Explorer Pass: Shakespeare's England

• Explore 17 fantastic attractions in the birthplace of the world’s greatest poet and playwright, and beyond.
• See five Shakespeare family abodes, including New Place, Hall’s Croft, Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, Shakespeare’s Birthplace and Mary Arden’s Farm.
• Take some time away from Stratford-upon-Avon and unearth Warwickshire’s gems like Kenilworth Castle and Warwick Castle.
• Enjoy an informative guidebook, packed full of recommendations, tips and special discounts.

If you’re a fan of Shakespeare and have always wanted to visit Stratford-upon-Avon in Warwickshire, this explorer pass is for you. Get free entry to 17 brilliant attractions, museums and tours in Stratford-upon-Avon, the home and birthplace of William Shakespeare, and beyond.  

There are loads of things to see and do for families in the historic county of Warwickshire, and this pass, which is valid for one, two or three days, covers all the must-see Shakespeare sights.

A visit to the county would not be complete without exploring Shakespeare’s Stratford-upon-Avon. Born in April 1564, Shakespeare grew up with his parents and siblings at a restored 16-century half-timbered Tudor house situated in Henley Street.

A must-see for all admirers of British literature, you’ll get the unique chance to explore the playwright’s childhood world at Shakespeare’s house.

Stratford-upon-Avon is home to the Royal Shakespeare Company, whose three theatres - The Royal Shakespeare Theatre, The Swan and The Other Place – perform plays both y Shakespeare and today’s writers.

Take a guided theatre tour and enjoy epic views from the top of the Tower. Take a peek at Shakespeare’s Schoolroom and Guildhall and discover where he was encouraged to become the world’s greatest poet and playwright.

Explore Shakespeare’s New Place, the Stratford house where he lived until his death in 1616.

It’s also possible to visit Shakespeare’s mother's farmhouse, Mary Arden’s Farm, the Jacobean doctor’s house, Hall’s Croft, and the house where Shakespeare courted his bride-to-be, Anne Hathaway’s Cottage. Take a sightseeing cruise of the area with Avon Boating and see some Shakespeare highlights from a different perspective.

And if you need a breather from all the Shakespearean magic, the Mad Museum in Stratford is included in the pass and showcases some of the world’s best pieces of mechanical and kinetic art.

There is so much to see beyond Stratford too. Experience a thousand years of history of Warwick Castle, where you can marvel at the amazing birds of prey and venture through time at the Horrible Histories Maze.

Just a stone’s throw away lies the impressive fortress Kenilworth Castle and its Elizabethan Garden. Visit the historical house with links to Jane Austen, Stoneleigh Abbey, or take a stroll in the restored Victorian hedged gardens of Hill Close Gardens.

Escape to Compton Verney, where you can enjoy world-class art exhibitions and escape into the 120 acres of beautiful parkland.

The Lord Leycester Hospital, Warwickshire’s finest examples of medieval courtyard architecture, is waiting to be explored. And if you have any budding petrol heads in your family, the pass also includes admission to the British Motor Museum, which has over 300 classic cars and fun interactive family activities.

Whether you are a family who seek adventure or prefer something a little more low-key, Shakespeare's England Explorer Pass has something to suit everyone for the perfect day out!

What to know before you go

• Your pass includes entry to 17 attractions and a guidebook, which includes discounts at hotels, shops and restaurants.
• Choose a one-day, two-day or three-day pass.
• Children aged four and younger go free to all the attractions. Some attractions offer free entry to children under 16.
• Many of the attractions have wheelchair access. Download the AccessAble app from Apple and Google stores for more information.
• There are loads of great cafes and restaurants in the centre of Stratford-upon Avon. The family-friendly Boston Tea Party has a delicious menu for kids and adults. It also has baby-changing facilities and high-chairs and is breastfeeding friendly.
• Many of the attractions have baby-changing facilities. The Royal Shakespeare Company theatres have baby-changing facilities in all the ladies’ toilets.

Getting there

• Many of the attractions are located in central Stratford-upon–Avon, Warwickshire.
• Head to the Tourist Information Centre in Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwick, Kenilworth, and Leamington Spa to exchange your e-ticket for a pass.
• There are direct trains every 60 minutes from London Marylebone station to Stratford-upon-Avon within two hours with Chiltern Railways. Trains from Birmingham Moor Street trains operate twice an hour to Stratford-upon-Avon and take 49 minutes with West Midlands Railway.
• National Express runs buses from London Victoria directly to Stratford-upon-Avon Riverside Bus Station.
• There are many car parks located in the heart of Stratford-upon-Avon, including Bridgeway multi-storey car park and the adjacent Bridgeway Surface car park, as well as a Park and Ride service in operation.
• Warwick railway station is well located for attractions beyond Stratford and is served by Chiltern Railways, West Midlands Trains and CrossCountry. There are direct trains to London Marylebone, Birmingham Moor Street and Leamington Spa.
• There are several car parks in Warwick, including Linen Street car park and Myton Fields car park.