The Land Of Shakespeare

Everyone knows the famous phrase "To be or not to be". It was written by one of the greatest writers in the world, William Shakespeare. The English writer, poet and actor grew up in England in the 16th century in the town of Stratford-upon-Avon. Here you will find picture-perfect landscapes: green hills alternate with romantic rivers, pretty market towns and historic landmarks. 

By the way, did you know that Stratford-upon-Avon is the second most visited town in England? The picturesque birthplace of Shakespeare has attracted millions of visitors for centuries. 

It seems as English as a landscape can be, and one wonders what William Shakespeare might have done to leave his home town of Stratford-upon-Avon.

The answer can be seen on the banks of the Avon: the brick-red Royal Shakespeare Theatre. The bard has yet to lay the foundations for the existence of one of the world's most renowned Shakespearean theatres. Although travelling theatres occasionally found their way to the flourishing market town in the heart of England, those who wanted to make it as an actor and playwright had to leave the provinces and go to London.

Shakespeare nevertheless remained connected to his homeland. He returned as a made man, bought a chic estate, retired here and died in his birthplace. Walking through the city, it seems as if you have travelled back to the 16th century in a time machine. Most of the houses, restaurants and cafés have been slightly modernised inside, but if you also visit the houses of Shakespeare and his family, you will get an insight into the facilities that were common here in the Middle Ages. 

Unique estates and a window to the past

Birthplace of Shakespeare

Whether Shakespeare was actually born in this half-timbered building is doubted again and again. The fact is that in 1564, a William Shakespeare was born in Stratford-upon-Avon and that this house belonged to his father, who also had his workshop here as a glove-maker. In the house, actors will tell you how children grew up and lived in Shakespeare's time. Trace Shakespeare's childhood and early years as a husband in the original preserved rooms of his birthplace. 

Hall's Croft

The luxurious house from the time of James I, which belonged to Shakespeare's daughter Susanna and her husband Dr. John Hall, is a real feast for the eyes. Here you will learn how the upper and rich society lived in the 17th century. There is also an exhibition on the medical practices of the time, while in the garden you can see the herbs Dr Hall used to treat his patients.

The country house of Anne Hathaway

In this 500-year-old thatched cottage, Shakespeare courted his future wife Anne Hathaway, who lived here. The parental home of Shakespeare's wife is entirely dedicated to the question of how in tudor times spouses were sought and marriages were made. It is not only about romantic love, but also about roped parties and family feuds, as they found expression in not a few plays by Shakespeare. 

Mary Arden's Farm

Here you can visit a real Tudor farm, where work and agriculture is done, as it probably was in Shakespeare's time. At the farm, birthplace of Shakespeare's mother Mary Arden, you'll pet animals, talk to the Tudors, explore the surrounding forests and sample Tudor cuisine at the farm's own café.

Stratford-upon-Avon is full of Shakespearean homes and places to visit. The city could also be called the Mecca for Shakespeare lovers. See for yourself and take a look at England in Shakespearean times!