Shakespeare’s Birthplace

Shakespeare’s Birthplace in Stratford, England, is where William Shakespeare, one of the world’s greatest writers, was born in 1564 and where he grew up. The Great British Heritage Pass allows you to experience for yourself life during Shakespeare’s time, at one of the most visited literary locations in Britain and a cornerstone of English heritage sightseeing.

Begin your journey into Shakespeare’s time at the Visitors’ Centre Exhibition.  Here you can see details relevant to Shakespeare’s Birthplace and life, including his schooling, life in London, his plays, retirement, and death in Stratford-upon-Avon.  There are Parish records on display, as well as a fragment copy of the First Folio of completed works, dated from 1623. 

The house includes both original and replica items similar to those that would have been at the property when Shakespeare was a child.  Be sure to admire the beautiful painted cloths which adorn the walls and the brightly colored fabrics which fill the rooms, in the traditional Tudor style.  John Shakespeare, Shakespeare’s father, was a glove maker, and on display is his glove maker’s workshop. 

As you go up into the rooms within the Birthplace, notice the exhibition devoted to its history.  Shakespeare’s Birthplace was one of England’s first tourist attractions, and you can see on display a copy of the Visitors book with the signatures of John Keats and Charles Dickens.  You can also visit the actual room where Shakespeare was born, and in the window be sure to notice various famous signatures etched into the glass. 

On your way out, be sure to enjoy the garden, which contains many traditional plants, as well as herbs and flowers mentioned in Shakespeare’s plays. 

Shakespeare’s Birthplace is an essential sight to visit on your trip to Great Britain, and a very popular feature of the Great British Heritage Pass.

Planning your visit to Shakespeare’s Birthplace

Entrance to Shakespeare’s Birthplace, is through the Shakespeare centre which is further up Henley Street.  In the visitor centre, you will find an exciting new exhibition about the life and background of Shakespeare, following his life and work from his birth in 1564 to the time of his death in 1616.

You are then escorted to the Birthplace through the beautiful, traditional English garden. This has been planted with many of the trees, flowers and herbs, much loved and mentioned by Shakespeare in his plays.

Shakespeare’s Birthplace is open Monday to Saturday from 10.00 to 16.00 between November and March, from 10.00 to 17.00 during April/May and September/October, and from 9.00 to 17.00 between June and August.

On Sundays Shakspeare’s Birthplace opens half an hour later between June and August and between November and March.