Stratford upon Avon Museums

(Stratford upon Avon, Warwickshire, England, UK)

The rich Shakespeare heritage of Stratford upon Avon is undeniable, with museums showcasing a host of Shakespearean artefacts around almost every corner. However of these museums and related attractions, some are of particular importance to Stratford upon Avon, such as Shakespeare's Birthplace on Bridge Street, and also the Shakespeare Centre on Henley Street, both of which really are quite unmissable.

Nash's House and New Place on Chapel Street and also Mary Arden's House in nearby Wilmcote are two further museum-type attractions with strong, irrefutable connections to William Shakespeare. For something a little different, pay a visit to the Stratford upon Avon Brass Rubbing Centre on High Street, which is always a hit with young children.

Shakespeare's Birthplace

Address: 20 Bridge Street, Stratford upon Avon, CV37 6QW, England, UK
Tel: +44 01789 204 016
Standing in the town centre, this leading attraction is the actual house where on the 26th April 1564, Mary Shakespeare (née Mary Arden) gave birth to William Shakespeare. Now known in Stratford upon Avon as simply Shakespeare's Birthplace, visitors can access this museum through the Visitors Centre, where despite the modern entrance, the interior is very much of the 'Olde World' style and appearance. This attraction has drawn visitors for more than 300 years and family rooms have been carefully reconstructed to appear as if in Shakespeare's lifetime. The admission charge also includes entry to the adjoining Shakespeare Exhibition next door.
Open hours: Monday to Saturday - 09:00 to 17:00, Sunday - 10:00 to 17:00, seasonal variations
Admission: charge, discounts for children and families, children five years old and under are free

Nash's House and New Place

Address: Chapel Street, Stratford upon Avon, CV37 6EP, England, UK
Tel: +44 01789 292 325
As with so many museums and attractions in Stratford upon Avon, Nash's House is connected to the town's most famous resident, William Shakespeare, being once the residence of his granddaughter's first husband, Thomas Nash. This picture-postcard house is partly timbered and boasts an especially beautiful landscaped topiary garden with clipped hedging, appearing as if you have stepped back to the Elizabethan period. Nash's House was built upon the former home of Shakespeare himself, after it was sadly demolished during the early 18th century.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 09:30 to 17:00, Saturday - 10:00 to 16:00
Admission: free

Shakespeare Centre

Address: Henley Street, Stratford upon Avon, CV37 6QW, England, UK
Tel: +44 01789 204 016
Standing close to Shakespeare's Birthplace and within central Stratford upon Avon, the Shakespeare Centre comprises a number of different attractions, including a well-stocked records office and a library area, devoted to the works of Shakespeare himself. On display are a number of the very earliest editions and some original workings, as well as a host of memorabilia, newspaper articles and paintings.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 10:00 to 17:00, Saturday - 09:30 to 12:30
Admission: free

Mary Arden's House / Shakespeare Countryside Museum

Address: Station Road, Wilmcote, CV37 9UN, England, UK
Tel: +44 01789 293 455
Located within Mary Arden's House and in the nearby village of Wilmcote, just 5 km / 3 miles to the west of Stratford upon Avon, the Shakespeare Countryside Museum celebrates the richness of life in the local country during the past 400 years. Easily reached by following the canal's towpath, this attraction was once the childhood home of William Shakespeare's mother, Mary Arden (1537 to 1608) and contains much memorabilia relating to the Shakespeare family, as well as a collection of rare-breed farm animals and a period farmhouse.
Open hours: daily, November to March - 10:00 to 16:00; April, May, September and October - 10:00 to 17:00; June to August - 09:30 to 17:00
Admission: charge, discounts for children

Stratford Brass Rubbing Centre

Address: 19 High Street, Avon Bank Gardens, Stratford upon Avon, CV37 6XP, England, UK
Tel: +44 01789 297 671
The Stratford Brass Rubbing Centre can be found just a short stroll away from the Royal Shakespeare Theatre and is the perfect wet-weather attraction for families with young children. Various different brass rubbings are available, ranging from nursery rhyme pictures to prominent characters from history, such as acclaimed local playwright, William Shakespeare himself. The Rubbing Centre features free admission, although there is a nominal charge for the actual rubbings, to cover the cost of materials only.
Open hours: daily, April to September - 10:00 to 18:00; October to March - 11:00 to 16:00
Admission: free


Close to Stratford upon Avon, museums and similar cultural attractions include the following, all of which are just a short drive away:

Doll Museum

Address: Castle Lane, Warwick, CV34 4BP, England, UK
Tel: +44 01926 495 546

Heritage Motor Centre

Address: Banbury Road, Gaydon, CV35 0BJ, England, UK
Tel: +44 01926 641 188

Market Hall Museum / Warwickshire Museum

Address: 39 Saltisford, Market Place, Warwick, CV34 4SA, England, UK
Tel: +44 01926 412 500

St. John's House Museum

Address: St. John's, Warwick CV34 4NF, England, UK
Tel: +44 01926 412 021