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Shakespeare's Birthplace

Henley Street, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, CV37 6QW

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About this venue

William Shakespeare's Birthplace is a site of international historic significance. Visitors can peruse the exhibition in the Shakespeare Centre, explore the gardens and walk on the same stone floor that William Shakespeare did in his childhood home. The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust works hard to carry out conservation at the Birthplace to preserve the house for future generations and honour the memory of the world’s most iconic literary figure. The aim of Shakespeare's Birthplace today is to give a sense of what a house on Henley Street would have been like for Shakespeare to grow up in. Costumed guides tell tales of family life in the Shakespeare household, and the Shakespeare Aloud acting company perform scenes, speeches, and poetry in the garden, entertaining visitors from around the world. Discover how the extraordinary William Shakespeare continues to shape our lives today.

Access Guide

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Introduction

Opening Times

Location

  • There is a bus stop within 150m (164yds) of the venue.
  • The nearest National Rail station is Stratford-upon-Avon.
  • Comments View
    • Stratford-upon-Avon rail station is approximately 0.4 miles away.

Parking

  • The venue does not have its own car park.
  • Public Car Parks View
    • There is a car park for public use within 200m (approx).
    • The name of the car park is Windsor Street.
    • The car park is located in Windsor Street.
  • On Street Blue Badge Parking View
    • On street marked Blue Badge bays are available.
    • The dimensions of the marked Blue Badge bays are 360cm x 520cm (11ft 10in x 17ft 1in).
    • On street Blue Badge parking is located in Henley Street.
  • On Street Standard Parking View
    • Clearly signed and / or standard marked parking bays are not available.
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point.
  • Comments View
    • The Blue Badge spaces are at the top end of Henley Street and are accessed via Windsor Street.
    • Winsor Street car park is approximately 145 metres away.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the venue.
    • There is step-free access at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) both ways.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 140cm.

Level Change (Main Foyer)

  • There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
  • The ramp/slope is located along the route to the ticket point.
  • The ramp/slope gradient is steep.
  • The ramp/slope is permanent.
  • There is not a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
  • The width of the ramp/slope is 120cm (3ft 11in).
  • Comments View
    • The ramp is narrow and steep.
    • This ramp can be bypassed by contacting a staff member.

Reception

  • The desk/counter is 20m (21yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
  • There is level access to the desk/counter from the entrance.
  • The desk/counter is high (110cm+).
  • The desk/counter has a low (76cm or lower) section.
  • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The type of system is a fixed loop.
  • The hearing assistance system is not signed.
  • Staff are trained to use the system.
  • The hearing assistance system was tested by an AccessAble surveyor.
  • The hearing assistance system was tested on 23/06/2021.
  • The hearing assistance system was working at the time of testing.
  • Comments View
    • The ticket point is located beyond the entrance foyer.
    • Beyond the ticket point is a museum tour of Shakespeare's life.
    • This tour leads to a set of doors that open up into the courtyard area and Shakespeare's Birthplace House.

Inside Access

  • There is level access to the service(s).
  • This venue does not play background music.
  • Motorised scooters are welcomed in public parts of the venue.
  • The lighting levels are bright.

Museum

  • Exhibits can be audio described.
  • Tactile signage for exhibits is not available.
  • Braille signage for exhibits is not available.
  • Touch tours are not available.
  • Video tours are available.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • Concessions are available.
  • There is a wheelchair to borrow.
  • To borrow the wheelchair, please ask at reception.

Outside Access (Courtyard Exit - Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located in the building.
    • There is step-free access at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically (away from you).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 135cm.

Courtyard

  • The courtyard is a concrete paved area with an easy gradient throughout.
  • The courtyard has a central grassed garden area.
  • The pathways lead to Shakespeare's Birthplace House.
  • Within the courtyard are public toilets and the exit of the venue via the shop.

Outside Access (Shakespeare's Birthplace - The House)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located in the courtyard.
    • There is step-free access at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The width of the door opening is 75cm.
  • Comments View
    • This entrance is staffed.

Shakespeare's Birthplace - The House

  • Beyond the entrance the area opens up into a reception area and the tour beyond.
  • There is another doorway that is 72cm wide leading to the house section.
  • There are 13 medium height steps with handrails to the left leading to the 1st floor of the house.
  • There is a iPad available for wheelchairs users to view pictures of the first floor exhibits.
  • There is a separate door to exit the house, located at the rear of the house.
  • The door is 75cm wide and leads back to the courtyard.
  • The door is held open and opens away from you.
  • Beyond the entrance is a moderate sloping pathway which is 130cm wide.

Marble Room

  • The Marble Room is accessed via the courtyard.
  • There are 7 medium height steps with handrails on both sides to the left of the entrance.
  • There is a platform lift to the right of the entrance that bypasses the steps.
  • The lift entrance is 87cm wide.
  • The lift is 95cm wide by 138cm deep.
  • The call buttons and controls are 100cm from the floor and visitors do not need to ask staff before using the lift.
  • The lift has a weight limit of 300kg.
  • The entrance door for the marble room opens towards you, is single, heavy and has an opening width of 80cm.
  • Inside the room is a seating area to view talks and performances.
  • The seats do not have armrests.

Outside Access (Shop Entrance - Venue Exit)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the rear of the courtyard.
    • There is step-free access at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The width of the door opening is 120cm.
  • Comments View
    • This door is used to exit the venue.
    • The door has a set of security gates beyond it that are 90cm wide.
    • This door also leads to the shop area.
    • There is no re-entry back into the courtyard from this door.
    • Wheelchair users who do not wish to use this entrance are required to return to the courtyard entrance, then the reception area and then use the main entrance to exit the venue.

Outside Access (Bookshop)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the side of the venue.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The width of the door opening is 88cm.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • The ramp/slope is located on the path leading to the entrance.
    • The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.
    • The ramp/slope is permanent.
  • Comments View
    • This entrance leads into the rear section of the shop where the bookshop is located.

Inside Access (Book and Gift Shop)

  • There is level access to the service(s).
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • This venue does not play background music.
  • Motorised scooters are not welcomed in public parts of the venue.
  • The lighting levels are good.

Level Change (Courtyard Toilet Block)

  • There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
  • The ramp/slope is located on the pathway leading to the toilets.
  • Comments View
    • There is a 17cm step leading into the standard female toilets.
    • There is a 8cm step in the doorway to the male standard toilets.

Accessible Toilet (Courtyard)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 248m (271yd 8in) from the main entrance.
    • This accessible toilet is located in the courtyard toilet block.
    • There is not level access to this accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 88cm (2ft 11in).
    • The door may be difficult to open.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 165cm x 212cm (5ft 5in x 6ft 11in).
    • There is sufficient turning space in the cubicle for a wheelchair user.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 81cm (2ft 8in).
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • The tap type is lever.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is a/are sanitary, non-infectious waste and general domestic waste disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • Wall mounted grab rails are available for the toilet.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • There is a mirror.
    • Mirrors are placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The hand dryer is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the hand dryer is 110cm (3ft 7in).
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • There is a high colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
    • There is a good colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • Baby Change Facilities View
    • Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
    • Baby change facilities are located in the accessible toilet.
    • The height of the baby change table once extended is 90cm (2ft 11in).

Standard Toilet(s) (Courtyard)

  • Availability and Location of Standard Toilets View
    • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Access to Standard Female and Male Toilet(s) View
    • The female and male toilet facilities that were surveyed are located in the courtyard toilet block.
    • The female and male toilets are approximately 247m (270yd 4in) from the main entrance.
    • Inside the venue, there is not level access to the female and male toilets.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle with wall mounted grab rails is available.
    • Lighting levels in the female and male toilets are good.

Accessible Toilet (Reception)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 5m (5yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
    • This accessible toilet is located to the left as you pass the reception office.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is required for the accessible toilet.
    • The key is a radar key.
    • The key can be obtained from the reception office.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is locked by a locking handle.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 80cm (2ft 7in).
    • The door may be difficult to open.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 155cm x 180cm (5ft 1in x 5ft 11in).
    • There is not sufficient turning space in the cubicle for a wheelchair user.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 88cm (2ft 11in).
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • The tap type is lever.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is a/are sanitary, non-infectious waste and open waste paper bin disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
    • There are coat hooks in the toilet at 165cm and 177cm from the floor.
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • Wall mounted grab rails are available for the toilet.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • There is a mirror.
    • Mirrors are placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 52cm (1ft 8in).
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • The height of the wash basin is 78cm (2ft 7in).
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • There is a high colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
    • There is a good colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is fair.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.

Standard Toilet(s) (Reception)

  • Availability and Location of Standard Toilets View
    • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Access to Standard Female Toilet(s) View
    • The female toilet facilities that were surveyed are located to the left as you enter from the main entrance.
    • The female toilet(s) is/are approximately 9m (9yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
    • Inside the venue, there is level access to the female toilet(s).
    • Lighting levels in the female toilets are good.
  • Access to Standard Male Toilet(s) View
    • The male toilet facilities that were surveyed are located ahead and to the left as you enter from the main entrance.
    • The male toilet(s) is/are approximately 5m (5yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
    • Inside the venue, there is level access to the male toilet(s).
    • Lighting levels in the male toilets are good.
  • Baby Change Facilities View
    • Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
    • Baby change facilities are located within the standard female toilets.
    • The height of the baby change table once extended is 89cm (2ft 11in).

Additional Info

  • Documents are not available in Braille.
  • Documents are not available in large print.
  • A bowl of water can be provided for an assistance dog.