Stratford-upon-Avon, Shakespeare's town

Stratford-upon-Avon, in Warwickshire, is the birthplace of William Shakespeare, the greatest playwright in the English language. This market town on the banks of the River Avon preserves the houses linked to his life and family, the church where he is buried and the theatres of the Royal Shakespeare Company, where his plays are staged all year round. It is one of the most visited literary destinations in the world.

History

Shakespeare was born in Stratford in 1564, traditionally on 23 April, the son of John, a glover and trader who was also mayor of the town, and Mary Arden, daughter of prosperous farmers. He probably studied at the town's grammar school and at eighteen married Anne Hathaway, eight years his senior. Around 1590 he left for London, where he became an actor, writer and shareholder in the company that played at the Globe. With his earnings he bought New Place in 1597, one of the largest houses in Stratford, where he returned in his last years and where he died in 1616.

Already in the 18th century visitors came to Stratford on pilgrimage, and in 1769 the actor David Garrick organised the first great jubilee in his honour. In 1847 the birthplace was bought to save it, and today the Shakespeare houses are run by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust.

What to see

The birthplace

Shakespeare's Birthplace, on Henley Street, is the half-timbered house where the poet was born and spent his childhood. You visit his father's workshop, the kitchen and the bedrooms furnished as in the 16th century, and in the garden actors perform scenes from the plays. Next door, an exhibition tells the story of Shakespeare's life and legacy.

New Place and Hall's Croft

Of New Place only the site remains, turned into a garden with sculptures inspired by his works. Nearby, Hall's Croft is the elegant house of his daughter Susanna and her husband, the physician John Hall, with 17th-century furnishings and a garden.

Holy Trinity Church

By the river stands Holy Trinity Church, where Shakespeare was baptised and buried. On his grave, in front of the altar, a verse inscription curses anyone who dares to move his bones.

Anne Hathaway's Cottage and Mary Arden's Farm

At Shottery, about a mile and a half away, you can visit Anne Hathaway's Cottage, a thatched house surrounded by a flower garden. Further away, at Wilmcote, Mary Arden's Farm shows Tudor farming life, with animals and traditional activities.

The theatres

On the river stand the Royal Shakespeare Theatre and the Swan Theatre, home of the Royal Shakespeare Company. You can see a performance, take a backstage tour or climb the tower for a view over the town.

A book to start with

Those who want to approach the plays can begin with Romeo and Juliet, perhaps in an annotated edition.

Practical information

The Shakespeare houses are open all year round; combined tickets are available. RSC performances should be booked in advance. Opening times are on the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust and Royal Shakespeare Company websites.

Getting there

• By train: from London Marylebone in about two hours, from Birmingham in under an hour.
• By car: from the M40, junction 15, about 20 minutes.
• By air: Birmingham Airport is about 40 minutes away.

Nearby

• Warwick Castle and the ruins of Kenilworth Castle.
• The villages of the Cotswolds, to the south.
• Coventry and Birmingham.

Tips

• How long: a full day, two with an evening performance.
• When to go: all year round; in late April Shakespeare's birthday is celebrated with a parade.
• A tip: after the houses, hire a rowing boat on the Avon and look at the theatre and the church from the water.

Stratford-upon-Avon on the map

Nearby