A WEEKEND IN STRATFORD-UPON-AVON
SOLD OUT
20-21 MAY 2023
This year we are celebrating the 400th anniversary of the publication of Shakespeare's First Folio. To mark the occasion, The Harvard Club of the UK (HCUK) and Shakespeare Birthplace Trust (SBT) have organised a weekend getaway for Harvard alumni, families and friends in charming Stratford-Upon-Avon, home to the Shakespeare and Harvard families.
Stratford-upon-Avon is located in the Midlands, approximately 2.5 hours by train or a 2-hour drive from London. The programme will start early afternoon on Saturday, 20 May with visits to Shakespeare’s Birthplace; Harvard House (not normally open to the public); Holy Trinity Church; and Shakespeare’s New Place to see the First Folio exhibition. The day will end with the option to join the group for a river cruise with dinner on the Countess of Evesham. Alternatively, those interested in attending a play at the Royal Shakespeare Company may plan to do that. Day 2 will follow with a visit to Anne Hathaway's Cottage in the morning.
You are welcome to join for the full two-day programme or only for the first day, with or without evening activities on Saturday. Please see below for the full programme and registration details.
SATURDAY 20 MAY
13.00 Welcome and Visit to Shakespeare's Birthplace
The group will be welcomed to Stratford-upon-Avon by Tim Cooke (SBT’s CEO and former Fellow at Harvard Kennedy School), and Rachael North (SBT's Director of Visitor Experience & Business Development), in advance of a visit to Shakespeare's Birthplace, William Shakespeare’s childhood home in the heart of the town. Here you will hear tales of Shakespeare’s family life and get up close to objects from the Trust’s world class collections as you discover how the extraordinary playwright continues to shape our lives today.
Further information on Shakespeare's Birthplace
14.30 Visit to Harvard House
This was built by John Harvard’s grandfather and became the home of John Harvard's mother. In the early 1900s, the house was given to Harvard University and became known as the Harvard House. SBT now maintains the house on behalf of the University. The tour will start with an introduction to the building and its former inhabitants and will include light refreshments. The house is not normally open to the public.
15.30 Visit to Holy Trinity Church
Shakespeare's final resting place.
16.30 Visit to Shakespeare's New Place & the new First Folio exhibition
Shakespeare's New Place is the site that was William Shakespeare's family home for 19 years. 2023 is the 400th anniversary of the publication of Shakespeare's First Folio, one of the most important books in western literature, which is showcased here with a special exhibition entitled The Great Variety of Readers.
Further information on Shakespeare's New Place
Further information on The Great Variety of Readers exhibition
17.30 Free time / hotel check-in
19.00 Optional dinner cruise on the Countess of Evesham (organised by HCUK)
https://www.countessofevesham.co.uk/cruises/saturday-evenings/
Children’s menu available.
19:00 Optional evening at the Royal Shakespeare Company (not organised by HCUK)
For those who wish to attend a play at the RSC, Cymbeline and Hamnet are showing on 20 May. Attendees should book their own tickets with the RSC at https://www.rsc.org.uk/ or by ringing 01789 331111.
SUNDAY 21 MAY
10.30 Visit to Anne Hathaway's Cottage
End your Stratford-upon-Avon experience with a visit to Anne Hathaway's Cottage, the family home of William Shakespeare’s wife-to-be. It is here that Anne was born and raised and where the young Shakespeare would have visited her during the early part of their relationship. The cottage is a 20–25-minute walk from central Stratford or a short taxi journey. Local buses are also available.
Further information on Anne Hathaway's Cottage
11:30 End of visit
PRICING
Tour of sites HCUK members £20 (up to one guest at this price per person)
Non-members £30
Children 16 and under £5
Dinner cruise £43.50 per person (children under 10, £21.75 per child)
Please note that tickets for the tour and dinner cruise must be purchased separately. Any problems, then please contact Verity at vll@me.com
NOTES
Transport to Stratford and Anne Hathaway’s Cottage as well as accommodation, are to be organised by attendees individually. All trips on Day 1 are on foot.
HCUK aims to make our events inclusive and family-friendly where possible. Please also note that the historic houses do not allow pushchairs on the tours. There is also a fair bit of walking between historic sites. Parents who wish to bring children are requested to use their discretion.
Please check the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust website for further details: https://www.shakespeare.org.uk/visit/plan-your-visit/access/ and https://www.dayoutwiththekids.co.uk/attractions/shakespeares-birthplace-842d62a7