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Shakespeare's Stratford on the Web
www.stratford-upon-avon.co.uk
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Shakespeare's Birthplace
The half-timbered house where William Shakespeare was born in 1564 is Stratford's most cherished historic place. It is the most frequently visited of all the tourist places. Descendants of the dramatist lived there until the nineteenth century, and it has been a place of pilgrimage for over 250 years.
Open daily, tours start in The Birthplace which contains an acclaimed exhibition
of the poet's life, William Shakespeare: His Life and Background
They then carry on through the house, which is furnished in period style
with many historic manuscripts and books. Finally the tour ends outside in the
celebration garden.
House
Visitors Centre
The house itself poses problems for access, due to
the requirement to preserve the historical context of its period listed
features. However, access by wheelchair to the modern Visitors Centre and its
exhibition, is largely unrestricted. The accessible toilet facilities are
situated on the left as you enter the centre, after the payment kiosk. Access
from the Street to this flat and level entrance, is via a pedestrianised area
(nearest disabled parking and accessible toilets - Windsor Street). Visitors
should be aware of areas of dim lighting within the exhibition, required for the
conservation of historic artifacts. Access to the house itself is via a large
step in the entrance. There is uneven flooring throughout the building. A flight
of steep stairs leads to the first floor. There is mostly flat access in the
garden. There is flat and level access to toilet facilities in the Visitors
Centre. The toilets in the gardens are reached via two steps. There are plans
for improved accessibility in the future, in the meantime staff are eager to
assist where required.
Henley Street (Tel. 01789 204016)