Mary Arden's Farm - Image 1
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Mary Arden's Farm

4.6
·1k reviews·Wilmcote, United Kingdom

Step back in time at Mary Arden's Farm, experiencing Tudor life with rare animals, falconry, and historical reenactments.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekends & School Holidays

More activities and staff present

CrowdMedium
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Mary Arden's Farm - Image 1

Mary Arden's Farm

Best Time

Weekends & School Holidays

More activities and staff present

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Step back in time at Mary Arden's Farm, experiencing Tudor life with rare animals, falconry, and historical reenactments.

4.6
(1k reviews)

"Fantastic place to take the kids, highly recommended!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Multi-Site Ticket Value

Buy a ticket for all Shakespeare's houses for year-long access & great value! :ticket:

⏰ Arrive Early for Tours

Guided tours of the farmhouse are small-group only; arrive early to secure your spot. :clock:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Tudor Farmhouse Experience

Tudor Farmhouse Experience

Mary Arden's Farmhouse

Step back in time in Shakespeare's mother's beautifully restored home, complete with costumed interpreters.

Instagram
Rare Breed Animals

Rare Breed Animals

Farm enclosures

Meet and interact with friendly farm animals, including piglets and chicks.

Instagram
Falconry & Archery Displays

Falconry & Archery Displays

Demonstration areas

Witness thrilling falconry shows and try your hand at traditional archery.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Tickets & Access

Consider purchasing a multi-site ticket for all Shakespeare's houses; it's valid for a year and offers great value. Arrive early for guided tours, as they have limited group sizes. Reddit

Best for Families

This historic farm is a fantastic day out for kids, with accessible animals, a playground, and engaging historical activities. Plan for at least half a day to explore everything. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekends & School Holidays
Why
More activities and staff present
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday Mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed pace
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Day out at @shakespearebtrust Mary Arden's Farm, Stratford upon Avon 🐖🐣🦆🐑🎭 We recently attended one of the free open days to explore this magical place with the historic farm house, kitchen gardens and farm animals. We also enjoyed a guided tour around the farmhouse, which is limited to small groups, so really recommend to arrive early if you can. We arrived towards the end of the day and ran out...
misscoventrywarwickshire
49 likes • 491 views

🎯 Multi-Site Ticket Value

Buy a ticket for all Shakespeare's houses for year-long access & great value! Reddit :ticket:

⏰ Arrive Early for Tours

Guided tours of the farmhouse are small-group only; arrive early to secure your spot. Instagram :clock:

Introducing our new arrivals to Mary Arden's Farm, Titania and Trifle 🐄🐄 Thank you all for voting! We can't wait for you to meet them.
shakespearebtrust
55 likes • 1.8K views
Honestly can't tell you how much fun we had at Mary Arden's Farm last weekend! From cute baby piglets and chicks to archery and storytelling it's such a lovely family day out. We will be working there for the next 9 weekends! You can get tickets via the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust @shakespearebtrust #maryardensfarm #Shakespeare #stratforduponavon #stratford #wilmcote #pigs #piglets #chicks #f...
eventsfromhistory
21 likes • 202 views

🐷 Accessible Farm Animals

Kids love the friendly farm animals! Plenty of handwashing stations available. Reddit :pig2:

🏹 Falconry & Archery Fun

Don't miss the exciting falconry displays and archery demonstrations! Reddit :bowandarrow:

Ещё зарисовки с фермы. Это уже на музейной территории - Mary Arden's Farm. Оставила с оригинальным звуком, слышно, как козы жуют 😂 Хихикаю, я, не коза🤫
guide.life.eng
12 likes • 150 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Multi-Site Ticket Value

Buy a ticket for all Shakespeare's houses for year-long access & great value! Reddit :ticket:

⏰ Arrive Early for Tours

Guided tours of the farmhouse are small-group only; arrive early to secure your spot. Instagram :clock:

🐷 Accessible Farm Animals

Kids love the friendly farm animals! Plenty of handwashing stations available. Reddit :pig2:

🏹 Falconry & Archery Fun

Don't miss the exciting falconry displays and archery demonstrations! Reddit :bowandarrow:

📱 Embrace the 'Witchcraft'

Staff in character playfully react to modern tech like phones. Reddit :iphone:

What Travellers Say

4.6
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about Mary Arden's Farm as a fantastic, engaging experience, especially for families. The accessible animals, historical reenactments, and exciting falconry/archery displays are consistently praised. While generally positive, some may find the historical interpretations a bit niche, but the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly enthusiastic.

"Fantastic place to take the kids. Buy a ticket for all Shakespeare's houses and you can go as many times as you like. The place is beautifully restored and has lots of people in period dress to tell you about the history. The animals are very accessible and friendly with plenty of places to wash your hands. The food in the restaurant was excellent and reasonably priced and with good veggie options.

The kids particularly liked the archery and the excellent falconry display.

Will definitely go again. Highly recommended."

Dom Ashworth

"This is an ideal place to spend half a day with kids. There lots of animals and a playground for them, plus lots of great historical sites and information for kids and adults. It is included on the multi site Shakespeare tickets. Those tickets last for a year so are a great value. There is an adequate cafeteria. There are lots of activities and tours."

Tom Long

"I absolutely loved this place. Lots of history and animals to see.
It's perfect for kids and all the staff is funny and helpful.
I spent there about an hour, but better stay a bit more"

Sonia Manno

What People Like

Fantastic for families
Engaging historical reenactments
Accessible farm animals

What People Dislike

Can be crowded during peak times

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Mary Arden's Farm is located in Wilmcote, near Stratford-upon-Avon. You can reach it by car, with parking available on site. Local buses also serve the area, and it's a pleasant walk from Wilmcote train station. Instagram

Yes, there is parking available at Mary Arden's Farm for visitors. Instagram

Yes, Wilmcote train station is within walking distance, and local bus services connect to Stratford-upon-Avon. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Shakespeare Birthplace Trust website for the most up-to-date information before your visit. Instagram

Admission prices can be found on the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust website. Consider a multi-site ticket for access to all Shakespeare houses, which is valid for a year and offers excellent value. Reddit

Discounts may be available for children, seniors, and families. Check the official website for current pricing and any special offers. The multi-site ticket is a significant saving if you plan to visit multiple properties. Reddit

Yes, tickets can typically be purchased on the day of your visit, but booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak times or for special events. Instagram

Yes, Mary Arden's Farm is included in the multi-site ticket for Shakespeare's Houses, offering great value for exploring multiple historic properties. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can explore the historic Tudor farmhouse, interact with rare breed farm animals, watch falconry and archery displays, and enjoy nature trails. There are also workshops and storytelling sessions. InstagramReddit

Absolutely! Children will love the accessible farm animals, playground, and hands-on historical activities like archery. InstagramReddit

Yes, the farm animals are very accessible and friendly. You can get up close to them, and there are plenty of handwashing facilities. InstagramReddit

The falconry displays are thrilling, showcasing birds of prey in flight. Archery demonstrations offer a glimpse into Tudor combat skills. Reddit

Yes, many visitors find that half a day is ideal for exploring Mary Arden's Farm and enjoying its various attractions. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there is an adequate cafeteria on-site offering food and drinks. Reviews mention it's reasonably priced with good vegetarian options. Reddit

The restaurant offers a range of options, including traditional meals and lighter snacks. Some visitors have enjoyed the Tudor-style lunch presentations. Reddit+1

Yes, reviews indicate that there are good vegetarian options available at the restaurant. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Yes, photography is generally allowed. However, be aware that costumed interpreters might playfully react to modern technology like phones, adding to the fun! Reddit

The Tudor farmhouse, the farm animals, and the falconry/archery demonstrations offer great photo opportunities. The gardens are also picturesque. Instagram+1

Yes, you can take photos of the farm animals. They are quite accustomed to visitors. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Mary Arden's Farm is a top-tier destination for families. The accessible farm animals are a huge hit, offering close encounters with pigs, chicks, and more, with plenty of handwashing facilities to keep everyone clean. InstagramReddit Don't miss the exciting falconry displays and archery demonstrations, which are sure to captivate both children and adults. Reddit The farm also offers engaging workshops and storytelling sessions that make history fun and interactive for younger visitors. InstagramReddit

Consider purchasing the Shakespeare's Houses multi-site ticket for excellent value, allowing you to revisit the farm and explore other historic homes throughout the year. Reddit The on-site restaurant offers reasonably priced food with good vegetarian options, making it easy to refuel during your visit. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious travelers, the Shakespeare's Houses multi-site ticket is a game-changer. It grants access to Mary Arden's Farm and other key Shakespeare properties for a full year, offering incredible value. Reddit+1 This allows you to spread out your sightseeing and get more for your money. Reddit

The farm itself provides a rich experience without requiring extensive spending once inside. The farm animals are free to see, and the falconry and archery displays are included in your admission. Reddit Packing a picnic to enjoy on the grounds can also save on dining costs, though the on-site restaurant is noted as reasonably priced. Reddit

📚 History Enthusiasts

History buffs will appreciate the authentic restoration of the Tudor farmhouse, offering a tangible connection to the life of William Shakespeare's mother. Instagram The costumed interpreters are a highlight, providing deep insights into daily life, customs, and the social context of the Elizabethan era. Reddit Their 'in character' interactions add a unique layer of historical immersion. Reddit

Beyond the farmhouse, the farm's focus on traditional Tudor practices, such as food preparation and agricultural methods, provides a comprehensive look at the period. Reddit The historical context of the farm's setting and its connection to the Shakespeare family make it a compelling visit for anyone interested in Elizabethan England. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Living History Experience

Mary Arden's Farm truly brings the Tudor era to life. Costumed interpreters, often referred to as 'in character' staff, are a highlight, engaging visitors with stories and demonstrations of daily life. They playfully react to modern technology, adding a unique and amusing dimension to the experience. Reddit Visitors can witness activities like chopping wood, and the presentation of meals in a traditional Tudor household setting is particularly memorable. Reddit

This immersive approach makes learning about William Shakespeare's family and their times incredibly engaging for all ages. It's not just about seeing historical buildings; it's about experiencing the atmosphere and interacting with the past. Reddit The farm aims to provide an 'enthralling and unique way to learn and experience the life and times of William Shakespeare.' Reddit

Beyond the farmhouse, the farm itself is a hub of activity. From the introduction of new farm animals like Titania and Trifle Instagram to seasonal events like Halloween, there's always something happening. The farm also hosts workshops and storytelling, ensuring a dynamic and educational visit. Instagram+1

Family Fun and Activities

Mary Arden's Farm is consistently praised as a fantastic place for families. The rare breed animals are a major draw, with children particularly enjoying their accessibility and the opportunity to interact with them. InstagramReddit The farm provides ample handwashing facilities, which is a practical plus for parents. Reddit

Beyond the animals, the farm offers a range of engaging activities. Falconry displays and archery demonstrations are consistently highlighted as crowd-pleasers, offering excitement and a glimpse into historical skills. Reddit For younger visitors, there's also a playground, ensuring they have plenty of space to run and play. Reddit

The farm's historical setting is also made accessible for children through various workshops and storytelling sessions. InstagramReddit This blend of animal interaction, historical reenactment, and dedicated children's activities makes Mary Arden's Farm a highly recommended destination for a family day out. Instagram

Value and Accessibility

A significant advantage of visiting Mary Arden's Farm is its inclusion in the Shakespeare's Houses multi-site ticket. This ticket, valid for a full year, offers exceptional value for money if you plan to explore multiple properties in the Stratford-upon-Avon area. Reddit+1 This makes it an accessible option for those looking to make the most of their visit to the region. Reddit

On-site, the food in the restaurant is noted as excellent and reasonably priced, with good vegetarian options available, further enhancing the visitor experience without breaking the bank. Reddit The accessibility of the farm animals and the availability of handwashing stations are practical considerations that make the visit smoother, especially for families. Reddit

While the farm is a historical site, it's designed to be engaging for a wide range of ages. The 'in character' staff are adept at making history fun and relatable, ensuring that both adults and children can appreciate the experience. Reddit The farm's layout and the variety of activities cater to different interests, making it a well-rounded and accessible destination. Reddit

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