As winter settles across the West Midlands, a unique historic treasure offers a cosy and enchanting escape for those seeking a blend of history and festive charm. Anne Hathaway's Cottage, the picturesque childhood home of William Shakespeare's wife, has announced its special seasonal opening hours, inviting visitors to step back in time.
A Cottage Steeped in Shakespearean History
This iconic property, located in the village of Shottery on the outskirts of Stratford-upon-Avon, is far more than just a pretty thatched building. Originally constructed in 1463, it predates Anne Hathaway's birth by nearly a century. The cottage began its life as a farmhouse, with Anne's grandfather, John Hathaway, a tenant sheep farmer, being the first of the family to reside there.
Anne Hathaway herself was born within these walls in 1556, where her father worked as a yeoman farmer. The cottage, now meticulously preserved and managed by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, provides an intimate glimpse into the world that shaped the woman who would marry England's most famous playwright. Its timber-framed structure and charming gardens remain a major draw for literature enthusiasts and history lovers from across the globe.
Festive Season Opening Times for Visitors
To help visitors plan a winter visit, the Trust has released a detailed schedule for the Christmas and New Year period. The cottage will welcome guests on 24 December from 10am to 2pm, with last entry at 1.30pm. It will then close for the Christmas Day and Boxing Day holidays.
The doors will reopen from 27 to 31 December, operating between 10am and 4pm (last entry 3.30pm). For New Year's Day, 1 January 2025, opening hours will be from 11am to 4pm. The site then returns to its standard daily schedule from 2 January 2026, open from 10am to 4pm.
Planning Your Winter Visit
This historic site offers a serene alternative to bustling festive markets, perfect for a reflective winter's day out. Visitors are encouraged to check the latest information and plan their trip via the official Shakespeare Birthplace Trust website to ensure the best experience.
Walking through the rooms where Anne Hathaway spent her youth provides a tangible connection to the personal life of William Shakespeare. The cottage, with its low beams and period furnishings, is especially atmospheric during the quieter winter months, making it an ideal destination for a culturally rich seasonal excursion in the heart of England.
