This summer I am thinking of us having a bit of a Shakespeare theme going on with our summer holiday activities. I’m already eyeing up Henry V on DVD for a family film night and I’m thinking of going to a live Shakespeare production in our local park. We’ve very lucky in the Midlands though with the bard’s birthplace being close by and I’m thinking we will be making some trips over to the Stratford-Upon-Avon area too. They have some special events on too which is always fun.
This summer the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust invites you to take a trip around the globe with the world’s most famous playwright, William Shakespeare. As part of the Trust’s Crossing Borders events programme, visitors can enjoy and participate in a variety of activities inspired by international cultures alongside some familiar favourites.
There’s plenty of fun to be had for all the family at the Shakespeare Family Homes in Stratford-upon-Avon this summer. Make a Scene and help create a colourful stage set inspired by cultures from around the world spanning from India to Russia and watch live performances of your favourite Shakespeare plays come to life on the very stage that you’ve helped to create; pack a picnic and watch outdoor theatre performances in the beautiful historic gardens, enjoy fascinating talks, tours and exhibitions or even treat your pet pooch to a day of furry fun at Shakespaws Day.
Ruth Warner, Head of Visitor Experience at the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust said: “Summer is such an exciting time to visit the Shakespeare Family Homes, our programming this year focuses on the theme of crossing borders which at this current time, is more relevant than ever. Visitors have the opportunity to experience other cultures and be a part of bringing the corners of the earth together through a shared love of Shakespeare. Our fantastic events cater to all, whether you want to try your hand at some crafts, give Bhangra dancing a try or just fancy a picnic with your pet, there really is something for everyone!”
Activities included in admission, unless otherwise stated. For more information and listings, see www.shakespeare.org.uk/visit/whats-on/
Family Events
24-25 June, 10.30am – 5pm
Midsummer Madness
Mary Arden’s Farm, Wilmcote
Celebrate the longest and most magical time of the year at the farm. Magic and merriment, fairies and frolics are to be had for all the family! Learn circus skills with our jester, watch puppet shows and even make your own pop up puppet. Take part in Tudor music workshops and join in Tudor dancing – let the fun begin!
SUMMER HOLIDAYS: 22 July – 3 SEPTEMBER, 12 – 4pm
29 July, 12pm – 4pm The Big Picnic
Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, Shottery
Pack a picnic and bring the family to the annual Big Picnic celebrations at Anne Hathaway’s Cottage. Enjoy garden games, musical entertainment from local band The Rest and spellbinding performances from magician Lee Ryan. Browse the stalls filled with goods from local traders. For an extra special treat, why not tuck in to our sizzling barbeque delights? Free entry for CV37 residents (with proof of address). Free entry to members of the emergency services and their families (when official I.D. is presented).
20 August, 12pm – 4pm
Shakespeare’s New Place: One Year On
Shakespeare’s New Place, Stratford-upon-Avon
Shakespeare’s New Place turns one and to celebrate its paper anniversary, we’re having a little party with fun games, activities and live performances. Take part in origami workshops run by the British Origami Society and enjoy live music from Bukechi in the Great Garden at 12pm, 2pm and 4pm. For grown-ups, there’s free gin tasting courtesy of the Shakespeare Distillery and free biscuits for all visitors – while stocks last! Free entry for CV37 residents (with proof of address).
26 August, 12pm- 4pm
Shakespaw’s Day
Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, Shottery
All paws allowed down at the Cottage! Celebrate National Dog Day in the beautiful historic gardens at Anne Hathaway’s Cottage. Bring your dog, a picnic and join in the fun with plenty of activities for your furry friends to enjoy. If you’re feeling peckish why not enjoy our sizzling barbecue? Bring your dog and enjoy 20% off admission.
Make A Scene!
22 July – 26 August
Shakespeare Family Homes, Stratford-upon-Avon
Make a Scene at the Shakespeare Family Homes this summer. Stages for five very special productions have appeared in the gardens, each inspired by a different culture and the creators need your help to make them spectacular. From making moustaches to painting pebbles, leaf printing to wind chimes, come and make a scene, and see your set in action over the bank holiday weekend.
Make a Scene: The Tempest, South Asian-style
Shakespeare’s Birthplace, Stratford-upon-Avon
Get your creative juices flowing and help design a South Asian-inspired performance space based on The Tempest in the gardens of Shakespeare’s Birthplace. Working in collaboration with artists from the Sonia Sabri Company, visitors are invited to create Rangoli-designed waves across the garden using a range of colourful materials, setting the scene for a special performance of The Tempest by our in-house actors on Saturday, 26 August at 10am, 12pm and 2pm.
Make a Scene: Romeo and Juliet, From Russia with love
Shakespeare’s New Place, Stratford-upon-Avon
Step in to a world inspired by Russian history and folklore at Shakespeare’s New Place. Join Russian artist Evgenia Golubia in making a scene inspired by Shakespeare’s tragic love story Romeo and Juliet. Using natural materials visitors will have to pick a side – red or white whilst creating mystical wind chimes, drawing comparisons from the warring Capulet’s and Montague’s and Russia’s revolutionary past. Get crafty with pebbles and learn Russian phrases whilst making the stage for the special performance of Romeo and Juliet on Sunday, 27 August at 11am and 2pm.
Make a Scene: Twelfth Night, Italian-style
Hall’s Croft, Stratford-upon-Avon
Help create a very Italian scene at Hall’s Croft with Artist Evgenia Golubia. Make your own moustache and learn Italian phrases taken from Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night. Unleash your inner Michelangelo and become an architect of the stage by creating a traditional Italian landscape ready for Shakespeare’s Aloud’s Twelfth Night performance on Sunday 27 August at 12pm and 4pm.
Disclosure: This post is in association with the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust.
Looks like a fun filled family day out, my children would certainly enjoy it, fab review too xxx
It all sounds great, have loads of fun.
Looks such a good place to visit .x
I would love to visit, it looks like the perfect day out.
Sounds like great fun
Sounds like a great way of keeping my children happy this summer, I’ll be checking these out.
Sounds like you had a brilliant time
Stratford Upon Avon is on my list. Shakespeare is so iconic that it would be amazing to be immersed in the atmosphere. Thanks for sharing!
Stratford-Upon-Avon sounds like a great place to visit!
Stratford Upon Avon it is for the next visit to England. Sounds fun. Thanks for sharing!
looks like a fun day out id love to visit
Looks like an interesting fun event x
I loved studying shakespeare at school,so this would be great x
These sound like fun events. Like many people, I’d never bothered to visit Stratford upon Avon until we had guests from the US. We spent a couple of days in the area and they were absolutely smitten, my friend especially loved Anne Hathaway’s cottege.