Background

Hall's Croft: Jacobean Home of Shakespeare’s Daughter in Stratford-upon-Avon

Explore the elegant Jacobean home of Shakespeare’s daughter Susanna and physician John Hall, rich in history and tranquil gardens.

4.5

Hall's Croft is the elegant Jacobean residence of Shakespeare’s daughter Susanna and her husband, Dr. John Hall, located in Stratford-upon-Avon’s Old Town. This Grade I listed historic house features beautifully preserved period interiors, a tranquil walled garden with medicinal herbs, and a fascinating medical exhibition exploring 17th-century practices. Currently undergoing conservation, Hall's Croft also serves as a learning hub for students and visitors interested in Shakespeare’s family legacy.

A brief summary to Hall's Croft

  • Old Town, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 6BG, GB
  • +441789338533
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 0.75 to 1.5 hours
  • Mid ranged
  • Environment icon Outdoor
  • Mobile reception: 4 out of 5

Local tips

  • Check the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust website for current opening status and conservation updates before planning your visit.
  • Allow about 45 minutes to an hour to explore the house, garden, and medical exhibition thoroughly.
  • Enjoy the peaceful walled garden and learn about medicinal herbs used in the 17th century.
  • Visit nearby Shakespeare family homes like Anne Hathaway’s Cottage and Shakespeare’s Birthplace for a fuller experience.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Bus

    Take the Stratford-upon-Avon town bus service from the railway station or town center, which runs every 15-30 minutes. The journey to Old Town near Hall's Croft takes approximately 10-15 minutes. Tickets cost around £2-£4 one way. Note that bus frequency may reduce on Sundays and public holidays.

  • Taxi

    A taxi ride from Stratford-upon-Avon railway station to Hall's Croft takes about 5-10 minutes, depending on traffic. Expect to pay approximately £7-£12. Taxis are readily available at the station and in town.

  • Walking

    From Stratford-upon-Avon town center, Hall's Croft is a 20-25 minute walk along mostly flat, paved streets suitable for most visitors. The route passes through historic areas and is accessible for wheelchair users.

  • Car

    Driving to Hall's Croft is possible, but parking in Stratford-upon-Avon’s Old Town is limited and may require use of nearby public car parks. Parking fees typically range from £2 to £5 per hour. The area is pedestrian-friendly, so consider parking outside and walking.

Hall's Croft location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures
  • Weather icon Rain / Wet Weather
  • Weather icon Clear Skies

Unlock the Best of Hall's Croft

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Hall's Croft

A Heritage Home of Shakespeare’s Family

Hall's Croft stands as a remarkable example of early 17th-century Jacobean architecture, built in 1613. It was the home of Susanna Shakespeare, William Shakespeare’s eldest daughter, and her husband, Dr. John Hall, a respected physician of his time. The house reflects the prosperity and elevated social status that Shakespeare’s success afforded his family. Over the centuries, it has housed various professional residents and even served as a small school in the 19th century before being acquired by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust in 1949.

Architectural and Interior Highlights

The house is renowned for its stunning timber-framed Jacobean design and richly furnished period interiors that transport visitors back to Shakespeare’s era. Visitors can admire the elegant rooms, original woodwork, and carefully preserved artifacts that reveal the lifestyle of a well-to-do family in the early 1600s. The atmosphere is enhanced by the stories told by guides about the house’s notable residents and guests, enriching the connection to Shakespeare’s lineage.

The Medicinal Garden and Medical Exhibition

One of Hall’s Croft’s unique features is its tranquil walled garden, where fragrant medicinal herbs are cultivated, reflecting Dr. John Hall’s profession and interests. The garden offers a restorative space for reflection amid greenery. Inside, a dedicated medical exhibition presents the tools and remedies used by Dr. Hall, providing insight into Jacobean medical practices and their contrast with modern medicine. This exhibition, titled 'Method in the Madness,' deepens understanding of the historical context of health and healing.

Conservation and Educational Role

Currently, Hall’s Croft is undergoing significant conservation efforts to preserve its original 17th-century fabric for future generations. While it is closed to general public visits during these works, the property functions as a vibrant learning hub. It hosts workshops and courses for secondary school students, university learners, and lifelong education participants, helping to bring Shakespeare’s life and times to life through immersive educational programs.

Visitor Experience and Amenities

When open, visitors enjoy exploring the peaceful gardens, viewing the Jacobean interiors, and engaging with the medical exhibition. The on-site café offers refreshments that complement the tranquil setting. Dogs are welcome in the gardens if accompanied and on a lead, adding to the relaxed and inclusive atmosphere. The house’s location in Stratford-upon-Avon’s Old Town places it within easy reach of other Shakespeare family homes and cultural attractions.

Legacy and Cultural Significance

Hall’s Croft embodies the personal and professional legacy of Shakespeare’s family, highlighting the intersection of literature, history, and medicine. As a Grade I listed building, it is a protected heritage site that offers a rare glimpse into the domestic life of one of England’s most celebrated families. The ongoing conservation and educational initiatives ensure that Hall’s Croft remains a vital part of Stratford-upon-Avon’s cultural landscape and Shakespearean heritage.

Busiest months of the year

Busiest hours of the day

Popular Experiences near Hall's Croft

Popular Hotels near Hall's Croft

Select Currency