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The Birth of Genius

Touring the Birthplaces of William Shakespeare and Sir Edward Elgar. With just one phone call to Shakespeare Country's Travel Trade and Groups Desk you can book a unique, great value day out for your group celebrating the lives of two British cultural icons.

Morning

10:15 Group arrives at Shakespeare Centre for introductory talk and visit to Shakespeare's Birthplace. The Shakespeare Centre and Birthplace are in the heart of Stratford-upon-Avon. Your visit will start with a 45-minute interactive talk ‘All About Shakespeare’. During your visit to Shakespeare’s Birthplace you will see the house decorated and furnished as Shakespeare would have known it as a boy and see demonstrations by costumed guides of the ancient craft of glove-making as practised by Shakespeare’s father.

The Shakespeare Houses at Shakespeare Birthplace Trust

The five Shakespeare Houses are owned and cared for by The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust. They are an independent charity who depend entirely on the public for support to maintain and preserve the World's Shakespeare Heritage.

Lunch

12:00 Lunch in the historic market town of Stratford-upon-Avon

Afternoon

13:15 Depart for Worcestershire 14:00 Arrive at the Elgar Birthplace Museum for welcome and introductory video with afternoon refreshments followed by a visit to Elgar’s Birthplace. The country cottage where Elgar was born on 2 June 1857 is set in the heart of his beloved Worcestershire countryside with views towards the Malvern Hills. The Birthplace Cottage and Visitor Centre forms The Elgar Birthplace Museum and gives a fascinating insight into Elgar the man and his music. The visit starts with light refreshments and a 20 minute introductory video. You can then explore the unique collection of Elgar memorabilia which includes original manuscripts, sketches and many personal and family items. To finish your visit you can relax in the beautiful garden surrounding the cottage. 15:45 The group is free to explore the cathedral city of Worcester Admission Prices (combined ticket): Adult: £13.50 Concession: £12.50 Child: £6.25 NB – Price includes admission to Shakespeare’s Birthplace with talk and Elgar’s Birthplace with afternoon refreshments. Does not include lunch.

The Shakespeare Houses at Shakespeare Birthplace Trust

The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust opens and cares for five beautiful historic houses and gardens all linked with William Shakespeare and his family and each with its own fascinating story to tell. Whether visiting one or multiple houses, the group visits team are available to assist you in planning your itinerary -

SHAKESPEARE'S BIRTHPLACE

The house where the world's most famous playwright was born and grew up. See and hear Shakespeare's characters come alive.

MARY ARDEN'S FARM

Step back into the 1570s and spend a day on this real working farm that was the childhood home of Shakespeare's mother. With activities and events for all the family.

ANNE HATHAWAY'S COTTAGE

Discover the most romantic of the Shakespeare Houses, where William courted his future wife, at her family home. Discover the new Woodland walk, follow the Sculpture Trail and enjoy the tranquility of the award winning Cottage Garden.

HALL'S CROFT

The elegant home of William's daughter, Susanna, and her husband, Dr John Hall, an eminent physician. Be sure not to miss the beautiful walled garden and its historic herb bed and fragrant rose garden.

NASH'S HOUSE and NEW PLACE

Nash's House was owned by Shakespeare's granddaughter Elizabeth and adjoins the site of New Place where Shakespeare's story ended in 1616.

Group rates are available to parties of 15 or more paying visitors. Super Saver discounts available to groups paying at least 8 weeks in advance.

Free on-site coach parking available at Mary Arden's Farm and Anne Hathaway's Cottage. Free coach dropping point at Shakespeare's Birthplace.