Secrets, stories and sightseeing
Group visits and travel trade at SHAKESPEARE’S FAMILY HOMES
APRIL 2019 - MARCH 2020
Registered Charity Number 209302 OFF FORUP GROUPSTO 25%
(DETAILS ON P21) WELCOME TO THE
Shakespeare Birthplace Trust
We’re the world’s leading charity in promoting the works, life and times of William Shakespeare. As well as the five Shakespeare Family Homes and Shakespeare’s Birthplace their beautiful gardens, we look after the world’s largest Shakespeare-related library, museum and archives open to the public.
Beauty, drama and history in the heart of England
A visit to Shakespeare’s Family Homes in Stratford- upon-Avon is a truly unique experience. We welcome groups from across the world to enjoy an authentic taste of Shakespeare’s life and times in this wonderful location.
From immersive living history to stunning garden tours, this guide gives you a flavour of what we have to offer to UK and international groups, tour parties, special Shakespeare’s New Place interest groups, and students - p21 has all the details of group discounts and our great trade travel deals.
My team and I are delighted to help you develop your itinerary, or put together a bespoke package to suit your needs and timescales.
Please don’t hesitate to pick up the phone if you have questions. We look forward to welcoming you in the coming season.
Debbie Beardall Head of Sales and Business Development
2 Shakespeare’s Birthplace HIS LIFE timesand
Step back in time and get a sense Introductory audio-visual of what life would have been like presentation for Shakespeare and his family by SHAKESPEARE CENTRE exploring the very houses where they lived: Our specially-designed groups’ presentation combines audio and visual to striking effect. An excellent overview All about Shakespeare talk and introduction to the Shakespeare SHAKESPEARE’S BIRTHPLACE Birthplace Trust and Shakespeare’s story in Stratford-upon-Avon, available in Korean, Everything you need to know about French, Spanish, Italian, German, Japanese, William Shakespeare in a 45-minute Mandarin, Russian and English. illustrated talk. The talk can be adapted to suit all ages and can also be delivered in other languages. Suitable for UK school groups. “Every group comes out of the Birth Room Hidden History talk feeling moved - it’s SHAKESPEARE’S BIRTHPLACE To book your talk a really powerful Learn more about Shakespeare’s call +44(0)1789 201 806 background, works and legacy, told experience.” email [email protected] through our fascinating library, archive Birthplace Guide and museum Collections. This is a unique opportunity to see items that aren’t normally on public display, including some of the ‘Shakespeare documents’ Guidebook and early printed books. A detailed guidebook with photographs of all the houses is printed in a range of Looking for something special languages and available to groups for a reduced rate at the ticket desk. Birthplace Grand Tour p14 Birthplace Sparkling Tour p15
4 5 ENGLISH country gardens
“Join our award-winning Gardens Team for an engaging and informative Hall’s Croft tour. We are lucky to have five gardens for you to choose from. Each has its own stories to tell, and we can create a tour or talk to suit your group’s interests.
We are delighted to share fascinating facts about the history and evolution of the gardens, as well as our future planting plans. We love to see the joy our gardens bring to visitors - we work hard throughout the year to keep them looking and smelling their best.
I’d recommend completing your visit with a tour around the Shakespeare Family home on the site. We’ll leave you in the capable hands of the house guides, ready and waiting to reveal the history within.” “Sit in the wonderful Shakespeare’s New Place Glyn Jones, gardens and soak Head of Gardens Trained at the Royal Botanic Gardens, up the atmosphere.” Edinburgh, Glyn has been managing heritage Shakespeare Birthplace Trust Gardener gardens around the world for almost 40 years, lecturing across the US, Europe and the UK.
To book your garden tour Garden tours call +44(0)1789 201 806 Every Shakespeare Family Home has a garden email [email protected] to discover, and Glyn and the team run group garden tours around Shakespeare’s New Place, and Anne Hathaway’s Cottage gardens.
6 Anne Hathaway’s COTTAGE 7 LIVING history
Shakespeare’s Birthplace
“It’s really exciting to tell people stories that surprise, delight and connect people with Shakespeare in a new way.” New Place Guide Shakespeare’s New Place
There are so many Shakespeare stories proud today that would have been familiar Hands-on adventures on the farm for your group to discover, and with to Shakespeare throughout his life. Treat your group to the sights, sounds so many ways to enjoy them you’ll be and smells of a real working Tudor farm. wondering where to start. Brand new connections Meet our costumed Tudors, help them The house at Shakespeare’s New Place out with daily tasks like goose-herding, An immersive journey was demolished in the 18th century. and try your hand at falconry or archery. Now, contemporary and ancient gardens Discover country life in Shakespeare’s day, Follow knowledgeable costumed guides invite visitors to make a different kind of and learn how people lived and worked on a journey to a different time. Listen to connection. Let artworks inspired by his according to the farming calendar. their stories as your group wanders through creativity carry your group’s imagination beautifully restored Tudor interiors. From the somewhere new. In the house next door, 16th-century house where he was born, discover what we found when we excavated to his mother’s farmhouse, to the cottage the site and transformed it into the beautiful where his wife grew up and his daughter’s place you see today. grand townhouse, explore buildings standing Mary Arden’s TUDOR FARM
8 For questions, enquires or bookings call +44 (0)1789 201 806 or email [email protected] 9 LEARNING with Shakespeare
Our Learning Team of world-class International learners lecturers and teachers run a huge If you are looking to visit the UK and range of programmes for UK and Stratford-upon-Avon with your school international groups of all ages group, university, club or society, you and abilities. can enrich the experience with formal or informal learning, delivered by our For UK schools and colleges enthusiastic, knowledgeable experts, in unique historical surroundings. Developed and delivered by our outstanding Learning Team, our engaging • Fun interactives sessions for EFL sessions support and enhance the learners of all abilities curriculum, building on work in the • Residential courses for English- classroom. Formats range from hands-on speaking international groups, and interactive to more discursive ranging from one day to a week. and exploratory.
• Courses and workshops for key All schools and college groups must bring stages 1 to 5 one staff member for every ten pupils or To book your exclusive students - this ticket is free. learning experience • Free familiarisation visits for teachers call +44(0)1789 207 131 • Preferential admission prices with email [email protected] learning bookings “Such a high-quality, • Free access to our extensive range of inspiring experience. downloadable resources. All of the presenters are true experts. Students “ Even I learned something rise to the occasion.” after teaching this exam Marymount International School, Paris Discover more for 20 years! I thoroughly Download our range of enjoyed it and will free teaching materials at definitely be returning shakespeare.org.uk/resources next year. Thank you.” 18 - 24 March 2019 Pangbourne College Join thousands of primary schools in our free annual celebration of Shakespeare. Register at shakespeareweek.org.uk
10 11 TIME TO HOW TO 5
15 MIN RIVE
FEATHERBE B I ANE R M I N G H A tuck in find us M R O A D A 3 WARWICK ROAD 4 0 0
GUILD ST HEN E ST ARDEN STREET 1 STRATFOR -UPON- AVON STATION WINDSOR STREET
10 MINUTE A K BRIDGEWAY
UNION ST BRIDGE ST Reserve space in one of our picturesque cafes and Shakespeare’s Family Homes are located ALCESTER ROAD GREENHILL ST WOOD STREET treat your group to morning coffee with biscuits, in the heart of the country, only two BRIDGEFOOT
ELY STREET SHEEP STREET HIGH ST a Tudor-inspired lunch or a traditional English Anne Hathaway’s COTTAGE hours from London and 45 minutes 4 afternoon tea. from Birmingham. ROTHER STREET 2 SCHOLARS LANE CHAPE ST CHAPEL LANE
RIVER AVON
GROVE ROAD
Ask us about our Christmas menu, and our special SOUTHERN LANE
30 MIN A K MIN 30 10 MIN RIVE MIN 10 CHESTNUT WALK two- and three-course group lunch menus. Coaches ANETAVERN 3 We offer options to suit all tastes, budgets and There is a coach drop-off point dietary requirements. SEVEN MEADOWS near Shakespeare’s Birthplace. EVESHAM ROAD O TO N Shakespeare’s New Place and Hall’s Croft
are in the centre of town, a short walk from CHURCH Wherever possible, all of our cafes HO TRINIT serve fresh organic produce, reared Shakespeare’s Birthplace. Anne Hathaway’s and grown on Mary Arden’s Farm. Cottage and Mary Arden’s Farm both have We’re proud to have been awarded free on-site coach parking. 1. SHAKESPEARE’S BIRTHPLACE 2. SHAKESPEARE’S NEW PLACE The Soil Association Food For Life 3. HALL’S CROFT gold standard. Opening times 4. ANNE HATHAWAY’S COTTAGE 5. MARY ARDEN’S FARM Opening times vary by house, so please Hall’s Croft check our website www.shakespeare.org.uk Stratford-upon-Avon’s best kept secret, a delightful for details. Mary Arden’s Farm is open from cafe tucked away inside this beautiful Jacobean home. Mary Arden’s TUDOR FARM 16 March 2019 and closes for the winter on 03 November 2019, reopening in spring 2020. Anne Hathaway’s Cottage Manchester The Cottage Garden Cafe sits alongside Shottery Accessibility Brook with beautiful views of the house and gardens. All our houses have facilities for visitors with disabilities. Guide dogs are welcome and Birmingham Mary Arden’s Farm carers are admitted free. Due to the historic Stratford- nature of Shakespeare’s Family Homes upon-Avon A spacious, airy cafe complete with rustic Tudor- access varies by property. The grounds and London inspired menu. Plus a covered picnic area for exhibition at Shakespeare’s New Place are self-catering groups. Please note seasonal opening times. now fully accessible to wheelchair users. We welcome dogs on leads at all houses, Shakespeare’s Birthplace except Mary Arden’s Farm, where we can Book the Marble Hall for your group and enjoy your allow access to most areas for assistance lunch or afternoon tea looking out over the garden. dogs only. For more information visit shakespeare.org.uk/visit/plan-your-visit/access/ Hall’s Croft 12 For questions, enquires or bookings call +44 (0)1789 201 806 or email [email protected] 13 EXCLUSIVE VIP & evening tours
To book your exclusive VIP experience call +44(0)1789 201 806 email [email protected]
We offer your group a truly exceptional Birthplace Grand Tour ends with a copy of our official guidebook as a opportunity to be entertained in style parting gift for every member of your group. This exclusive after-hours tour of and in unforgettable surroundings. Shakespeare’s childhood home is an ideal See p23 for prices. way to start your group’s evening in Stratford- Setting the Scene Let us arrange an exclusive visit or upon-Avon. Wine and a selection of canapés The perfect prelude to your group’s trip to bespoke guided tour for you or your provide a stylish welcome followed by a see performances by the world-renowned private tour of Shakespeare’s Birthplace with guests. We can organise anything from Royal Shakespeare Company. Hear a our knowledgeable guides. As you explore pre-performance talk from one of our a short private tour to a weekend of the house, costumed actors perform excerpts Shakespearean experts on the literary and activity, all tailored to your exact from Shakespeare’s works, and you have the historical context of your chosen Shakespeare requirements - available during the opportunity to take in our Famous Beyond play - while enjoying a two-course meal day and in the evening. Words exhibition at your leisure. The evening and wine in the atmospheric restaurant at culminates with a tasting of traditional mead. Hall’s Croft, home of Susanna, Shakespeare’s daughter. Then it’s just a few minutes’ walk to Birthplace Sparkling Tour the theatre - let the show begin. In addition to all the elements of the Birthplace Grand Tour, this package begins with a glass of sparkling wine perfect for a celebration, and
14 For questions, enquires or bookings call +44 (0)1789 201 806 or email [email protected] 15 THE SITE OF HIS FAMILY HOME Shakespeare’s New Place
The Shakespeares’ grand family home used to stand on the corner of Chapel Street and Chapel Lane. They lived here for 19 years. Shakespeare is believed to have written some of his most famous works here, including Hamlet and The Tempest.
Bespoke VIP talks, Though the house is gone, demolished events and experiences in 1759, groups can now walk in Shakespeare’s footsteps through a See p14 new entrance on the site of the original “The gardens, sculptures gatehouse. Next, you’ll hear stories about the lost building in a talk from and interactive displays one of our knowledgeable guides. vividly transported us to costumed guides who are pleased to Shakespeare’s time.” WHERE THE STORY BEGAN The beautiful gardens and specially- answer questions and reveal the family’s commissioned artworks are inspired by colourful history. Shakespeare’s Shakespeare’s work. The Great Garden Birthplace Shakespeare Aloud!, our resident acting and the Wild Bank occupy the largest troupe, perform scenes and sonnets on surviving part of Shakespeare’s estate, demand throughout the day. and the sunken Knot Garden has been Walk in Shakespeare’s Footsteps. restored to its original Elizabethan design. The exhibition in the house next door includes a model of the house with Shakespeare’s Birthplace is an inspiring start “This step back in history animated stories of Shakespeare family to your group’s visit, on historic Henley is truly mesmerising life. Upstairs, artefacts reveal more Street in the centre of Stratford-upon-Avon. and unique.” about the man behind the plays. Your group journeys through the Famous Beyond Words exhibition and a specially Shakespeare’s Birthplace Guide designed audio visual presentation, available in eight different languages, which really Gift Shop sets the scene. Book Shop Guide dogs welcome
The tour explores the house where he Gift Shop was born and grew up. Your group moves through the different rooms, meeting Guide dogs welcome
16 For questions, enquires or bookings call +44 (0)1789 201 806 or email [email protected] 17 HOME OF SHAKESPEARE’S DAUGHTER Hall’s Croft
Hall’s Croft is a stunning period property tucked away from the hustle and bustle of town. Our house guides will show your group around this spacious Jacobean home, which belonged to Shakespeare’s daughter Susanna and her wealthy husband, physician Dr John Hall.
The house has beautifully decorated and furnished reception rooms, bedchambers, servant’s quarters and a peaceful garden with medicinal herbs. There’s also an exhibition (Method in the Madness) THE MOST to explore including the cottage gardens, comparing Dr John Hall’s instruments ROMANTIC RETREAT woodland walk, sculpture trail and giant and remedies with present-day willow creations. medical practices. Anne Hathaway’s Complement your group’s visit with a Hall’s Croft Cafe is often described as delicious lunch in the Cottage Garden Cafe Bespoke VIP talks, Stratford’s best kept secret. Ask us about COTTAGE events and experiences overlooking Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, reserving tables and our special two- and serving hot meals, afternoon teas, pastries See p14 three-course group menus (find more and cakes. information about food and drink on p12). This quintessentially English thatched cottage is where Shakespeare’s wife, Anne Hathaway grew up. It sits in “A great place to visit “The guides make this an 9 acres of grounds in Shottery, a small at any time of year.” excellent experience here. village on the edge of Stratford-upon- The knowledge they share Avon, a 10-minute drive from the Anne Hathaway’s Cottage Guide is so appreciated.” town centre.
As your group moves through the different Cafe rooms featuring original family furniture, Cafe our knowledgeable guides tell stories from Gift Shop almost 400 years of Hathaway family life. Gift Shop Guide dogs welcome
Guide dogs welcome There is always something new to see in the grounds as the seasons change, and lots
18 For questions, enquires or bookings call +44 (0)1789 201 806 or email [email protected] 19 FAMILY HOME OF BOOK IN ADVANCE FOR SHAKESPEARE’S MOTHER outstanding Mary Arden’s savings FARM Group benefits: Shakespeare’s mother, Mary Arden, • Discounted guidebook grew up on a farm in the small • Free familiarisation visits village of Wilmcote, in the rolling English countryside. The farm • Free admission for organisers and coach drivers was also home to Robert Palmer, Free staff ticket for every 10 students* a family friend and neighbour. • Our team, dressed in Tudor • Travel trade discounts costume, run the farm just like • Exclusive tours it would have been in the • Free coach parking at Anne Hathaway’s 16th century. Cottage and Mary Arden’s Farm • Reserved seating in the cafe There are two farmhouses; kitchen • 15% off groups of 15+ paying members gardens; barns and outbuildings; SuperSaver Group rate Please note: your party must stay together during the visit. a farmyard with animals and fields; Pay in full at least 14 days before your visit *School and college groups need one staff member nature trails; woodlands and orchards, for every ten pupils or students. and get an extra 10% off the Group rate. and an adventure playground for children. Visitors are welcome to join in with daily tasks around the farm, see the Tudor meal cooked and eaten every day, and try archery, falconry, traditional TRAVEL TRADE crafts and other activities. OPEN 16 MARCH – 03 NOVEMBER 2019 voucher scheme Round off your group’s visit with a picnic outside or a trip to the cafe, serving drinks, snacks, hot and cold food and Our trade account voucher scheme You can apply to be part of Tudor-inspired specials. is popular with over 100 of our the scheme if: trading partners. • Your company regularly brings groups to visit our properties “... all the animals are well Benefits include: cared for. It was a pleasure • Your hotel wants to sell tickets to guests • Exclusive access to special combined visit by concierge or include them to spend time there.” rates (substantial savings when visiting in holiday packages more than one property) • You are an agent selling visitor • Up to 35% off standard prices depending attraction tickets. Cafe on turnover To request rates and information on the application Gift Shop • Receive your invoice after your process, please contact our Sales and Business clients’ visit. Development team on [email protected]
20 For questions, enquires or bookings call +44 (0)1789 201 806 or email [email protected] 21 EMAIL [email protected] GROUP BOOKINGS SALES TEAM
CALL +44 (0)1789 201 806
HOUSE TICKET PRICES TALKS AND TOUR PRICES
Single House Ticket VALID ON DATE OF VISIT ONLY Group Rate* Super Saver** Group Rate* Shakespeare’s Birthplace Adult £13.45 £12.11 All About Shakespeare Talk Adult/Concession £13.95 Child £8.65 £7.79 Including visit to Shakespeare’s Birthplace Child £8.95 Concession £12.55 £11.30 Sessions for English Language Learners Shakespeare’s New Place Adult £9.10 £8.19 Including visit to Shakespeare’s Birthplace Child £5.95 £5.36 BEGINNERS LEVEL Adult/Concession £13.50 Concession £8.25 £7.42 Child £8.50 Adult £9.10 £8.19 Anne Hathaway’s COTTAGE INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED LEVEL Adult/Concession £14.00 Child £5.95 £5.36 Child £9.00 Concession £8.25 £7.42 Adult/Concession £19.95 Adult £11.25 £10.13 Hidden History talk Mary Arden’s TUDOR FARM Including visit to Shakespeare’s Birthplace Child £7.35 £6.62 Child £14.95 (MAR – NOV) Concession £10.40 £9.36 Garden Tours Hall’s Croft Adult £5.65 £5.09 A range of Garden Tours including a House visit Adult/Concession £11.50† Child £3.65 £3.24 are available at Anne Hathaway’s Cottage or Child £8.50 Shakespeare’s New Place† Concession £5.25 £4.73 For questions, enquires or bookings call +44 (0)1789 201 806 or email [email protected] For questions, enquires or bookings call +44 (0)1789 201 806 or email [email protected]
After-hours options Multiple House Tickets Group Rate* VALID FOR SINGLE ENTRY TO THE SPECIFIED HOUSES Group Rate* Super Saver** Birthplace Grand Tour Per person £37.50 SHAKESPEARE’S BIRTHPLACE Shakespeare’s Family Homes Adult £17.85 £16.07 Includes visiting Shakespeare’s Birthplace, Birthplace Sparkling Tour Child £11.70 £10.53 Per person £42.00 Halls Croft, New Place, Anne Hathaway’s SHAKESPEARE’S BIRTHPLACE Cottage and Mary Arden’s Tudor Farm. Concession £16.55 £14.63 (16 MAR – 3 NOV) Setting the Scene (with dinner) Per person £38.50 HALL’S CROFT Winter Four Shakespeare Houses Adult £16.95 £15.26 Includes visiting Shakespeare’s Birthplace, Child £11.05 £9.95 Halls Croft, New Place and Anne Please note Hathaway’s Cottage. Concession £15.85 £14.27 To qualify for a group discount, your group must stay together at all times during their visit. A group is (4 NOV 2019 – MAR 2020) defined as 15 or more paying persons.
* ** † 22 Group Rate – Available to groups paying within 14 days of their visit or on arrival Group Super Saver Rate – Available if A range of talks and tours available - contact us for further details. Maximum numbers apply, please check with our 23 paying 14 days or more in advance (Additional 10% discount off Group Rate) Groups Sales Team +44 (0)1789 201 806 or [email protected]
UP TO 25%
OFF FOR GROUPS (DETAILS ON P22)
Support us To care for Shakespeare’s historic buildings and share his timeless stories with the world, we need to raise over £10m every year. There are lots of ways you can support us. To find out more visit shakespeare.org.uk/support-us
Start planning your group visit today get in touch with our friendly Group Sales Team call +44(0)1789 201806 email [email protected]
@ShakespeareBT
ShakespeareBT
@Shakespearebtrust
All information correct at time of going to press. Registered Charity Number 209302