Shakespeare in Stratford-upon-Avon
Where Shakespeare was born, lived and is buried
Stratford-upon-Avon is where Shakespeare was born in April 1564, where he married and raised his family, and where he retired and died in April 1616. Every significant moment of his life outside London happened here. Most people come for the Royal Shakespeare Company's year-round season at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre — the world's leading Shakespeare company performing in the town where he grew up — but the town also holds five Shakespeare Trust properties, including the house where he was born and the church where he is buried.
A full day is the minimum. The RSC season typically runs March to December, with performances across three spaces: the Royal Shakespeare Theatre (1,040 seats), the Swan Theatre (around 450), and The Other Place (200-seat studio). The Shakespeare Pass covers all five Trust houses for £30 (adult) or £20 (child) and saves significantly on separate entry. Trains from London Marylebone take approximately two hours.
Where to See Shakespeare
The Shakespeare Trust Properties
Five sites managed by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, all within walking distance of the town centre except Anne Hathaway's Cottage (a mile west in Shottery). A single Shakespeare Pass covers all five and is cheaper than paying separately at the door.
- 1Shakespeare's Birthplace — Henley Street — buy your Pass here, then start
- 2Anne Hathaway's Cottage — Shottery — 20-min walk west through fields, or a short taxi
- 3Shakespeare's New Place — Chapel Street — gardens and foundations of his retirement home
- 4Hall's Croft — Old Town — home of his daughter Susanna; quietest of the five
- 5Holy Trinity Church — Southern Lane — baptism record and grave, with self-penned epitaph
What's On in Stratford-upon-Avon
Live listings from Ticketmaster — updated daily.
Plan Your Visit
Best Time to Visit
Weekdays in late spring (May to early June) for smaller crowds and apple blossom at Anne Hathaway's Cottage. The RSC main season opens in spring — check for your preferred production before you book travel.
Getting Around
Direct trains run from London Marylebone via Chiltern Railways, approximately two hours with a change at Warwick Parkway. From Birmingham New Street, trains take about an hour. Stratford-upon-Avon station is a ten-minute walk from the RSC and most Trust properties.
Ticket Prices
The Shakespeare Pass (£30 adult, £20 child) covers all five Shakespeare Birthplace Trust houses. RSC tickets from £7; day-of-performance cheap seats from £5 released online at 9am each morning.
Also on ShakespeareGo
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