Stratford-Upon-Avon: Shakespeare's Houses

Discover this wonderful character thatched cottage that was the pre-marital home of Shakespeare's wife located about a mile outside of Stratford in the village of Shottery.

The House
The world famous Anne Hathaway's Cottage is situated in Shottery 1 mile from Stratford-upon-Avon and was the childhood home of Shakespeare's wife and has been a pilgrimage for visitors for centuries. The young Shakespeare would have courted Anne here and the site has often been described as the most romantic view in England. The beautiful thatched farmhouse was occupied by descendents of the Hathaway family until it's purchase by the Trust in 1892 and still contains many rare family items of furniture that date back to Anne's time, including the finely carved, oak Hathaway bed. This may well have been the one valued at £3 in 1624, on the death of Anne Hathaway's brother.

The Gardens
Often regarded as the quintessential country cottage, Anne Hathaway's Cottage is set in stunning grounds and the cottage garden overflows with beautiful blooms all year round. Towards the back of the cottage there is a growing Willow Cabin that takes its inspiration from Shakespeare's Twelfth Night (Act 1, Scene 5). Visitors can sit on the specially designed bench, gaze at the cottage, press a button and listen to one of four Shakespearean sonnets read by famous actors. There is an orchard to the rear and also the Shakespeare Tree garden planted in 1988 with most of the trees mentioned in Shakespeare's plays. The Shakespeare Tree Garden is also home to a new series of sculptures by young artists based on Shakespearean themes. In 2001 an Elizabethan style Yew maze was added to this spectacular garden.

Exhibitions
The museum room is located at the back of the cottage and displays items associated with the cottage and its occupants. 

Virtual Tour Access Room
In 2003 a computer based virtual reality tour was installed at Anne Hathaway's Cottage for our visitors with restricted mobility. Visitors can take either a guided tour of the house or explore on their own.

Guided Tours, Cottage Garden, Displays, Exhibition, Cafe (seasonal opening), Shop, Computer based Virtual Reality Tour for visitors with restricted mobility, Coach and Car park.