Mary Arden's Farm
Discover the childhood home of Shakespeare’s mother. Experience the sights, sounds and smells of a working Tudor farm on a fantastic family day out at Mary Arden’s Farm. Meet the Tudors who run the farm just as Shakespeare’s mother would have done, watch craft and falconry demonstrations and explore the farmyard, playground and historic buildings.
Built by Mary’s father, Robert Arden around 1514, Mary Arden’s House has been significantly altered over time. Today, visitors to Mary Arden’s Farm can peek inside the chimney and the walls, discover how the house was built and imagine what life must have been like for Mary when she lived here with her seven sisters.
Neighbouring Palmer’s Farmhouse retains much of its original 16th Century structure. Adam Palmer would have employed several day labourers to undertake the daily work on the land and the care of the livestock, and female servants to help his wife with domestic and farmyard tasks. By 1584 Palmer had improved his house, demolishing the old hall and parlour and building a new hall, cross-passage and kitchen, to create the building we see today.
Highlights at Mary Arden's Farm
Experience the sights, sounds and smells of his mother’s working Tudor farm
- A great day out for all the family! Explore the farm yard with its centuries-old barns and original dovecote
- Geese herding, falconry displays and rare breed animals
- Hands on archery*
- Watch the Tudor farmhands at work
- Nature trails & adventure playground
- New Mary Arden’s Story exhibition
- Gift shop and café
*High days and holidays + Additional charge applies
Directions
Mary Arden's Farm is located in Wilmcote, just 3.5 miles from Stratford-upon-Avon town centre, and a short walk from Wilmcote train station. The postcode reference for sat nav is CV37 9UN.
Please note that due to the range of free roaming residents at Mary Arden's Farm we are unable to welcome dogs amongst our visitors, other than assistance dogs. Apologies for any inconvenience this may cause.
Visiting Mary Ardens House
Allow up to two hours to view both Mary Arden’s House and Palmer's Farm, as well as the falconry displays, prize-winning livestock and the shop.
You may need longer to enjoy further the grounds and the walks.
