Shakespeare's Birthplace
Where the story began
Visit the house where the world’s most famous playwright was born and grew up.
Shakespeare's Birthplace has been welcoming visitors for over 250 years. This is the house where William Shakespeare was born, grew up and played. He ate meals in the hall and he slept and dreamt in these rooms. Shakespeare also spent the first five years of married life in this house with his new wife, Anne Hathaway.
See how his father, John, earned his living as a glove maker and explore The Shakespeare Exhibition, before entering the house and it's outstanding gardens.
For millions of Shakespeare enthusiasts worldwide, this house is a shrine. Here you will discover the world that shaped the man and find out what other famous writers thought when they visited here. Follow in the footsteps of not only Shakespeare, but other well-known visitors such as Charles Dickens, John Keats, Walter Scott and Thomas Hardy.
Shakespeare's Birthplace is a fascinating house that offers a tantalising glimpse into Shakespeare's early world. It's a special place that everyone should see at least once in their lifetime.
- Explore his life story at the fascinating Famous Beyond Words exhibition
- Journey back in time with captivating tales by our costumed guides
- Enjoy live performances with Shakespeare Aloud!, our resident acting troupe
- See treasures from the archives
Gift shop and cafe
Tickets, Directions and Opening Times
5 House Pass Prices:
Adult: £20.25 Child: £13.05 Concession: £18.90
Single property ticket
Adult: £15.75 Child: £10.35 Concession: £14.85
Shakespeare's Birthplace is situated on Henley Street in the town centre of Stratford-upon-Avon.
Dogs are welcome in the gardens at Shakespeare's Birthplace, provided they are accompanied and on a lead.
Contact information and location
Opening Times
Autumn 201629 Aug - 30 Oct
9am – 5pm
Winter 2016 / 2017
31 Oct - 19 Mar
10am – 4pm
Admission
Adult: £15.75
Child: £10.35
Concession: £14.85
Events at this venue
Swan-derful!
From Sat 13th Apr
Add your origami swan to our collection as we aim to fill the Birthplace with as many paper birds as possible to mark the 455th birthday of William Shakespeare, the man nick-named by his friend and contemporary Ben Jonson as the 'Sweet Swan of Avon.'
Find out more
Here's Flowers for You
From Sat 11th May
Come along to our latest After Hours with award winning florist Carole Patilla and learn how to create a colourful floral bouquet, using beautiful handpicked flowers. Find out more
All Hail the Ale
From Sat 13th Jul
Travel back in time to the 17th century and visit the Swan and Maidenhead Inn to find out how ale was brewed and why it was so important. Find out more