Shakespeare's Birthplace
About
The half-timbered house on Henley Street where William Shakespeare was born in 1564, the third of eight children and the first boy, to John Shakespeare, a glover who worked from the house, and Mary Arden. The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust runs it with timed entry, so book online and arrive inside your slot. The ticket includes Shakespeare's New Place Gardens and is valid for twelve months, which changes how you plan Stratford: you do not have to do everything in one day. From 16 March to 1 November 2026 it opens daily 10am to 5pm (last entry 4.30pm); from 2 November to 23 December the hours are 10am to 4pm (last entry 3.30pm).
Photos
Highlights
- ✓The house where Shakespeare was born in 1564 and grew up, in a family of glovers
- ✓Timed entry, with the ticket valid for 12 months
- ✓New Place Gardens included with every Birthplace ticket
- ✓Free for residents of CV37 with the Trust's Residents Go Free ticket
Tips
- →Book online: it is £2 cheaper than the door price and holds a timed slot.
- →Anne Hathaway's Cottage is £5 extra and Shakespeare's Schoolroom £10 extra when bought with a Birthplace ticket.
- →Hall's Croft and Mary Arden's Farm are closed to general visits, so the Birthplace ticket does not lead on to them.
Best Season
More Attraction Activities
Anne Hathaway's Cottage
Thatched Shottery farmhouse, a 30 to 35 minute walk from town by the Trust's reckoning, with gardens and a cafe.
Shakespeare's New Place
The garden on the site of Shakespeare's last home, at 22 Chapel Street. Free with a Birthplace ticket; listed 11am to 3pm from 1 September.
Shakespeare's Schoolroom & Guildhall
The Guildhall schoolroom on Church Street, open 11am to 5pm because lessons still run there until 11am in term time.