Mary Arden's Farm
Mother and folklore
Mary Arden's Farm
We hope you will come and visit us in Spring 2016, when it reopens on 12th March.
There is so much to see and do at Mary Arden's Farm! Step back in time for all the sights, smells and sounds of a real Tudor farm and explore the house where Shakespeare's mother, Mary Arden, grew up.
Experience the daily routine, skills and crafts that the young William would have known from visits to his grandparents in the 1570s and try your hand at some of them for yourself.
Explore Mary Arden's House
Discover an exciting re-display of Mary Arden’s House, childhood home of Shakespeare’s mother. Come and see our exhibition about Shakespeare’s mother, Mary, and a room by room exploration of the history of the building she called home.
Much of the history of the house is hidden, so our display highlights some of its most interesting features, drawing comparisons between Palmer’s Farm (a Tudor house largely unchanged) and Mary Arden’s (a modernised version of a Tudor house).
There’s lots to explore and plenty of ‘hands on’ activities for everyone to enjoy. Peek inside the chimney and the walls, discover how the house was built and imagine Mary’s life there with her seven sisters!
Highlights at Mary Arden's Farm
In the morning, watch the farmer's wife prepare her home-grown food over the fire in the farmhouse kitchen and learn about Tudor table manners when the Tudors gather to eat their dinner at 1pm.
Each day we have a list of activities taking place at set times to help you plan your visit. Please note that falconry displays take place four times a day featuring a different bird of prey each time. Look out for the other crafts and activities taking place throughout the day, in addition to those listed.
Daily activities around the farm include:
10.00 Grooming Ellie the horse
10.45 Goose parade
11.15 Falconry display
12.15 Falconry display
13.00 Tudor dinner
13.30 Blacksmith demonstration
14.00 Meet the shepherd
15.00 Falconry display
16.00 Falconry display
16.30 Tudor music and dancing
17.00 Animals go to bed
Activities and times may vary so look out for the daily activity boards during your visit
Children's Activities at Mary Arden's Farm
Be sure to look out for the latest puzzles, quizzes and trails to help bring your visit to life!
"What if my house be troubled with a rat". Rascally willow rats are hiding in Palmer's Farmhouse - can you find them all?
Even more to explore:
Discover our new exhibition all about Mary Arden and the house she grew up in
Try your hand at have-a-go archery (school and bank holidays, additional fee applies)
See our rare breed animals
Explore our nature trails, discovering abundant wildlife including woodpeckers and rabbits along the way
Enjoy refreshments and light meals, including Tudor inspired specials, until 4pm
Kids under 10 can enjoy our timber framed adventure playground Station Road
Wilmcote
Stratford-upon-Avon
CV37 9UN
Telephone: 01789 338535