Location: Wilmcote, 3 miles from Stratford-upon-Avon town centre

Mary Arden was William Shakespeare’s mother and this historic site, just a few miles outside Stratford, contains her family home. There are two 16 th Century farmhouses: Mary Arden's House itself and Palmer's Farm. The houses, outbuildings and adjoining land recreate with period perfection life and work on a Tudor farm.

Visiting Mary Arden's House provides an opportunity to enjoy the countryside near to the two farmhouses. Behind the great barn is a pond that is home to ducks and other wildlife, while close by the field-walk begins its course and includes wild flowers described in Shakespeare’s plays.

The farm also includes rare breeds of farm animals including Cotswold Sheep, Longhorn Cattle and Gloucester Old Spot pigs. A wonderful collection of birds of prey performs falconry displays throughout the day.

Many of the outbuildings display the Shakespeare’s Birthplace Trust's countryside museum collections, with a host of exhibits illustrating some of the principal farming tasks undertaken in a pre-mechanised age, arranged according to seasons of the year. Although most of the tools date from the 18th and 19th Centuries, many had not changed their basic forms since Shakespeare's time. Visit time: Allow up to two hours to view the house, Shakespeare Countryside Museum, Palmer's Farm, falconry displays, prize-winning livestock and the shop. You may need longer to enjoy further the grounds and the walks.

Mary Arden’s House and the Countryside Museum features:

• Guided tours
• Garden
• Orchard
• Walks
• Exhibition
• Shop
• Limited disabled access