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Stratford-upon-Avon

by Alison Plummer | 22 Aug 2013

Explore the restored and glorious homes and gardens of the Shakespeare family as you discover Stratford-upon-Avon

Stratford-upon-Avon is a magnet for tourists especially in summer when the River Avon beckons for boating and scenic walks along its banks.

The early mornings of a northern hemisphere summer are lovely to walk around in, and accommodation in the heart of Stratford means you’re right in the heart of everything, from theatre visits to a Ghost Walk and visiting the Shakespeare property collection. 

The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust manages five properties, all beautifully preserved and offering insight into life in the times of William Shakespeare (1564-1616).

Shakespeare’s birthplace itself is always busy, as is the thatched cottage at Shottery that was once the family home of Anne Hathaway, Shakespeare’s wife. The garden surrounding the Shottery cottage is abundantly coloured and the house oozes history and charm, with all the trappings of late-16th century life.

Shakespeare family

Skip through an elaborate Elizabethan knot garden before wandering around the ground floor of Nash’s House, one-time home of Thomas Nash, a wealthy local and first husband of Shakespeare’s granddaughter, which is now a well preserved, faithfully furnished Tudor home.

Next door, the foundations of New Place are the site of a tourist-friendly archaeological dig and the final home of William Shakespeare. The home was purchased after he had carved out a place for himself as a successful playwright and was, at the time, the largest home in Stratford.

Hall’s Croft, which was owned by Shakespeare’s daughter Susanna Hall and her husband Dr John Hall, has a very different feel. It boasts a beautiful collection of 16th and 17th century furniture and paintings, and the walled garden is a treasure.

For a different experience again, a visit to Mary Arden’s Farm is recommended. It’s the place where Shakespeare’s mother grew up and is now a working Tudor farm, showcasing daily farm life in those days. The cute animals are great for children but adults love the farm too for the basket weaving and cooking demonstrations.

Stately homes

England is famous for its great houses, halls and mansions, and there are plenty in this area. The Victorian stately home Charlecote Park, a 75-hectare property that once hosted Queen Elizabeth I, is less than 10km from Stratford. Built in the 16th century by magistrate Sir Thomas Lucy and passed down within the Lucy family, the house is now open to the public and under the administration of the National Trust and contains many treasures collected by the Lucy family.

Baddesley Clinton is also run by the National Trust. A smaller but wildly atmospheric medieval property surrounded by a moat, Baddesley Clinton will fascinate visitors with its Elizabethan Great Hall and hidden priests’ holes.

Once a retreat for Catholic priests escaping persecution, Baddesley Hall is now a visitor’s delight, offering lake walks, relaxing gardens and an educational vegetable garden. 

Nearby, Packwood House was built in the 16th century and restored in the interwar years, creating a fascinating 20th century interpretation of Tudor design. It contains an extensive collection of 16th century textiles and furnishings. In summer, the garden features stunningly colourful herbaceous borders and a wonderful topiary garden.

Once you start exploring you could spend weeks wandering the homes and gardens of this area, so tell your friends not to be alarmed if you don’t come home as planned.

Walking Stratford-upon-Avon

Walking around Stratford-upon-Avon is the best way to see the sights and the walk along the banks of the river to Holy Trinity Church where Shakespeare is buried is a lovely experience.

The Birthplace house and centre, Nash's House and New Place, and Hall's Croft are all within easy five to 10 minute walks of each other. You could also walk to Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, just under 5km from Stratford, in about half an hour.

One ticket allows access to all the properties, as well as Mary Arden’s Farm. The town is also home to great guided walks, including the Town Walk that takes place every day and the Stratford Town Ghost Walk.