William Shakespeare, considered by many to be the greatest dramatist and poet the world has ever known, was born in the market town of Stratford-upon-Avon in 1564 and maintained strong links with the town until his death in 1616. His legacy has turned Stratford into a major tourist destination crammed with historic houses relating to the writer’s life and that of his family. Shakespeare’s Birthplace is a half-timbered house in the centre of Stratford, which remained the property of his descendants until 1806, when it was bought by a board of trustees and restored as a museum. The adjacent Shakespeare’s World Museum guides visitors through the life and times of Shakespeare using drawings, maps, illustrations and audiovisual displays. In 1582, Shakespeare married Anne Hathaway, the daughter of a local farmer, and Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, is closeby in the hamlet of Shottery, 1.6km (1 mile) from Stratford-upon-Avon. Shakespeare returned from London in 1597 as a successful playwright and bought New Place, the second largest house in the town, where he spent the last years of his life. Visitors can also tour the home of Shakespeare’s mother, Mary Arden’s House at Glebe Farm, which was fortunately rescued from demolition by the Shakespeare Trust in 1960.
Air: Birmingham International Airport. Rail: Train: Stratford-upon-Avon Station. Road: Bus: Public services.

The Shakespeare Centre, Henley Street, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 6QW, UK
Tel: (01789) 204 016
Website: www.shakespeare.org.uk

United Kingdom