Shakespeare's New Place
Explore the site of Shakespeare's final home, featuring stunning Elizabethan gardens and a captivating exhibition.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Gardens in bloom, fewer crowds
Shakespeare's New Place
Best Time
Gardens in bloom, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the site of Shakespeare's final home, featuring stunning Elizabethan gardens and a captivating exhibition.
"The gardens are beautiful, and have benches throughout to enjoy."
🎟️ Book the Shakespeare's Story Pass
Save money by purchasing a pass that includes New Place, Shakespeare's Birthplace, and Anne Hathaway's Cottage.
🚶♀️ Explore the Gardens
Take your time to enjoy the peaceful gardens; they are a highlight for many visitors. :seedling:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Shakespeare's Elizabethan Garden
New Place Gardens
Wander through a beautifully recreated Elizabethan garden, a tranquil space with sculptures and flowers.
The Exhibition Space
Adjacent historic house
Explore an exhibition detailing the history of New Place and Shakespeare's connection to the site.
Guided Talks
Gardens
Engage with knowledgeable guides who share fascinating insights into Shakespeare's life and the history of New Place.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Tickets in Advance
Understand the Site's History
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Book the Shakespeare's Story Pass
Save money by purchasing a pass that includes New Place, Shakespeare's Birthplace, and Anne Hathaway's Cottage.
🚶♀️ Explore the Gardens
Take your time to enjoy the peaceful gardens; they are a highlight for many visitors. :seedling:
🗣️ Chat with the Guides
The guides are very knowledgeable and enthusiastic; don't hesitate to ask questions! :speech_balloon:
⏳ Allow 30-60 minutes
Most visitors spend about 30-60 minutes here, especially if enjoying the gardens and talks. :stopwatch:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book the Shakespeare's Story Pass
Save money by purchasing a pass that includes New Place, Shakespeare's Birthplace, and Anne Hathaway's Cottage.
🚶♀️ Explore the Gardens
Take your time to enjoy the peaceful gardens; they are a highlight for many visitors. :seedling:
🗣️ Chat with the Guides
The guides are very knowledgeable and enthusiastic; don't hesitate to ask questions! :speech_balloon:
⏳ Allow 30-60 minutes
Most visitors spend about 30-60 minutes here, especially if enjoying the gardens and talks. :stopwatch:
📍 Visit with Other Sites
New Place is often visited as part of a multi-site ticket, making it a great addition to your Stratford-upon-Avon itinerary.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Shakespeare's New Place to be a fascinating historical site, particularly appreciating the beautiful Elizabethan gardens and the informative exhibition. While some note the absence of the original house, the engaging talks and artistic elements make it a worthwhile visit, especially when part of a multi-site pass.
"Spoiler alert... Shakespeare's new place was demolished over three centuries ago. However, it's still a fascinating visit. The history of the house and what replaced it is really interesting, the property next door still exists and forms part of the tour, the gardens are beautiful. The guides are friendly and knowledgeable and it's well worth engaging with them. Recommended"
David Woolley
"It is one of the three places you visit whilst on your Stratford upon Avon tour. I love the place and the little engagements that they keep for people of all age.
The orator is very knowledgeable and quite enthusiastic. I loved that she answered all our questions and gave us a deep insight into the new place.
This is located right next to the church which can also be visited."
manjari jha
"Visited Shakespeare’s New Place as part of our 3 site pass. Of the 3 sites we visited, this one felt the least historical - more of a museum of curated artefacts and commentary than a historical and preserved site. That being said, we learned things and enjoyed ourself. Unlike the other 2 sites with staff in different rooms providing education, this one just had a single person out in the garden doing scheduled talks. We missed the start and didn’t want to wait 30 min for the next one so we just explored without the preamble. The garden itself was the highlight for me, but overall we were only here about 30 minutes. I don’t think I’d pay to visit it independently, but worth a stop as part of the 3 site pass."
Alyssa Becker
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Shakespeare's New Place is located in the heart of Stratford-upon-Avon, easily accessible by foot from the town center. If arriving by car, there are several public car parks nearby. Train services run to Stratford-upon-Avon station, which is a short walk from the site. +1
Yes, there are several public car parks within walking distance of Shakespeare's New Place. The nearest ones include the Recreation Ground car park and the Rother Street car park.
Absolutely! Many guided walking tours of Stratford-upon-Avon include a visit to Shakespeare's New Place, often as part of a multi-site ticket.
The Shakespeare family homes, including New Place, are all within walking distance of each other in Stratford-upon-Avon, making it easy to explore them on foot.
The exhibition space is generally accessible, and the gardens have paved paths. However, it's always best to check with the venue directly for the most up-to-date accessibility information.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
It is highly recommended to book your tickets online in advance, especially during peak season, to guarantee entry and manage visitor numbers.
The 'Shakespeare's Story' ticket is a combined pass that grants you access to Shakespeare's Birthplace, Anne Hathaway's Cottage, and Shakespeare's New Place, offering a comprehensive experience.
Ticket prices vary, but purchasing the 'Shakespeare's Story' pass is often more economical than buying individual tickets. Check the official Shakespeare Birthplace Trust website for current pricing.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Shakespeare Birthplace Trust website for the most accurate and up-to-date opening times before your visit.
While the original house is gone, the site includes an exhibition and beautiful gardens. You can explore these elements, and guided talks are often available.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the stunning Elizabethan gardens, visit an exhibition detailing the history of the site, and attend informative talks by guides.
The original house where Shakespeare lived was demolished in the 1700s. Today, it's a garden with an exhibition in the adjacent historic house, offering a unique perspective on the site's past.
Yes, knowledgeable guides often conduct scheduled talks in the gardens, providing insights into Shakespeare's life and the history of New Place.
Visitors often describe the gardens as beautiful, tranquil, and a lovely place to reflect on Shakespeare's legacy.
Yes, there is a small shop at the end of the visit where you can purchase souvenirs and gifts related to Shakespeare and Stratford-upon-Avon.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally permitted in the gardens for personal use. However, it's always a good idea to check for any specific restrictions, especially within the exhibition areas.
The beautifully landscaped gardens offer numerous picturesque spots, especially during spring and summer when flowers are in bloom. Look for artistic sculptures and scenic viewpoints.
Drone usage is typically not permitted at historical sites and attractions to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all visitors. Please adhere to local regulations.
Visitors often capture the serene beauty of the gardens, artistic sculptures, and the historical context of the site. Architectural and landscape photography are popular.
Photography inside exhibition spaces may be restricted to protect the artifacts. Check for signage or ask staff for guidance on photography rules within the exhibition area.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider purchasing the 'Shakespeare's Story' pass if you plan to visit other family-friendly Shakespeare properties like his Birthplace and Anne Hathaway's Cottage. The scheduled talks in the garden can also be engaging for older children who can grasp historical narratives.
📚 History Buffs & Literary Enthusiasts
The Elizabethan gardens are designed with historical accuracy in mind, offering a glimpse into the kind of environment Shakespeare would have known. Engaging with the knowledgeable guides is highly recommended, as they can provide in-depth information and context that enriches the visit.
🚶♀️ Day-Trippers from Birmingham
Allocate about an hour to fully appreciate the gardens and the exhibition. Consider the 'Shakespeare's Story' pass if you want to maximize your day and visit multiple sites efficiently.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Story of New Place: From Home to Garden
Tragically, the original house was demolished in 1759 by its then-owner, Reverend Francis Gastrell, who was reportedly annoyed by visitors coming to see Shakespeare's home. Today, Shakespeare's New Place is a beautiful garden and exhibition space, meticulously designed to evoke the spirit of the original home and its famous resident. The site offers a poignant reflection on Shakespeare's life and legacy, blending history with art and nature.
Visitors can explore the sculptural interpretation of the house's footprint, wander through the stunning Elizabethan gardens, and learn about the site's rich history in the exhibition housed in the adjacent historic building. The gardens themselves are a highlight, featuring a variety of plants and artistic installations, providing a peaceful sanctuary for contemplation.
Experiencing the Gardens and Art
Art plays a significant role in the New Place experience. Several artistic sculptures are dotted throughout the gardens, each with its own narrative or connection to Shakespeare's works or life. These installations add a contemporary layer to the historical site, encouraging visitors to engage with the space in new ways.
Many visitors find the gardens to be the most compelling aspect of New Place, especially during the spring and summer months when the flowers are in full bloom. The tranquil atmosphere makes it an ideal spot to relax and absorb the historical significance of the location.
The Role of Guides and Volunteers
These individuals often provide insightful talks in the gardens, discussing Shakespeare's life, his connection to New Place, and the history of the property. Their passion and expertise allow visitors to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the site, answering questions and offering personalized perspectives.
Volunteers, like Brian and Marion who have been involved since 2017, are a vital part of the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust's team, contributing to the welcoming atmosphere and smooth operation of the attractions.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit