Shakespeare Birthplace Trust to launch free visitor offer for local residents

The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust has unveiled a new scheme that will enable local residents to make unlimited visits to its sites for free.

The independent charity, which cares for three Shakespeare family homes in the playwright's birthplace of Stratford-upon-Avon, will launch the scheme in February 2025, once the conservation period at both Shakespeare’s Birthplace and Anne Hathaway’s Cottage has been completed.

Resident tickets will allow people living in the CV37 postcode to make unlimited visits throughout 2025 to Shakespeare’s Birthplace and Anne Hathaway’s Cottage at no charge. They can book tickets in advance, with utility bills, passports or drivers licenses all accepted as proof of residency.

The impact of the free offer on income, visitor numbers and profiles will be reviewed once the scheme is underway. But Rachel North, interim CEO of the trust, told Museums Journal that the aim is to about living up to its mission to “promote the enjoyment and understanding of Shakespeare’s works, life and times all over the world”.

“Shakespeare is ever present in local people’s lives but not always in a meaningful way,” North said. “Shakespeare was born here in this town, and we want to open his story and legacy up to celebrate that connection.”

Local audiences are central to the future vision of the trust. It is in the process of turning an empty retail unit into a multi-purpose learning and engagement venue that will act as a hub for local community groups, school visits and events.

“By removing the pay barrier, we hope to build a town of advocates [for our work] who might encourage other people to come and choose to spend their money in our cafe and shops or donate,” North said.

“This isn’t about ticket income, it’s about building a more sustainable future model for the trust. Focusing on tickets will only get us so far – we are a charity at heart and our messages is about ensuring Shakespeare is for everyone.”

Tickets options at Shakespeare Birthplace Trust

Shakespeare’s Story Ticket (includes access to Shakespeare’s Birthplace, Anne Hathaway’s Cottage and Shakespeare’s New Place)

• Adult: £27.00
• Child: £13.50
• Family (two adults and up to three children): £67.50
• Family (one adult and up to three children): £40.50
• Concession: £22.95

Shakespeare’s Birthplace only ticket

• Adult: £20
• Child: £10
• Family (two adults and up to three children): £50
• Family (one adult and up to three children): £30
• Concession: £17

Anne Hathaway’s Cottage only ticket

• Adult: £15
• Child: £7.50
• Family (two adults and up to three children): £37.50
• Family (one adult and up to three children): £22.50
• Concession: £12.50

Shakespeare’s New Place only ticket (reopens in spring 2025)

• Adult: £15
• Child: £7.50
• Family (two adults and up to three children): £37.50
• Family (one adult and up to three children): £22.50
• Concession: £12.50

* Tickets are valid for 12 months from activation on the date of the first visit and allow unlimited visits during opening periods. All the above prices are from January 2025.