Visiting FAQs

Everything you need to make your visit go smoothly. Our helpful staff will be on hand during your visit to answer any questions you may have. We look forward to seeing you and we hope you enjoy your time with us.

Frequently Asked Questions

Updated: August 2025

Do I have to book in advance?

We recommend pre-booking to avoid disappointment. You can book tickets online in advance.

See more information about our opening times.

Can I use an existing ticket?

Tickets to visit Shakespeare's family homes are valid for 12 months for repeat visits from the date of purchase.

See our Ticketing Terms for more information.

Can I show my ticket on my mobile device?

Yes, we accept tickets shown on mobile devices.

What can I do if I’ve lost my email booking confirmation?

For all booking queries please contact us by email: [email protected] or by phone: 01789 204016

Are you offering concessions on ticket prices?

To be eligible for the concessionary rate, you must be or receive one or more of the following:

- Disability Living Allowance
- Employment and Support Allowance
- Personal Independence Payment
- Universal Credit
- Blue Light Cardholder (covers Armed Forces, teachers & NHS Staff
- Student (18+)
- MAX Cardholder

Carers go free when accompanying a visitor with disabilities. Please select the Essential Companion (Carer) ticket option when purchasing tickets.

Please note, all children under 18 years of age must be accompanied by at least one adult.

Discounted tickets for refugees

Members of the refugee community have the opportunity to access to Shakespeare’s Birthplace for £1 per person.

To qualify for the discount member of the community/community groups and organisations must contact the customer service team directly via [email protected] and book and pay for their tickets in advance.

Discounted tickets will not be available to purchase on arrival. Discounts are not currently available for tickets for Anne Hathaway’s Cottage or Shakespeare New Place at this time.

Can I re-enter after I have exited the site?

With our family homes tickets you are able to access the houses included for 12 months from date of purchase. At Shakespeare’s Birthplace there is no re-admittance back into the garden from the Gift Shop, and you must re-enter through Visitor Reception.

Is there parking at any of your sites?

There are a number of pay and display car parks in Stratford-upon-Avon within walking distance of Shakespeare’s Birthplace. For further information see Getting Here.

What time should I arrive?

When you are planning to visit, tickets for Shakespeare's Birthplace are sold in arrival windows of one hour, with the exception of the last hour, which is a 30 minute window. Please arrive in your designated timeslot and not before.

What if I can’t visit due to illness?
Please contact us by email: [email protected] or by phone: 01789 204016 by 5pm the day before your visit was due to take place and we’ll be happy to help you rearrange your visit for another date, subject to availability. Read our Terms of Entry for more information. Tickets are valid for 12 months.

I’ve changed my mind, can I cancel my ticket?

Tickets are non-refundable. If you wish to alter your booking date/time you may do so, subject to availability, by email: [email protected] or phone: 01789 204016. Amendments to bookings have a cut off time of 24 hours prior to your booked slot. You can also reschedule your own tickets by clicking the link in your booking confirmation email.

How do we keep you safe during your visit?

To ensure that everyone has a safe and enjoyable visit, we have a range of safety measures.

This includes security checks, such as bag searches upon arrival to each site.

Project Servator

We are also working in partnership with Warwickshire Police, West Midlands Police and Counter Terrorism Policing West Midlands who operate Project Servator in Stratford-upon-Avon.

Project Servator aims to disrupt criminal activity across the area. You may see additional offers around the area, and outside our properties.

We are supporting this initiative, and we want to reassure you that there’s nothing to be worried about if you see extra police officers around our site or across the town. Officers will be happy to explain what they are doing and answer any questions you have, so please feel free to talk to them if you see them or have any concerns.

More information about safety and security can be found on our safety measures page.

Can I bring food and drink, or buy any when I’m there?

We ask that no food or drink is consumed on site at Shakespeare’s Birthplace during your visit, including any that you’ve brought from home. Picnics are welcome in the grounds at Anne Hathaway's Cottage and Shakespeare's New Place. Please ensure you take all your rubbish home with you.

Can I take photographs?

You can take photographs for personal use only, but flash photography and filming is not permitted at any of our sites. For commercial photography and filming requests please email [email protected]

Can I bring my dog?

Dogs are welcome in the gardens and grounds at Anne Hathaway's Cottage, Shakespeare's New Place and Shakespeare's Birthplace. Please note, to allow us to offer the best environment to the animals on Mary Arden's Farm, we are not able to welcome dogs (apart from registered assistance dogs) to the farm. Dogs must always be kept on a lead at all times.

Do you offer group discounts?

We offer discounts for groups of 15 or more people. See our Group Visits page for further information.

Why isn’t Mary Arden’s Farm opening?

In light of prolonged disruption to children’s learning due to the pandemic, Mary Arden’s Farm continues to offer a dedicated outdoor education facility for our primary school workshops, providing opportunities for children to learn about Shakespeare's work, life and times in a secure environment.

The operation of the property as a working farm will continue, giving children the opportunity to engage with the animals as part of their visit.

For more information see our full statement.

Is Hall’s Croft reopening?

Hall's Croft remains closed to visitors, however the former cafe area has been transformed into a flexible learning space for A-level and higher education groups and lectures. Our teams will continue to care for the site and carry out essential conservation work in line with our charitable objectives.

Why does my ticket states 10am entry?

If your ticket includes Anne Hathaway’s Cottage and/or Shakespeare’s New Place, the 10am time-slot is the earliest you can visit, which is when the properties open. There are no time-slots for these two sites, only Shakespeare’s Birthplace requires you to book a time.

I have a suitcase or large luggage, can I bring this in with me?

For security reasons, please do not bring luggage or large bags such as rucksacks and wheeled luggage to our properties (bigger than 40cm x 40cm x 50cm and heavier than 5kg). Please do not leave your bags or personal items unattended at any point during your visit.

Will it be busy and will there be queues?

You may need to allow a little more time to enter the sites and properties during peak season and school holidays. Our teams are on hand to assist.

Still have a question? You might find what you need on our Terms of Entry or Plan Your Visit pages. You can also contact us and we’ll be happy to help.