Residents can now pre-book their free visits to the Shakespeare family homes in Stratford-upon-Avon ahead of the official launch of the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust’s new Residents Go Free ticket scheme. From Saturday 1 February 2025, those with a CV37 postcode will have the opportunity to explore the life, works, and times of William Shakespeare across three properties, for free across the year.
The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust (SBT), the charity that cares for the historic buildings where William Shakespeare and his family once lived, invites anyone living in the CV37 postcode to visit its properties free of charge throughout the year.
Residents already have access to Shakespeare’s New Place, now they can also enjoy Shakespeare’s Birthplace and Anne Hathaway’s Cottage thanks to the new scheme, which starts on Saturday 1 February after the completion of the Trust’s annual conservation programme.
This announcement is part of the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust’s ongoing commitment to ensuring that these much-loved properties remain at the heart of their communities.
“We are delighted to share more details about our new Residents Go Free Ticket scheme.
"Our town holds a special place in history as the birthplace of Shakespeare's story and the beating heart of his enduring legacy. Although we are immensely proud to be sharing his legacy with visitors from around the world, it is equally important to us that our local community feels connected to Shakespeare’s story and our journey of transformation.
‘’Now we invite all residents to book their free ticket, be part of Shakespeare’s story and experience an extraordinary piece of history right on their doorstep.’’
Said Interim CEO, Rachael North, who has been in post since October.
What’s Included?
This is a special year for the SBT as it begins exploring Shakespeare’s fascinating female characters as part of its multi-year project, The Women Who Made Shakespeare. The significant change to entry for local residents allows more people to be part of the celebrations, enjoy new experiences and participate in a range of hands-on activities, all for free, as part of their visit.
Family-friendly events include Nurture in Nature at Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, taking place every Wednesday throughout the Warwickshire School Holidays. Here young children and their families are invited to get closer with the incredible biodiversity found in the gardens of Anne Hathaway’s Cottage.
Young children are also invited to embark on a journey of discovery as they explore the scenic grounds of Shakespeare’s New Place and Anne Hathaway’s Cottage with an Explorer Backpack.
Sundays at New Place is also included in the offer. On selected Sundays throughout the year, visitors of all ages are invited to Shakespeare’s New Place to explore Shakespeare’s female characters through hands-on craft activities led by local female artists.
Other activities included in the offer is the popular multi-house family trail, inviting families to explore all three sites with a paper map. The talented team from Events from History will also be in the garden of Shakespeare’s Birthplace acting out some of Shakespeare’s most famous scenes, featuring his iconic female characters.
Residents have the opportunity to visit all three properties an unlimited number of times, allowing them to fully experience the Shakespeare story during this special year. Please note that ticketed events are not included in the offer.
“With an exciting programme exploring Shakespeare’s remarkable female characters running throughout the year across all three properties, we hope local residents will return again and again to uncover new aspects of the Shakespeare story and create cherished memories with their loved ones. Whether you’re visiting with family or are a passionate Shakespeare enthusiast eager to immerse yourself in history, there will be something for everyone to enjoy and be inspired by.”
Continued Ms North.
Residents Go Free across the Shakespeare family homes will begin from Saturday 1 February.
For more information and to pre-book a Residents Go Free ticket visit www.shakespeare.org.uk/residents.