Families in Avenue and New Town invited to enjoy free entry to Shakespeare’s final home

Families in the Avenue and New Town Area of Stratford can enjoy learning more about the heritage on their doorstep, thanks to a series of seven Discovery Sundays this summer hosted by The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust.

Starting  this Sunday (July 21), local families within the area are invited to enjoy free entry and a range of activities at Nash's House and New Place, the site of Shakespeare's home when he was at the height of his popularity.

The initiative is being co-funded by Stratford-on-Avon District Council's S106 Public Art Grant Fund.  It is part of the Trust's work as the charity which cares for Shakespeare's legacy in Stratford, to bring Shakespeare to the local community and inspire future generations.

Activities include Quills and Spills –  a new giant Shakespeare board game where children can learn more about the life and works of the playwright by playing the snakes and ladder style outdoor game. 

Visitors can also enjoy family entertainment in the marquee which will be open every weekend and during school holidays with lots of hands-on activities for all ages. These include discovering hidden artefacts embedded in the structure, unearthing a 'skeleton' and drawing it 'in situ' using a real archaeological planning frame, digging for hidden treasure in the outdoor pits, washing and dating artefacts and searching archaeological residues for eco facts and evidence of food eaten through the ages.

Jessica Hill, Development Officer for The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, said: “We are delighted to get this additional funding which will enable us to offer people living in the area free access to the site of Shakespeare's final home – a site of national and international importance. 

“Discovery Sundays are the perfect opportunity for families to pop along to a fantastic attraction on their doorstep and investigate just what the local area has to offer."

Vouchers will be posted through doors and handed out at schools in the area, but anyone within the Avenue and New Town area who has not received an invitation can receive free entry with proof of residence.

For more information visit the what's on page  at www.shakespeare.org.uk 

For more information or to attend a Discovery Sundays event please contact The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust Press and Public Affairs Officer Nurinder Mantell on 01789 207136 or Nurinder.Mantell@shakespeare.org.uk

Discovery Sundays take place on seven Sundays from 21 July to 1 September 2013.

Free entrance is for up to two adults and three children.

Nash's House and New Place was awarded the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence in 2012.

*Nash's House & New Place and Mary Arden's Farm both have a Quality Badge from the Council for Learning Outside the Classroom. In 2012 family activities at New Place attracted more than 15,000 adults and children which is 122% up on 2011. www.shakespeare.org.uk