Holy Trinity Church
The basics
The Grade I listed, 800-year-old Holy Trinity boasts a beautiful interior complete with a perpendicular-style nave, ornately carved choir seats, and Victorian stained glass windows. Highlights include the Chancel—where Shakespeare, his wife, Anne Hathaway, and three other family members are buried—and the Clopton Chapel, housing one of England’s most beautiful Renaissance tombs.
Entry is free and visitors can explore at leisure. Many, however, visit as part of private or group day trips from places such as London and Oxford. These typically combine the church with other Shakespeare-related sights such as Anne Hathaway’s Cottage. Many pair Stratford with other attractions such as the Cotswolds, Warwick Castle, and Oxford. Other easy ways to see the church include Stratford hop-on hop-off tours—buses stop nearby—and River Avon cruises.
Things to know before you go
- The Holy Trinity is a functioning place of worship, so access can be limited during services.
- Photography is allowed inside.
- The church is wheelchair accessible via its southern entrance.
- On-site facilities include a restroom and gift shop.
- Visitors can buy afternoon tea at the church on summer weekends.
How to get there
The Holy Trinity sits on the banks of the Avon in Stratford Old Town. It’s around a 20-minute walk from Stratford train station, which is served by regular trains from London. The nearest bus stop is the Stratford Old Town stop. Several payable parking lots are available nearby, although drivers are encouraged to use Stratford’s Park-and-Ride service, which is signposted from the A46 road.
When to get there
The Holy Trinity is open daily to visitors, excluding Sunday mornings, Good Friday (the Friday before Easter), Christmas Day (December 25), Boxing Day (December 26), and New Year’s Day (January 1). Bear in mind that the church is closed during services—often at short notice–so you’re advised to check its website before visiting.
Shakespeare and the Holy Trinity Church
The church’s showpieces are the graves of Shakespeare and four of his family, which lie in the Chancel. It’s uncertain why the burial places have such a prominent spot, although it’s likely due to Shakespeare’s monetary contribution to the Chancel’s upkeep rather than his work. Also on display in the church is the medieval font that was likely used for Shakespeare’s baptism in 1564—don’t miss it.