Visit the birthplace of one of the world's greatest playwrights. Today, this historic building hosts live performances and is a treasure trove of historical gems.
Shakespeare’s Birthplace is a beautiful half-timbered 16th century house that was the childhood home of playwright and author, William Shakespeare. Family descendants then remained in the house until the middle of the 19th Century. Today, the house is a museum dedicated to the writer’s life and work. The house is situated in the delightful market town of Stratford-upon-Avon, around 48 kilometres south from Birmingham city centre.At the Life, Love and Legacy exhibit, visitors can immerse themselves in the world of the writer by following his life story from childhood beginnings in Stratford-upon-Avon to his later life which was spent in London. There is a selection of informative displays and original artefacts exploring what inspired him. There is an original copy of the First Folio published in 1623, which contains 36 of the writer’s plays. In the Treasure Exhibition, there are more points of interest including the famous Cobbe Portrait believed to be the only portrait of the writer completed whilst he was alive. Another feature of note is the Glover’s workshop which is a replica of the workshop in which the writer’s father John Shakespeare used to practise his trade of glove making. From there, head outside into the grounds. These beautifully-kept gardens host regular performances by Shakespeare Aloud!, a theatre company which performs scenes from some of the writer’s plays. There are performances on most days, although it’s best to check on the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust website for exact details.Shakespeare’s Birthplace takes approximately 45-minutes to reach by car from Birmingham city centre. A direct, regular train service runs from Snow Hill and Moor Street stations in Birmingham city centre to Stratford-upon-Avon station from where the house is a ten minute walk away. You should give yourself a whole day to enjoy the best that this pretty market town on the banks of the River Avon has to offer. If you are driving, paid car parking is available nearby. The museum is open daily except for major public holidays and there are free talks about the writer’s life and works in the museum café. Opening hours and a schedule of events can be found online.
