There is no introduction needed for William Shakespeare; the master storyteller giant from England who gave this world stories that we still have been reading, making films, enacting plays, inspiring generations since centuries.
The story of the journey of Shakespeare’s life starts here at his birthplace. Explore his childhood, his influence through the years, the country life of his mother’s farm, his courting years with his wife Anne Hathaway, his children’s family life and his last years.
If you are a Shakespeare fan, you will love this entire sage brought to life carefully by the Shakespeare trust. And even if you are not, give it a go and you will not be disappointed.
Shakespeare’s Birthplace
This is where you will start your tour after purchasing your tickets.
This is the house in which William was born. The guides will narrate tales from his childhood and the actors will enact parts of it. Shakespeare’s father was a glovemaker. Check out his tools and workshop.
This is where it all began. This is where the Master of Words was born.
New Place
Shakespeare stayed in New Place for 19 years. This is where he lived till his death. The house was a timber and wooden house.
The house was demolished in 1759. After that the Shakespeare’s Trust look charge of the property and bought the neighboring Nash House which is today open for tourists. There are exhibitions in two floors and a maze garden outside. This was the place I sent the least time.
Hall’s Croft
This is home of Shakespeare’s daughter. Susanna and her husband, physician John Hall stayed here and were supported by Shakespeare in their pursuits. The interiors are stunning. The walled garden is a beautiful, restorative place and the cafe offers some delicious treats.
This is probably the best of all sites and I loved it.
Anne Hathaway’s Cottage
Nine acres of gardens, orchards and woodlands, this 400 years old cottage is in a beautiful idyllic setting where Anne Hathaway, wife of William Shakespeare grew up and lived for many years. This is where the young William courted his bride and their love blossomed.
The artists in the cottage enacted scenes from Shakespeare’s plays which was spectacular. Cosy and compact, I loved the cottage. After taking a tour of the cottage, stroll around the gardens, admire its fruit trees and take a bits in the cafe which has many delicious delights to offer.
From the city, the cottage is a good 30 min walk. Or you can take a taxi. I walked both ways. The walk is beautiful via Shottery fields, The Bell pub to the Cottage.
Mary Arden’s Farm
Mary Arden, mother of William Shakespeare lived and worked on this Tudor Farm. Here you will get a taste of Tudor lifestyle. Try the organic produce, look at the farming methods, check the rare breeds of the farm animals, goats and geese. The idyllic country life is to relax and unwind and enjoy a cuppa.
Brilliant day out with kids and family.
I could not visit the farm since I was here in December. The farm is open from March to November only.
The Full Story Tickets cost 22 pounds. There are individual tickets for each location, incase you want to visit only one of them or few. It can take a complete day to visit all 5 locations or two days if done at a leisurely pace. Eitherways its a great trip to know one of the legendary personalities of the world.
