Share this page

October Half Term

at Shakespeare's family homes

Spooky performances, costume fun and family trails this half term.

Autumn is here, and this half term there’s something for everyone at Shakespeare’s family homes. Meet Macbeth, Lady Macbeth and a mysterious witch at Shakespeare’s Birthplace, come dressed in your spookiest costume, and explore with our family trails and explorer backpacks. All activities are included in your admission.

Saturday 24 October - Sunday 1 November

Shakespeare’s Birthplace

All the World’s a Stage – Live Performances
This half term, step into the shadowy world of Macbeth as Events From History bring Shakespeare’s darkest tale to life. Every day of the holidays, Macbeth, Lady Macbeth and one of the mysterious witches will perform in the Actors’ Circle every 30 minutes. Between shows, keep your eyes peeled as they roam the gardens, ready to share a prophecy or two with brave visitors.

Birthplace Treasure Trail
Become a history detective this half term and pick up our free family trail to follow the clues through Shakespeare’s Birthplace, the Shakespeare Centre and the Birthplace Shop. Along the way, you’ll discover fascinating objects from our collections and uncover the stories behind them.

Ghouls, Witches and Wizards Welcome
Dust off your cauldron and dig out your cape! Children who visit in a Halloween costume will receive a free gift to take home. Keep an eye out for our team too, as they’ll be joining in the fun with costumes of their own.

6354-2150

Anne Hathaway's Cottage

Nature Explorer Backpacks - Get closer to nature at Anne Hathaway’s Cottage

Pick up a Nature Explorer Backpack at Anne Hathaway’s Cottage and discover all sorts of items to explore the cottage garden where Anne Hathaway grew up.

Our Nature Explorer Backpacks are included in your admission and are exclusively available at Anne Hathaway’s Cottage.

Backpacks are limited and issued on a first come, first served basis to children aged 4 to 11.

Seasonal Treats at The Garden Café
Warm up with a taste of autumn at The Garden Café, opposite Anne Hathaway’s Cottage. Our seasonal menu features cosy pumpkin spice drinks and Halloween-themed treats, plus free colouring sheets to keep younger visitors busy while you relax.

6778-2470

Shakespeare's New Place

Creative Explorer Backpacks - Be inspired in Shakespeare’s house

Pick up a Creative Explorer Backpack and discover the place where William Shakespeare himself wrote many of his best-known plays.

Our Creative Explorer Backpacks are included in your admission and are exclusively available at Shakespeare’s New Place.

Backpacks are limited and issued on a first come, first served basis to children aged 4 to 11.

Across All Three Family Homes

Family Trail - Discover the remarkable stories of the women in William Shakespeare’s family who were born, grew up and lived in our properties.

6778-3400

Who was the only family member to live in all three of our homes?

Which house was home to five of Shakespeare’s family members at the same time?

Pick up a leaflet and find out more at any one of our three family homes.

Our Family Trail is suitable for children aged 4+ and is included in your admission to Shakespeare’s family homes.

Opening times vary by venue, so please check our opening times page before you visit.

Residents Go Free
If you live in the CV37 postcode area, you can enjoy all of our half term fun for free, with half price tickets for up to four guests. It’s the perfect excuse to bring friends and family along. Just remember to bring proof of your address when you visit. Find out more and book your tickets.

More events

See all events
Where Shakespeare's story started Relive Shakespeare's love story Walk in Shakespeare's footsteps