Always a pleasure to view these, and we have been back many times, but it is always interesting, the homes are wonderful.The only downfall, is however, the prices within the souvenir shops, very expensive
Most of the buildings are within Stratford town centre so you can walk around to all of them except Anne Hathaways Cottage and Mary Ardens house. However, the same inclusive ticket will get you into all of them at a very resonable price (aro £20 per adult).All well laid out and very informative.The volunteers and guides are especially well versed in their subjects and their contributions really enrich the visitors experience.(Look out for the two young guys in the Shakespeare home dressed in period costumes - they are a riot and know lots of speeches and sonnets which they will recite to you!).
It is well worth getting a combined ticket for this experience. Mary Arden's farm is closed in February but you might be in a position to visit later in the year. These houses have been beautifully preserved and the room guides are very knowledgeable.There are also nice tearooms attached, and lovely gardens to relax in.
The Shakespeare Trust have thought this through well. In isolation each of the venus are OK as examples of Tudor life, but as a group of venues you can 'wander through' the life of Shakespeare and get a much deeper and worthwhile experience. Not only can you learn about his birth, life, works and death but the ticket price becomes excellent value by visiting all of the family homes. In isolation the homes don't take that long to get around, however as a group of venues you require a full day, or possibly two. The ticket is valid for 12 months and you can visit as often as you like within this time. Worth doing in the order each property was associated with the Bard. Each venue had very helpful, polite and knowledgeable staff. It was half term and there seemed to be activities aimed at children at each venue. Venues are well marked out and easy to find. The exhibition at the Shakespeare centre (at Shakespears Birthplace) is worth looking at too.
Came to Stratford for a birthday weekend and to celebrate my love for Shakespeare. Bought a Multi house ticket which along with a 50% voucher from our B&B was great value for £23 for 2 of us. Allows access to all of the houses associated with Shakespeare in Stratford along with to the church to view his grave. Although Anne Hathaways cottage is a little way out of the town centre , it is a very simple walk back into town. All of the houses were accessible within easy walking distance of each other and we managed without a car for the whole weekend. Fantastic insight into both the life of Shakespeare and his family and Tudor life itself. Pleas note that Mary Ardens farm is not open in the winter months and one of the houses is currently closed for conservation , likely to last a year, but in lieu of this your Multi ticket also gives you access to another Tudor building Harvard house. Great time to visit in January as fairly quiet although Saturday still was quite busy with overseas visitors.Great way to spend a day especially if you include a walk along the river bank too.
Great houses, great history, using the hop on hop off bus service helps when getting to Anne Hathaway and Mary ardent houses xxx
An excellent set of tastefully furnished and attractive homes. Very helpful volunteers with loads of information and repartee.
it is best to get a ticket covering all five homes belonging to Shakespeare and his relatives. 3 are in the town but you need some transport for 2. You do not need to see them all on 1 day as the ticket lasts longer than 1 day. Plenty to see. One is a farm with animals and birds of prey and guides dressed in medieval costumes when we went. they all have lovely colourful gardens of various sizes and the guides are very informative.
You can get a ticket to go round all the venues - worthwhile as it lasts a year. All the venues are well laid out and are very interesting
This was great very easy to get to; very interesting and the guides were very knowledgeable. The workshop his father used and the history of the importance of gloves and pockets of the day were very interesting and to be able to touch the items really made it come alive for me. Hope you enjoy.