Historic England - William Shakespeare

Considered by many to be the greatest playwright of all time, Shakespeare was born in Stratford-upon-Avon but spent his early years in London as actor and manager, becoming a partner in the Globe Theatre in 1599.  His plays have transcended cultural barriers and withstood the test of time to become universally recognised.

Places to visit

Shakespeare's Birthplace
Uncover the Bard's history in the Visitor Centre before passing through the lovely gardens into the 16th century half-timbered building furnished in period style.

Mary Arden's House
Once you've been inside the atmospheric half-timbered home of Shakespeare's mother, find out what rural life was like in the museum in the outbuildings.

Nash's House/New Place
See the relics of the foundations of Shakespeare's last home in the delightful recreated Elizabethan knott garden.

Anne Hathaway's Cottage
Smell the scents of the lovely English garden before you go into the strikingly beautiful farmhouse where Shakespeare's wife once lived.

Royal Shakespeare Theatre (www.ticketswitch.com/cgi-bin/search.buy/enjoyengland?crypto_block=k---vzimQKYc80152nRexF4JPBK51ho4-1AdrIhbr8K7B8R-tUIW_zlmu1w246jXGNFDY)
Enjoy a play by the great Bard at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. During the 2006 season, beginning in April, the entire works of Shakespeare will be performed here.

Shakespeare's Globe, London (www.ticketswitch.com/cgi-bin/search.buy/enjoyengland?crypto_block=k---vzimQKYc80ntgLvGnfUDQBK51ho4-1AdrIhbr8K7B8R-tUIW_zlmu1w246jXGNFDY)
From May to October you can watch a play just as audiences did in Shakespeare's time and at any time of year you can tour the theatre and visit the museum.