Shakespeare’s Story

History

A town that shaped a genius

In 1564, a boy was born on Henley Street to a glovemaker and his wife. Nobody could have known that within a few decades, William Shakespeare would be writing plays that would move audiences to tears, make them roar with laughter, and ask questions about love, ambition and what it means to be human that we’re still asking today.

He grew up right here playing in these streets, studying at the local grammar school just a short walk away. At 18 he fell in love with a farmer’s daughter named Anne Hathaway, whose home in the nearby village of Shottery you can still visit today, cottage garden and all.

Shakespeare went on to conquer London - writing 37 plays, 154 sonnets and becoming the most famous writer who ever lived. But when the time came to come home, there was only one place he wanted to be. He bought the grandest house in Stratford, settled back into town life, and died here in 1616, surrounded by his family.

His grave is still here. His homes are still here. And the town that inspired him? It’s waiting for you.

1564

William Shakespeare was born in a half-timbered house on Henley Street, you can walk through the very room today.

26 April 1564

William was baptised at Holy Trinity Church, just a short walk from the house where he was born.

Early 1570s

William attended the King’s New School on Church Street, where a 600-year-old schoolroom still survives in remarkable condition.

Family roots

Shakespeare’s mother Mary Arden grew up on a working Tudor farm in nearby Wilmcote - still alive with animals, falconry and history today.

1582

Aged 18, Shakespeare married Anne Hathaway, courting her at her family’s enchanting farmhouse in the village of Shottery.

1583–1585

The couple had three children - Susanna, and then twins Hamnet and Judith - rooting Shakespeare's life firmly in Stratford.

c.1590

Shakespeare left for London, joining what would become the most celebrated acting company of the age and writing plays that would change literature forever.

1597

A successful and wealthy man, Shakespeare bought New Place - the grandest house in Stratford - and began putting down roots at home once more.

1599

Shakespeare became a part-owner of the newly built Globe Theatre, cementing his place at the very heart of Elizabethan theatre.

1600s

Shakespeare wrote his greatest tragedies during this period - Hamlet, Othello, King Lear, and Macbeth - works that are still performed around the world every day.

1607

His daughter Susanna married the esteemed physician Dr John Hall, making their home in one of Stratford’s finest Jacobean townhouses.

c.1613

Shakespeare retired from London and returned to Stratford for good - his plays are still brought to life today in world-class productions on the banks of the Avon.

23 April 1616

William Shakespeare died at New Place on St George’s Day, aged 52, surrounded by his family in the town where his story began.

25 April 1616

Shakespeare was buried at Holy Trinity Church - where he had been baptised 52 years before, bringing his story full circle beside the River Avon.

Today

More than 400 years on, Shakespeare’s homes, his church, his schools and his stages are all still here - and Stratford-upon-Avon is still the place his story calls home.

Follow the trail

Places you won't want to miss

Each of these extraordinary places brings a different chapter of Shakespeare's life to life. You could visit them all in a weekend - and we'd encourage you to try.

Henley Street, Stratford-upon-Avon

Shakespeare's Birthplace

This is where it all began. Step inside the beautifully preserved half-timbered house on Henley Street where William Shakespeare was born in 1564, and suddenly the story becomes real. Wander through the rooms where he grew up, peer into his father’s glovemaking workshop, and lose yourself in the acclaimed exhibition on his life. It’s one of the most visited historic houses in the country - and once you’re inside, it’s easy to see why.

Visit

Cottage Lane, Shottery

Anne Hathaway's Cottage

A mile’s gentle walk from the town centre or a short hop on the sightseeing bus lies one of the most romantic spots in England. This enchanting thatched farmhouse in the village of Shottery is where Shakespeare came to court his future wife, Anne Hathaway, and it’s not hard to see why he kept coming back. The cottage is breathtaking, but it’s the gardens that will really stop you in your tracks, acres of orchard, wildflower beds and a sculpture trail inspired by Shakespeare’s plays. Save time to simply sit and soak it in.

Discover

Old Town, Stratford-upon-Avon

Holy Trinity Church

Follow the river south and you’ll find one of the most beautiful medieval churches in England, nestled beside the Avon in the peaceful Old Town. Holy Trinity Church is where Shakespeare was baptised in 1564 and where he was laid to rest in 1616, and standing at his graveside in the ancient chancel is a genuinely moving experience. The church is still an active place of worship and welcomes visitors warmly. Take your time here. It deserves it.

Visit

Chapel Street, Stratford-upon-Avon

Nash's House & New Place

When Shakespeare retired from London, he came home to New Place - the grandest house in Stratford, which he bought in 1597. It’s where he wrote some of his later masterpieces and where he spent his final years. The house is long gone, but what’s here now is arguably even more inspiring - a stunning contemporary garden and the Complete Works exhibition housed in the beautifully restored Nash’s House next door. A wonderfully peaceful place to pause in the heart of town.

Discover

Old Town, Stratford-upon-Avon

Hall's Croft

Just a short stroll from the church, Hall’s Croft is one of Stratford’s hidden gems and one of the finest Jacobean houses you’ll ever step inside. This was the home of Shakespeare’s daughter Susanna and her husband, the eminent physician Dr John Hall, and it gives a fascinating glimpse into the life of a prosperous Shakespeare-era family. The walled garden alone is worth the visit, especially in summer, when the roses are in full bloom.

Visit

Wilmcote, 3.5 miles from town

Mary Arden's Farm

A few miles outside the town in the pretty village of Wilmcote, Mary Arden’s Farm is an absolute treat, especially if you’re visiting with children. This working Tudor farm is the childhood home of Shakespeare’s mother, Mary Arden, and it’s one of the most immersive history experiences you’ll find anywhere in the country. Watch spectacular falconry displays, meet the rare breed animals, explore a blacksmith’s forge and get hands-on with Tudor farm life. A brilliant half-day out that the whole family will love.

Discover

Church Street, Stratford-upon-Avon

King Edward VI Grammar School

Tucked along one of Stratford’s most beautiful streets, this is almost certainly the very classroom where young William Shakespeare first discovered his love of language and storytelling. The schoolroom dates back to 1427 and survives in remarkable condition. Sit at the desks, look out of the windows, and imagine the boy who sat here before he changed the world. Open to visitors on selected days and well worth building into your itinerary.

Find out more

Waterside, Stratford-upon-Avon

The Royal Shakespeare Company

No trip to Stratford is complete without a night at the RSC. The Royal Shakespeare Company is world-famous for a reason: the performances here are truly extraordinary, staged in stunning riverside theatres with some of the finest actors working today. Even if you can’t catch a show, the Royal Shakespeare Theatre itself is worth visiting: take the tower tour for jaw-dropping views across the town and the Avon. Check what’s on before you visit, you won’t want to miss the chance to book.

See what’s on

Welcome to the home of the world’s greatest storyteller

A town that shaped a genius

Places you won't want to miss

Shakespeare's Birthplace

Anne Hathaway's Cottage

Holy Trinity Church

Nash's House & New Place

Hall's Croft

Mary Arden's Farm

King Edward VI Grammar School

The Royal Shakespeare Company