Five beautifully preserved Tudor Houses and gardens telling the complete Shakespeare story and all directly linked with William Shakespeare and his family. Each house has a unique story to tell and together they provide a unique experience of the dramatist’s life and times. Shakespeare’s Birthplace Start this fascinating journey with an introduction to William Shakespeare through a Life, Love & Legacy exhibition before visiting this wonderful Tudor town house where the world’s most famous playwright was born and grew up. See where prominent writers including Charles Dickens and Thomas Hardy have left their mark and watch demonstrations of the traditional craft practiced by Shakespeare’s father, John, in the Glover’s workshop. Meet your favourite Shakespeare characters in the garden with live impromptu performances from Shakespeare Aloud! Stroll round the traditional English garden, which features many plants and herbs mentioned in Shakespeare’s plays, and remember your visit with a purchase from the gift shop. Mary Arden’s Farm - A Real Working Tudor Farm Visit the childhood home of Shakespeare’s mother and see the farm’s history brought to life. Step back into the 1570s and encounter the authentic sights, sounds and smells of a working farm in Shakespeare’s day. Our Tudor costumed residents will invite you to get involved and help with the day-to-day running of the farm and try out traditional rural skills. See our rare breed pigs, cattle, goats and handsome horses. Fun activities make Mary Arden’s Farm a perfect family day out complete with adventure playground, willow tunnels, picnic point, shop, cafe and free car parking. Anne Hathaway’s Cottage - The Most Romantic Shakespeare House. Discover and fall in love with this beautiful English thatched cottage and family home of Shakespeare’s wife, Anne Hathaway and see where he wooed her. Stroll through and admire the award winning cottage garden which overflows with old-fashioned plants, orchards and traditional vegetables. Sit in the romantic Willow Cabin and be inspired by Shakespeare’s sonnets. Visit the Shakespeare Sculpture and Tree Garden and wander through the enchanting Woodland Walk. Hall’s Croft - The Jacobean Doctor’s House Explore the elegant house with its lavish rooms once owned by Shakespeare’s daughter Susanna and wealthy physician husband John Hall. Examine the fascinating collection of apothecary’s equipment, books and medical instruments of the day. Relax in the tranquil gardens and savour the fragrant herb beds, like those used by John Hall in his remedies. Nash’s House & New Place - Where the Shakespeare Story Ended. Experience a live archaeological dig at New Place, Shakespeare’s final home, and take in the period splendour of Nash’s House, once owned by Shakespeare’s granddaughter. See archaeological experts carry out excavations at the site of New Place to try and gain an understanding of how the world’s greatest dramatist spent his last years in Stratford-upon-Avon. Dig for Shakespeare will continue throughout 2011. The Shakespeare Houses and Gardens are owned and cared for by The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust which is an independent charity. Every admission to the Shakespeare Houses and purchase in the gift shops supports the work of the Trust enabling the preservation of the houses and gardens for future generations.