Take a group trip to Shakespeare Country
The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust (SBT), which manages the five Shakespeare Houses in Stratford-upon-Avon, has announced a number of exciting new initiatives for groups in 2010.
Groups are welcome at each of the five beautiful and historic Shakespeare Houses and Gardens known as Shakespeare’s Birthplace, Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, Mary Arden’s Farm, Hall’s Croft and Nash’s House & New Place. Each house has its own story to tell and together they create a vivid picture of Shakespeare’s life and times.
‘Dig for Shakespeare’ is a major archaeological excavation of the Bard’s final home at New Place where original foundations of his home lie hidden from public view. New Place is the property Shakespeare purchased after he returned from London. The house was sadly demolished in 1759 by its then owner, upset by the intrusion of tourists. SBT will begin this exciting new project in March using modern methods to re-examine the site. The site will be fully accessible to the public via a purpose built viewing platform, complete with live commentary and updated displays charting the latest discoveries. The ambitious project will run until autumn 2010.
2010 also sees the return of Shakespeare Aloud, allowing groups to meet some of Shakespeare’s most intriguing characters at the Birthplace. There, groups can also enjoy an exciting exhibition entitled ‘Life, Love & Legacy’ which sees visitors journey through five zones in a truly immersive experience. The exhibition and visitor centre, which opened in 2009, gives groups a spectacular new visual experience and insight into the life of our greatest playwright.
New for 2010 are a number of themed tours available after normal opening hours during the summer for groups of up to 100. These include tours of Shakespeare’s Birthplace, Anne Hathaway’s Cottage and Nash’s House & New Place. Also available is a private tour with dinner at Hall’s Croft including a welcome drink, exclusive access to the house followed by dinner or a champagne reception at Anne Hathaway’s Cottage or Hall’s Croft for groups of up to 50. A number of exclusive group options are also available during the summer. Garden Tours enables groups to enjoy an escorted tour of the cottage garden at Anne Hathaway’s and the walled garden of Hall’s Croft. All about Shakespeare features a 45 minute illustrated talk at his Birthplace. Special Interest Talks offer three illustrated talks on materials from the SBT’s Library and Archive Collections. Special pre-order menus are available for groups at Mary Arden’s Farm from April till October and all year round at Hall’s Croft.
Jacqueline Green, Trade & Education Development Manager at SBT stated “We are delighted to offer so many exciting new initiatives for groups and look forward to talking about them at a number of key trade exhibitions this year. Dig for Shakespeare along with our new themed tours provides the travel trade with an insight into our exceptional cultural heritage offer and is testament to the value and importance that the group travel market is to the Shakespeare Houses”.
The Group Sales Team will be happy to assist groups in planning their itinerary ensuring they make the most of their visit. Groups can benefit from a super saver discount of 30% on standard admission charges when their visit is paid for and booked at least 8 weeks in advance. SBT offers free admission for group leaders with 15 or more paying visitors and coach drivers receive free entry.
For more information about group visits and tours, visit the website at: shakespeare.org.uk/groups
