Stratford-upon-Avon also has a variety of beautiful houses and gardens to visit. You could visit the childhood home of Shakespeare’s mother and discover the fascinating story of Mary Arden’s Wilmcote, a charming farm house.
Why not also visit Shakespeare’s Birthplace in Henley Street and see where the legendary bard was born? Here take a stroll round the traditional English garden which features many plants and herbs mentioned in Shakespeare’s plays.
Another house that is beautifully preserved is Anne Hathaway’s Cottage in Shottery. Explore the romantic surroundings of this quintessential thatched country cottage where the young Shakespeare wooed his wife to be, Anne Hathaway, at her childhood home. Stroll round the award winning country cottage garden, which overflows with blooms, shrubs and traditional vegetables. Be inspired by Shakespeare’s sonnets in the growing Willow Cabin and discover the Shakespeare Tree and Sculpture Garden and Elizabethan-style yew maze.
There are many other houses that you could also explore including: Nash’s House and New Place in Chapel Street, Harvard House and the Museum of British Pewter, High Street and Hall's Croft in Old Town.
If you’re looking for a day out that involves creepy-crawlies and beautiful butterflies then you should visit the Stratford-upon-Avon Butterfly Farm and enjoy the unique pleasure of watching hundreds of the world's most spectacular and colourful butterflies flying all around you in our tropical butterfly garden.
If you are looking for something to entertain older children and also teach them about history, then the Falstaff Experience is for you. As you enter the museum in the 16th century Shrieves House Barn, you will learn of some remarkable tales relating to the history of Stratford and England. However, be aware that this spooky adventure is not for those who do not like to be scared!
Alternatively, an ideal way to discover Stratford and all it has to offer is to join the award winning daily guided Stratford Town Walk. Discover the fascinating relationship with William Shakespeare as you pass the family Town Houses, Grammar School, Royal Shakespeare Theatres, Holy Trinity Church and much more. Hear interesting and amusing stories of fires, flooding, plague, medieval cures, old fashioned sayings and history. No need to book, just turn up on Waterside, opposite Sheep Street. Mon, Tue and Wed at 11am. Thu, Fri, Sat and Sun at 2pm Christmas Day at 10.30am! Each customer is given a ticket with 5 tear-off vouchers to save money at specially selected shops, restaurants, pubs and attractions.
