Shakespeares Birthplace.
Henley Street
Stratford upon Avon
(Tel. 01789 204016)

To picturesque town of Stratford Upon Avon is a small town of around twenty thousand people with many treasures and attractions with many links to the poet and play writer William Shakespeare. None so more than the birthplace and home where he was born in 1564 housed on Henley Street in the centre of the town. William Shakespeare (April 26, 1564- April 23, 1616) is one of England’s most famous play writers and poets.

He was the son of John Shakespeare, a alderman and craftsman, and Mary Arden. He was thought to have attended nearby Edward VI Grammar School in the centre of the town. At the young age of eighteen he married Anne Hathaway who was six years older than himself. They had two children, Hamnet and Judith in 1585 although there son did not make it into his teens and died in 1596. He eventually returned to Stratford after a successful career in London and died on April 23 1616.

The Shakespeares Birthplace Museum celebrates his life and works and is almost a pilgrimage to the followers of the English language and literature.

To the rear of the house is the beautiful country garden where plants and shrub that would have been used in the kitchen in that period are on show and are a joy to walk through. Guided tours are available and there is a visitors exhibition and small shop. Although due to the house itself, disabled access is very limited although a Virtual Reality Tour is available.

Shakespeares Birthplace opening times are ( Please check with venue before travelling ):

June to August
Mon - Sat 9am - 5pm
Sun 9.30am - 5pm

April to May
Mon - Sat 10am - 5pm
Sun 10am - 5pm

November - March
Mon - Sat 10am - 4pm
Sun 10.30am - 4pm