This no-nonsense travel guide for first-time visitors to Shakespeare’s Birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon covers how to get there, opening hours, ticket prices, parking, accessibility, plus smart timing and nearby attractions for a fuller visit.
Shakespeare’s birthplace: a brief overview
Shakespeare’s Birthplace is a carefully restored 16th-century timber-framed house on Henley Street, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire. This is where William Shakespeare is believed to have been born in 1564 and spent his boyhood. The building, once owned by his family and later preserved by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, now houses period furnishings and a garden planted with herbs of the Elizabethan era.
It forms one of the core Shakespeare family homes – alongside Anne Hathaway’s Cottage and New Place – offering a window into the Bard’s early life, family trades, and social world. The site is managed to preserve a sense of authenticity rather than theatrical display.
How to get to Shakespeare’s Birthplace
Located on Henley Street (CV37 6QW), Shakespeare’s Birthplace is within easy walking distance of Stratford’s town centre. It’s well served by bus routes, and the railway station lies a short walk away.
If driving, nearby car parks – such as Windsor Street – offer central access. Blue Badge parking is conveniently located at the top of Henley Street, close to the entrance.
Why book the Oxford, Cotswolds, Stratford & Warwick Castle Day Trip?
- ⏱ Full-day experience — approximately 10 hours 30 minutes of culture, countryside, and history
- 🚌 Comfortable return transport on a luxury air-conditioned coach from London
- 🛡 Option to include entry to the majestic Warwick Castle, exploring its towers, ramparts, and historic interiors
- 🎭 Visit **Stratford-upon-Avon**, including optional entry to **Shakespeare’s Birthplace**, and free time to explore the charming market town
- 🌄 Enjoy a **panoramic drive through the scenic Cotswolds**, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
- 🏛 Explore **Oxford** on a walking tour, seeing iconic sights like the Bodleian Library and dreaming spires of its university colleges
- 👥 Small-group size for a personal and immersive guided experience
Shakespeare’s Birthplace opening hours and ticket prices
Opening hours (2025):
- 15 March – 2 November: daily from 10 am to 5 pm, with last entry at 4:30 pm.
- Outside this main season (winter months), hours reduce to 10 am to 4 pm, with last entry at 3:30 pm.
Ticket prices (Shakespeare’s Birthplace + New Place Gardens bundle):
- Adult (18+/seniors): £25.00
- Child (3–17): £12.50 (under-3s free)
- Concession: £21.25
Combined “Shakespeare’s Story” multi-site ticket
Covering the Birthplace, Anne Hathaway’s Cottage and New Place, this combo ticket offers greater value:
- Adult: £27.00
- Child: £13.50
- Concession: £22.95
- Family (2 adults + up to 3 children): £67.50
- Family (1 adult + up to 3 children): £40.50
Residents of the CV37 area can access the family homes free of charge year-round with the “Residents Go Free” ticket—though pre-booking timed entry for the Birthplace is still recommended.
Book all tickets via the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust website.
5 great things to do near Birmingham 🏙️
- 🧢 Discover the sites from the gang stories – on a Peaky Blinders walking tour.
- 🌙 Take an after-dark walking tour – and learn Stratford’s ghost stories.
- 🔒 Experience life behind bars – on a tour of Shrewsbury Prison.
- 🎢 Head to Alton Towers – Britain’s biggest theme park.
- ⚔️ Watch jousting and trebuchets – at Warwick Castle.
Shakespeare’s Birthplace accessibility and visitor advice
The visitor centre and Birthplace ground floor offer level access, ambulance toilets, and baby-changing facilities. The historic house includes 17 stairs to upper rooms, so the first floor and bedroom areas are not wheelchair-accessible. Assistive/guide dogs are welcome, and audio-described support via QR code videos with subtitles is provided.
Why choose the Warwickshire Explorer Pass?
- ⏱ Flexible options—choose 1, 2, or 3-day passes to suit your itinerary
- 📱 Includes a handy booking app to manage your visits and scan the QR code at each attraction
- 🏰 Access top attractions like Warwick Castle, Shakespeare’s Birthplace, Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, Kenilworth Castle, Stratford Butterfly Farm, the MAD Museum, the British Motor Museum, and more
- 💸 Big savings—easily save £30–£40 per person over individual admissions
- ⛳ Design your own sightseeing route—visit at your own pace and skip the lines
- ⭐ Highly rated with a solid average of 4.7 stars from visitor reviews
Best time to visit and booking tips
To avoid the busier periods, plan visits for weekday mornings just after opening or late afternoons before closing. Mid-week, especially outside school holidays, is the quietest time. Booking your timed-entry slot as soon as it becomes available (released weekly) is advisable.
Practical on-site and nearby amenities
There’s no café inside the Birthplace itself, but Stratford’s compact centre offers a wide range of cafés, pubs, and eateries within minutes. The gift shop is part of the visit, and refreshment options are plentiful nearby.
Nearby attractions to combine in one day
You can get maximum benefit from a well-planned day with:
- Anne Hathaway’s Cottage: about a 10-minute drive or hop-on-hop-off bus ride.
- Shakespeare’s New Place: just a 10-minute stroll. It’s worth visiting, especially when included in a combined ticket.
- Holy Trinity Church, where Shakespeare was baptised and buried, lies a pleasant walk along the river.
Pairing two or three of these gives a Bard-rich half- or full-day itinerary.
Warwick Castle is 8.5 miles away, but you’re probably best parking up and spending a full day there. If time-pressed, there is a day tour from London that takes in Shakespeare’s Birthplace, Warwick Castle and the Cotswolds.
Shakespeare’s Birthplace FAQ
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Are the paths wheelchair-friendly? | The visitor centre and ground-floor rooms are level, but the house’s upper floor involves 17 stairs—so it’s not fully accessible by wheelchair. |
| Is there accessible parking close to the entrance? | Yes—Blue Badge spaces are located at the top of Henley Street, within a short walk of the entrance. |
| Are assistive devices or audio guides available? | Yes—audio-described introductions are available via QR code; assistance dogs are welcome. |
| When are the quietest hours or days? | Mid-week mornings just after 10 am or late afternoons before closing, especially outside school holidays. |
| How long are typical wait times? | Very short with pre-booked timed entry. Without booking, entry may be refused. |
| Is it better to visit early or late? | Early morning just after opening or late afternoon is best to avoid crowds. |
| Any cafés nearby? | Yes—the town centre offers multiple cafés, pubs and casual eateries within walking distance. |
| Can you bring your own food? | Yes—picnics are permitted; just enjoy them in nearby public spaces. |
| Is the terrain hilly or difficult? | No—the area is flat and very walkable. |
| Are photos allowed everywhere? | Photography is generally allowed, unless directly restricted by signage or staff. |
| Best spots or times for photos? | The walled garden is especially photogenic—late afternoon light often works well. |
| Best parking options? | Windsor Street car park and the Blue Badge bays on Henley Street are closest. |
| Public transport options? | Stratford-upon-Avon has local buses and hop-on-hop-off services connecting key Shakespeare sites. |
| Kid-friendly? | Yes—there’s a seasonal family trail (typically April to November) with child-focused activities—check ahead for dates. |
More West Midlands travel
Other West Midlands travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- Review of the Black Country Living Museum, Dudley.
- Guide to parking at the Black Country Living Museum.
- Guide to parking at Cadbury World in Birmingham.
- Is there free parking at Warwick Castle?
- Practical tips for visiting Kenilworth Castle.
