A charming West Midlands thatched cottage with deep Shakespearean connections has been highlighted as a perfect destination for history enthusiasts planning visits in 2026. Anne Hathaway's historic cottage in Shottery, near Stratford-upon-Avon, was recently featured in a BBC article celebrating the UK's cosiest thatched properties.
A Cottage Steeped in Literary History
This delightful property is best known as the childhood home of Anne Hathaway, who later married the world-famous playwright William Shakespeare. The cottage's origins stretch back much further, having been originally constructed in 1463 as a farmhouse, long before Anne's birth in 1556.
Historically, the first Hathaway to reside there was Anne's grandfather, John Hathaway, a tenant sheep farmer. Her father continued the agricultural tradition, working as a yeoman farmer. Today, the site's preservation and management are handled by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, which welcomes countless visitors fascinated by the Shakespeare family's legacy.
Blooms, Books, and Visitor Information
In its 2025 feature, BBC writer Dominic Lutyens particularly noted the cottage's beautiful garden, where hollyhocks and delphiniums bloom. He emphasised how the flora and the surrounding area of Stratford-upon-Avon influenced Shakespeare's own works, with many of the plants finding mention in his plays.
For those planning a 2026 visit, the cottage is open daily from 10am to 5pm. Admission tickets are required, with pricing set at £15 for a single adult and £7.50 for children. Family ticket options are also available. All visits must be booked in advance through the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust website.
Part of a National Celebration of Thatched Charm
Anne Hathaway's Cottage was listed among the 'Eight of the UK's cosiest thatched cottages' by the BBC. This prestigious list included several other historically significant and picturesque properties across the country:
- Thomas Hardy's Cottage in Higher Bockhampton, Dorset
- A cottage in Sandy Lane, Wiltshire, owned by Matt Carey-Williams
- Whimsical cottages with round walls
- A traditional Welsh thatched cottage
- A blackhouse thatched cottage in the Hebrides, Scotland
- A thatched building at Abigail Hopkins and Amir Sanei's home in Suffolk
- An Oxfordshire thatched house by Richard Parr Associates
This recognition underscores the cottage's status not just as a local treasure, but as a nationally important heritage site. Its combination of architectural charm, intimate historical connection, and beautiful setting makes it an unmissable stop for anyone exploring the rich cultural tapestry of the West Midlands and the UK in the coming year.
