Hall's Croft, Stratford-upon-Avon was owned by William Shakespeare's daughter, Susanna Hall, and her husband Dr John Hall whom she married in 1607 (thus the name). The building now contains a collection of 16th- and 17th-century paintings and furniture. There is also an exhibition about Doctor John Hall and the obscure medical practices of the period. The property includes a dramatic walled garden which contains a variety of plant life that John Hall may have used in his treatments. John and Susanna Hall later moved to New Place, which William Shakespeare left to his daughter after his death. The Tudor building is of remarkable interest apart from its Shakespearian connections. The oldest part of the house dates from the early part of the 16th century. It was originally a small building with outhouses and was later enlarged to provide an imposing residence for Dr John Hall. Indications of the Hall family wealth are evident in the generous use of wood on the exterior of the house.
There is a shallow step at the entrance so a ramp is available on request. There is no access to the first floor for wheelchair users. A hearing loop, large print guides and a courtesy wheelchair are available. Note: Owing to the age of the building, the floors are slightly uneven in places. Access to the cafe is via the shop or from Old Town (there is shallow step but a ramp is available, please ring the bell for attention). There are visitor toilets in the cafe. An accessible toilet, visitor toilets and baby-changing facilities are located in the garden. The garden has level paths and seating available. Assistance dogs are welcome.
Location : Old Town, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire CV37 6BG
Transport: Stratford-upon-Avon (National Rail) 12 minutes. Bus Routes : 50, 270, 272 and H3 stop nearby.
Opening Times : Daily 10:00 to 17:00
Tickets Town Houses Pass: Adults £17.50; Concessions £16.50; Children £11.50
Tickets Town, Cottage and Farm Pass: Adults £26.25; Concessions £24.75; Children £17.00
Tel: 01789 338533
Mary Arden's Farm, also known as Mary Arden's House, is the farmhouse owned by Mary Shakespeare, the mother of Elizabethan playwright William Shakespeare. Located in the village of Wilmcote, about three miles from Stratford-upon-Avon, the house has been maintained in good condition because it had been a working farmhouse over the centuries. It was bought by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust in 1930 and refurnished in the Tudor style. In 2000 it was discovered that the building preserved as Mary Arden's house had belonged to a friend and neighbour Adam Palmer and the house was renamed Palmer's Farm. The house that had belonged to the Arden family which was near to Palmer's Farm had been acquired by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust in 1968 for preservation as part of a farmyard without knowing its true provenance. This is now referred to as Mary Arden's House and was previously known as Glebe Farm.
In spite of its Victorian brick, the house and farm reflect life in the 16th century, specifically 1573. The farm keeps many rare breeds of animals including Mangalitza and Tamworth pigs, Cotswold sheep, Long Horn cattle, Baggot and Golden Guernsey goats, geese and birds of prey including a Hooded Vulture. Mary Arden's is a working farm where most of the grounds and buildings are accessible to visitors, with some ramps provided for wheelchair users. However some paths are uneven - made worse in poor weather - and may prove difficult for wheelchairs and pushchairs. A courtesy wheelchair is available and the experienced guides can offer a sensory tour for visitors with sight impairments. Assistance dogs are welcome, with the exception of the outer grazing areas. Large print guides are available. Palmer's Farm & Mary Arden's House - the ground floors have uneven surfaces and can be narrow in parts. The first floors are inaccessible for wheelchair users. Note: Palmer's Farm garden is inaccessible for wheelchairs. Visitor toilets are located in the farm yards and adjacent to the cafe. An accessible toilet and baby-changing facilities can be found in the Rickyard. There are also hand-wash stations situated around the site. Mary Arden's Cafe is approached via a ramp from the car park or the Rickyard, the cafe layout offers easy access.
Location : Station Road, Wilmcote, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 9UN
Transport: Wilmcote (National Rail) 4 minutes. Bus Routes : 229 and 512 stop nearby (station is closer).
Opening Times : Daily 10:00 to 17:00
Tickets Farm Pass: Adults £13.25; Concessions £12.25; Children £8.50
Tickets Town, Cottage and Farm Pass: Adults £26.25; Concessions £24.75; Children £17.00
Tel: 01789 338535
