Community Open Day at Mary Arden's Farm - 23 August

On selected Saturdays across the summer, we will be opening the gates of Mary Arden's to our community and friends to enjoy for free.

• 19 and 26 July
• 16 and 23 August

You'll have the opportunity to explore the farm, including guided tours of Palmer’s Farmhouse, and see our collection of heritage breed animals. You and your family will be able to witness some traditional crafts in action.

Our friends from the Arts Rising Collective, based at the newly opened Brook Arts Hub, will host a creative space where visitors can get hands-on inspired by the Shakespeare family and Shakespeare’s works.

Plus, enjoy interactive sessions led by our dedicated learning team, giving you an insight into the engaging learning programme that is delivered at Mary Arden’s Farm throughout the year.

You can also speak to members of the SBT volunteering team and discover what opportunities are available across the Trust, as well as the benefits of becoming a volunteer.

Planning Ahead

There is no need to pre-book for our community open days at Mary Arden’s Farm.

Simply arrive and a friendly member of the SBT team will welcome you and, after taking a few details, admit you and your family to enjoy your day.

Parking is available on site and will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.

Visitors are encouraged to bring a picnic to enjoy during their visit. When enjoying your picnic, we ask that you bring a blanket to sit on, as there are a limited number of picnic benches.

There will be a selection of refreshments, including hot and cold drinks, crisps, cakes and snacks available to purchase to accompany your picnic, thanks to Horse Cart Hospitality. They will be located in the car park, so you can stock up on treats on arrival.

Water bottle filling stations are available across the property.

As most of the activities take place outside and not under cover, visitors are encouraged to wear appropriate footwear and clothing for changeable weather conditions and a farm setting.

Your Support

As part of our commitment to ensuring that these much-loved properties remain at the heart of their communities, the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust is offering these events free of charge so that as many people as possible can take advantage and experience these special spaces for themselves.

By supporting this event you are helping to preserve the Shakespeare family homes for future generations.

You can donate during your visit to Mary Arden’s Farm or click here to donate today. Any amount donated is greatly appreciated and helps support the conservation work of the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, including at Mary Arden’s Farm.

Click here to find out more about volunteering opportunities for these events and other opportunities across the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust.

This event is part of our multi-year programme, celebrating The Women Who Made Shakespeare