Anne Hathaway’s Cottage

Discover Anne Hathaway’s Cottage with the Great British Heritage Pass. The Hathaway cottage in England is one of Britain’s greatest sightseeing attractions and an icon of English heritage.

Anne Hathaway’s Cottage was the childhood home of Shakespeare’s wife, and it is also believed this is where he courted Anne.  Explore this Elizabethan farmhouse and see what life was like growing up for Anne.  It contains many rare items of furniture dating back to Anne’s time, including the finely carved, oak Hathaway bed. 

Externally, the building with its low thatched roof, timbered walls and lattice windows has changed very little since Anne Hathaway's time. Parts of the building’s structure date back further than the 15th century. The cottage was built on a slope, and parts of the building consequently sit at different levels.

Internally, the structure of Anne Hathaway’s Cottage has changed a little. There are many 16th century fireplaces still in place and the remains of the original Great Hall are still visible.

Anne Hathaway’s Cottage belonged to the Hathaway family until 1892, when it was bought, along with furnishings, by Shakespeare’s Birthplace Trust. The original open hearth fireplace was restored to its former glory.  There is also a museum room towards the back of the cottage, where you can see items which are associated with the cottage and its occupants. 

Explore the garden of Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, where there is a growing Willow Cabin that takes its inspiration from Shakespeare’s Twelfth Knight (Act 1, Scene 5).  You can also sit on a specially designed bench and listen to one of four Shakespearean sonnets read out by famous actors.  Be sure to go into the Shakespeare Tree Garden, planted with most of the trees mentioned in Shakespeare’s plays. 

Anne Hathaway’s Cottage is an essential part of your trip to Britain, as you explore Shakespeare’s history!

Planning your visit to Anne Hathaway’s Cottage

Anne Hathaway’s Cottage is a very special cottage.  It’s set in a beautiful garden, where you will enjoy a relaxing stroll among the old fashioned perfumed flowers and herbs evocative of old England. Next to the house is the orchard with a picnic area; there is also a tea room, and restaurant nearby.