Anne Hathaway’s Cottage

Built: 1463

Location: Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 9HH

History: Anne Hathaway’s Cottage was originally a farmhouse. It was built in 1463 of cruck construction when the building would have comprised of just three rooms. The kitchen and parlor still remain from the original medieval construction. The first Hathaway to live in the cottage was Anne’s grandfather John Hathaway, who was a tenant sheep farmer. Anne, later Shakespeare’s wife, was born in the cottage in 1556.

Review: So I actually visited this place last year with my sister.

We had actually brought a yearly pass called the Full Story Ticket, which meant that we got to go to Shakespeare’s Birthplace, Mary Arden’s Farm (which I absolutely loved by the way – but that’s a review for another day. Let’s just say that I will definitely be going back); Anne Hathaway’s Cottage (obviously since this is what the review is about haha!), Shakespeare’s New Place and Hall’s Croft.

Even if you only plan on doing three of these locations in one day, getting the Full Story Ticket is actually a much better price than buying individual tickets, plus you can return again within a year! So it really is worth it!

Anyway, I absolutely loved this place. I will definitely be coming back.

It’s perfect for a family day out as well – you have the house to explore plus the grounds and the woods as well!

I’ll start by talking about the house though.

This will probably sound really sad, but what I loved was the first room you walked into (which was the kitchen), had the same floor that Anne Hathaway AND Shakespeare would have walked on (and maybe slept on as well).

All I really wanted to do was just touch the floor – sad I know haha!

There were a couple of rooms on the ground floor which had staff members ready and waiting for us, they were ready to give us a little history of the place. This was a nice little extra, as I just assumed that we could wander around by ourselves.

But it was actually quite good because you learned a lot, even if the talks only lasted five minutes.

The rooms are decorated in the traditional style that the house would have been in, so you could really get a good feel of what the house would have been like back in the day.

I do have to say though that some of the stairs were quite steep (particularly the ones coming down from the master bedroom), so that is something which might be an issue for some people.

They have also put cushions on some parts of the ceilings (around the stair areas), since the ceilings get pretty low, so depending on how tall you are this is something that you should look out for.

There is a lot to see in this house though – there’s a chair in one of the bedrooms that is really quite interesting (it’s known as the Courting Chair).

Make sure when you head back downstairs that you look at everything (and I mean everything).

Me and my sister wouldn’t have noticed this if one of the ladies hadn’t have pointed it out. It’s some sort of witch’s charm, but I can’t remember what it was actually for… if you have any idea then please mention it in the comments!

I really couldn’t believe how much fun it was walking around the house, but it didn’t just stop there. You’ve still got the grounds and the woods to walk around! Perfect for a sunny day!

The gardens aren’t too big, and you can easily have a picnic if you wanted.

What I loved though, was that they were filled with all these different art pieces. It might have changed since I last went, but luckily I took a few photos to remember them.

You can walk all around the garden and see what they have. It can easily take you half an hour if you take your time.

If you want to go on a bit of a longer walk, then please make sure that you go exploring in the woods.

You’ll find plenty to do and see in there – there’s even a little stage area with benches if you fancy putting on a play!

Look for signs and things that are hidden around the woods. You won’t be disappointed!

I was pleasantly surprised by how much thought had been put into all of this. It certainly makes for an entertaining day out.

It’s the little things really, I mean I was excited when I turned a corner and saw these mushrooms! And yes I know I’m easily pleased, but I mean come on what kid wouldn’t find stuff like this fun!

If you love exploring new places or just love learning new things, then this is something that should not be missed.

I can’t wait to go back. I just have to find the time!

If I can find the time then I’ll definitely be going back in the Summer XD