs and because of the narrow walk way to the rooms definitely not any space for medium to large Mobility scooters. It didn't take long to go up around upstairs but still very fascinating to see and to walk inside the building that was once lived in by Shakespear, his wife and children. No photos were allowed, but outside the garden was lovely laid out to take plenty of photos for nostalgic moments, I would say it ultimately took around 40-55 minutes depending on if you want to ask the historians any questions along the way. I personally enjoyed the walk around in Shakespeare's House and taking in the surprise facts upstairs that I didn't...

Key Features:

Historic Setting: Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of Elizabethan England as you explore the rooms where Shakespeare grew up, played, and likely dreamt of his future as a playwright. Interactive Exhibits: Discover fascinating insights into Shakespeare's life and work through engaging exhibits, multimedia presentations, and costumed actors. Beautiful Gardens: Wander through the charming gardens surrounding the house, where herbs and flowers would have been familiar to Shakespeare and his family. Family Connections: Learn about Shakespeare's family and their influence on his plays, from his father's glover business to his wife, Anne Hathaway.

Significance:

Shakespeare's Birthplace is a touchstone for fans of English literature and theater worldwide. It offers a glimpse into the social and cultural context that shaped Shakespeare's writing. Visiting the birthplace allows you to connect with the origins of one of the greatest writers in the English language.

Visiting Shakespeare's Birthplace:

Open daily, with guided tours and self-guided exploration options available. Advance booking recommended, especially during peak season. Educational programs and family activities offered throughout the year.

Unleash your inner Bard and embark on a journey through literary history at Shakespeare's Birthplace. It's a place where imagination takes flight and the words of the...