Make room for
a little wonder.

Opening times

All times are local to Stratford-upon-Avon.

Shakespeare’s Birthplace

10:00–16:00 · Every dayLast entry to the house 15:30; 24 December 10:00–14:00

New Place gardens

11:00–15:00 · Every dayLast entry 14:30; both closed 25 and 26 December

Allow time to explore before closing. Your ticket shows your date and entry time.

Finding the house

Shakespeare’s Birthplace is on Henley Street in the centre of Stratford-upon-Avon. Visitors enter through the Shakespeare Centre next door.

• By train: Stratford-upon-Avon station is about ten minutes’ walk from the town centre, with West Midlands Railway trains from Birmingham.
• By car: Stratford is a short drive from junction 15 of the M40; use the pay and display car parks in town or the Park & Ride signposted from the A46.
• Before arrival: leave time for the journey and entry checks so you are ready for your booked slot.

Useful stops along the way

Facilities can change through the year. Visitors can usually expect:

• An accessible toilet with baby changing at the rear of the garden.
• Wheelchairs to borrow at Visitor Reception.
• The Becoming Shakespeare exhibition and the Glover’s Workshop.
• Cafés nearby in Stratford’s town centre for refreshments.

Arrive within your entry slot, and allow time for New Place’s gardens, which close earlier. Ask staff about current arrangements when you arrive.

A visit that works for you

Shakespeare’s Birthplace has level access from the garden, but the ground-floor rooms are narrow, with small doorways, and powered wheelchairs and mobility scooters are not suitable. Seventeen stairs lead to the upper floor, and a subtitled video of the first floor can be shown on request. Floors are uneven in places and some rooms have low light. Assistance dogs are welcome.

• Check arrangements for your particular mobility or access needs before travelling.
• If you are bringing a stroller, confirm the current arrangements before arrival.
• Ask house staff for assistance or directions during your visit.

Enjoy the house thoughtfully

• Keep to the visitor paths, walk rather than run, and supervise children.
• Leave the furnishings, walls and old window panes untouched, follow staff guidance and take care on the stairs.
• Smoking and animals are not permitted on the site.
• Commercial photography and filming, including product promotion, need permission.
• Follow the signs and staff guidance, including any restrictions in the exhibition spaces.

A little care helps protect the house and its collections for everyone.

Make time for a pause

There is no café at the Birthplace itself, but Henley Street and the streets of Stratford’s town centre around it have cafés and restaurants.

• Stop for breakfast, lunch, a hot drink or refreshments nearby.
• Leave room in your plans to sit down and enjoy the setting.
• Check opening hours and menus on the day; food and drinks are purchased separately.

Rooms in the old house are small, so bags and large coats are easier left behind.

A few details worth planning

• Book ahead: choose the date, time and places you want to visit before making other plans.
• Keep your QR ticket ready: save it on your phone or bring a printed copy, with any proof needed for reduced admission.
• Start in the right place: go to the Shakespeare Centre on Henley Street within your entry slot and follow your ticket’s instructions.
• Dress for exploring: comfortable shoes for uneven floors, a layer for the weather and a charged phone make the visit easier.
• Leave space to linger: allow time for the garden and a walk to New Place on Chapel Street.