Anne Hathaway’s Cottage
22 Cottage Ln, Shottery, England
Set in the charming village of Shottery, near Stratford-upon-Avon, this storybook 15th-century thatched farmhouse was once the childhood home of William Shakespeare’s wife, Anne Hathaway. The cottage is now a museum, complete with historic rooms, original furniture, and beautiful gardens and orchards.
The basics
Most travelers visit Anne Hathaway’s Cottage as part of themed tours about the life of William Shakespeare. Others explore independently, using hop-on, hop-off buses to see multiple landmarks. You can also opt for a multi-attraction pass, accessible via an app, for admission to historic sites.
Guided tours, often starting from London, are a great way to learn about Shakespeare’s England. These tours may include stops in the Cotswolds and Oxford, and some are multi-day itineraries that include accommodations.
Things to know before you go
The interior of the cottage isn’t wheelchair or stroller accessible, as there are steps at the entrance and uneven floors.
There is an accessible bathroom on-site with baby-changing facilities.
The gardens have wide, sloping pathways, and a folding wheelchair is available to borrow.
On the grounds you’ll find a sculpture trail inspired by Shakespeare’s plays.
The house has a shop for souvenirs.
How to get there
For those visiting multiple Shakespeare–related attractions in a day, Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, in the village of Shottery, is only a 10-minute drive from Shakespeare's Birthplace. From the Stratford-upon-Avon train station, it’s about a 20-minute walk to get to Shottery. Alternatively, it’s an easy 5-minute taxi, or some travelers choose to get a Stagecoach Midlands bus service.
When to get there
Anne Hathaway’s Cottage is open daily, generally from mid-morning to mid-afternoon. Weekends tend to attract larger crowds, so visiting on a weekday morning is a smart option for a quieter experience; arriving early allows you to explore the grounds and gardens at a more leisurely pace, away from the hustle. The last entry is around 30 minutes before the museum closes.
Shakespeare landmarks near Stratford-upon-Avon
After seeing Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, continue your Shakespeare–themed adventures with a visit to key landmarks in and around Stratford-upon-Avon. Highlights include Shakespeare’s Birthplace, where his story began, and Holy Trinity Church, his final resting place. Also, don’t miss Shakespeare’s Schoolroom & Guildhall, where Shakespeare studied, and the Royal Shakespeare Theatre for live performances.
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