-Warwickshire Historic Houses

Shakespeare Birthplace Trust. This world-famous thatched cottage continued to be owned by Anne Hathaway’s descendants until the late 19th century. It still contains the Hathaway bed and many other items of furniture owned by the family. Outside lies a beautiful cottage garden and there are many pleasant walks leading from the cottage. The Shakespeare Houses are open every day all year round...

Known as the Gothic Gem of the Midlands, this Elizabthan mansion was gothicised by Sir Roger Newdegate in the 18th century. George Eliot was born on the estate in 1819. The Stables tea rooms provide visitors with a selection of cream teas, cakes and ice creams. Pre-bookable visits for groups; minimum 25.

Home of the Lucy family since 1247. The present house was built in the 1550s and visited by Queen Elizabeth I. A fully equipped kitchen and brew-house, together with a large collection of carriages, complement the principal rooms of the house. Landscaped by "Capability" Brown, the park supports a flock of Jacob sheep.

Widely recognised as one of England’s finest Tudor houses Coughton Court has been the home of the Throckmorton family since 1409. Of particular interest are the Tudor gatehouse and half-timbered courtyard. Many rooms within the house are open to the public. Backing onto the lake, the breathtaking walled garden is widely recognised as one of the finest in England.

Shakespeare Birthplace Trust. Named after Dr John Hall, who married Shakespeare’s daughter Susanna. This impressive 16th century house, with Jacobean additions, includes outstanding furniture and paintings as well as an exhibition about medicine in Shakespeare’s time with references to remedies and potions mentioned in the plays. Outside there is a large, peaceful garden with a 200-year-old mulberry...

The most ornate house in Stratford. Harvard House is a fine example of an Elizabethan town house, containing many architectural features. Rebuilt in 1596, it was the home of Katherine Rogers, mother of John Harvard, founder of Harvard University. It was presented in 1910 to Harvard University by Edward Morris, a famous Chicago millionaire. The setting is perfect for the nationally important Neish...

Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester, and a favourite of Queen Elizabeth I, converted the picture-book buildings of the dissolved Warwick Guilds into a retreat for old soldiers and it has continued to serve that purpose until the present day. The Brethren, as the inhabitants are known, attend weekday services in the ancient and beautiful chapel over the town’s West Gate, which adjoins their home.

Shakespeare Birthplace Trust. Nash’s House was owned by Thomas Nash, first husband of Shakespeare’s grand-daughter, Elizabeth. In addition to the exceptional collection of Elizabethan furniture and tapestries, Nash’s House also has displays upstairs on the fascinating history of Stratford. Shakespeare spent his retirement years in New Place, next door to Nash’s House. Visitors can also enjoy The...

The Warwickshire home of the Marquess and Marchioness of Hertford, is set in 27 acres of beautiful formal gardens. The home contains Baroque plasterwork, the stunning 20th century mural ’The Temptation’ and a fascinating collection of paintings, china and furniture. In addition to the beautiful house, there are the formal gardens, parkland. There are some 20 acres of gardens surrounding the Hall, consisting of mature woodland with a variety of formal and managed features. In 1912 the house and gardens were abandoned and over the next 30 years nature was not long in reclaiming the grounds. The 8th Marquess and Marchioness of Hertford re-occupied the house in the 1950’s and the gardens were steadily developed.

Alcester B49 5NJ Tel: 01789 762090 Email

St John’s House is a charming Jacobean house dating from about 1620. It became a branch of the Warwickshire Museum in 1961, when it was bought by Warwickshire County to house the collections of Social History that the Museum had built up over the previous twenty years. The galleries have basic general themes such as costume, domestic life and school life but are changed frequently.

Step into the house where William Shakespeare was born in 1564 and re-enter the Tudor world. Newly refurbished, the house now offers visitors a fascinating insight into life as it was when Shakespeare was a child. See the Shakespeare Exhibition which provides an introduction to his life and background and the traditional English garden. The Shakespeare Houses are open every day all year round...

Established in 1154, Stoneleigh offers an insight into the past 1000 years. During her stay Jane Austen was inspired to write Mansfield Park; Queen Victoria and Prince Albert stayed here. Visitors will see: Queen Victoria’s bed and bathroom, nine magnificent staterooms, chapel, medieval gatehouse and parkland with the River Avon running through it. Tea Room serving refreshments.

20th Century oil millionaire’s country mansion. It houses the internationally renowned Bearsted art collection that includes paintings by Bruegel and Hogarth, Brussels Tapestries, Sevres Porcelain and Chelsea figures. The spectacular garden has wide lawns, terraced herbaceous borders and a working kitchen garden. It is home to the National Collection of Asters.

near Banbury OX15 6HT Tel: 01295 670266 Email