Anne Hathaway’s Cottage

Visit the home of Anne Hathaway, William Shakespeare’s wife. Wander through the 16th century cottage and admire original furniture including Hathaway’s bed. See where Shakespeare’s bride-to-be grew up and where he would’ve courted her before their marriage.

Visit the family home of Shakespeare’s wife, Anne Hathaway and discover life in the 16th century. Built over 500 years ago as a farmhouse, the earliest part of the home dates back to 1463 when it only had 3 rooms and one floor. The first Hathaway to live here was Anne’s grandfather, and this farmhouse cottage became home to 13 generations of the family.

Anne was born in the cottage in 1556 and is where the young Shakespeare would have visited her during the beginning of their relationship. Today, the home is owned by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust and is open for guests to visit.

During your visit, you’ll have access to all 12 rooms in the cottage plus the beautiful gardens surrounding the house. Here you’ll find a sculpture trail inspired by Shakespeare’s plays and gorgeous flowers and plants that have been mentioned in Shakespeare’s plays.

The cottage will give you an insight into how Anne Hathaway and her family lived as you admire original furniture and items including Anne’s bed. Uncover 5 centuries of stories and life as you explore inside.