Anne Hathaway's Cottage
Relive Shakespeare’s love story
A photo opportunity in the beautiful grounds
Our traditional cottage garden will delight your senses
Upstairs in the Cottage
Spotted in the gardens
Activities for the whole family
Explore our sculpture trail
Visit Anne Hathaway's Cottage, the family home of Anne Hathaway, William Shakespeare’s wife-to-be. It is here that Anne was born and raised and where the young Shakespeare would have visited her during the early part of their relationship. Built more than 500 years ago and extended over the years, much of the original survives. See original furniture including the Hathaway bed and uncover five centuries of stories of the family who lived here for 13 generations. Wander through acres of beautiful cottage gardens and orchards, and explore the sculpture trail inspired by Shakespeare’s plays. Continue reading...
Anne Hathaway’s Cottage was originally a farmhouse. It was built in 1463 and comprised only three rooms, two of which survive - the kitchen and the parlour. The first Hathaway to live in the cottage was Anne’s grandfather John Hathaway, who was a tenant sheep farmer. Anne, later Shakespeare’s wife, was born in the cottage in 1556.
When the site was a farm it was known as ‘Hewlands’ and the Hathaway family were successful sheep farmers. The garden was a farmyard with some livestock and space for growing herbs and vegetables.
Anne’s father died in 1581 and Anne’s brother Bartholomew inherited the tenancy of the 90-acre farm and he later bought the freehold. He then added an extension, increasing the size of the cottage and inserted new chimneys and an upper floor at the same time. This work was completed before Bartholomew’s death in 1624.
By the late 1800s, the family’s fortunes had declined. Some property including land and other houses were mortgaged, and eventually sold. In 1838 the cottage itself was sold, but the Hathaway family continued to live in the cottage as tenants.
One of the last Hathaways to live in the cottage was Mary Baker. When the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust purchased the cottage in 1892, Mary and her family were paid the large wage of £75 per year. Their duties were to share family stories and to care for the cottage, both of which we continue to do today. Her son William Baker occupied part of the cottage until he left in 1911.
Uncover Shakespeare's Story
Discover the fascinating stories behind the world's greatest storyteller across his family homes
Shakespeare's Birthplace
Anne Hathaway's Cottage
Shakespeare's New Place
Highlights
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gardens
Beautiful Cottage Gardens
Wander through acres of beautiful orchards & gardens
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families
Children's Trails
Keep the children entertained this summer with our new free trails
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discover
Sculpture Trail
See works inspired by Shakespeare as you explore the grounds
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discover
Willow creations
Look out for our giant willow sculpture - the perfect photo opportunity
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collection
Must-see Items on Display
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enjoy
Visiting during Coronavirus
Events
See all eventsVisitor Info & Prices
Shakespeare's Story Ticket
Make a day of it and visit all 3 properties
Prices shown include voluntary donation
- Adult Peak: £26.00
- Adult Off-Peak: £24.00
- Child Peak: £17.00
- Child Off-Peak: £15.50
Single property ticket
- Adult (includes voluntary donation): £15.00
- Child 3-15 (includes voluntary donation): £10.50
Anne Hathaway's Cottage
Linger over many acres of this romantic setting
Visit time: 2 hours
- Gift shop
- Toilets
- Garden
- Parking
- Access
- Dogs
- Prices
- Opening times
Getting here
Nearby attractions
10 minutes drive to Shakespeare’s Birthplace
10 minutes drive to Shakespeare's New Place
Warwickshire,
CV37 9HH
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