Holy Trinity Church stands on the bank of the River Avon at the end of a lime-lined path, and it is the final stop on most Shakespeare trails. William Shakespeare was baptised here in 1564 and buried in the chancel in 1616. His grave lies with those of his wife Anne Hathaway, his daughter Susanna, his son-in-law Dr John Hall and his friend Thomas Nash, and a bust above it shows him with pen in hand. Beyond the Shakespeare connection, the church is one of the loveliest parish churches in England, with a tall spire, a spacious nave, stained glass and twenty-six finely carved fifteenth-century misericords in the chancel. The setting beside the water is quiet and photogenic, particularly in the soft light of late afternoon.
Plan around the church's working life. It is a living parish church, so services take priority. On Tuesdays the chancel, where the grave lies, is closed from 10am to about 11.15am for Holy Communion, and on Sundays the grave is not accessible during the morning services. The church usually opens from about 12.
15 to 5pm on Sundays, but if baptisms follow the service it can stay closed until around 1.30pm. It is closed on Good Friday, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day, and it sometimes shuts at short notice for funerals, with times posted on the churchyard notice board.
Walk in slowly and look at the details. The chancel holds the grave slabs, Shakespeare's monument on the north wall and the carved misericords, which show scenes of everyday and mythical life. The nave has a calm, light feel, and the windows are worth a pause. Outside, the churchyard and the riverside path make a gentle place to sit, and you can watch the rowing boats and swans from the bank.
Keep conduct respectful, as people come here to worship and to mourn. The tourism board page mentions no admission charge for the church, but a small charge or donation may apply for the chancel, so check the notice at the door and carry a little cash. Combine the church with a stroll along the river to the theatres, or with a visit to the Birthplace and New Place Gardens, to follow Shakespeare's life from his first house to his last resting place.
What to expect
The experience
A quiet self-guided visit to a working parish church, with the grave and monument in the chancel and a walk through the riverside churchyard.
Best time
Late afternoon for soft light on the river and quieter pews, outside service times.
How long
About thirty to forty-five minutes, longer if you linger in the churchyard.
Tips
Avoid Tuesday mornings and Sunday services for chancel access, keep voices low and check the notice board for short-notice closures.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Anyone who wants to see Shakespeare's grave, and lovers of medieval churches and quiet riverside spots.
- Families
- Older children enjoy the carved misericords and the story of the grave, but ask them to keep voices low.
- Couples
- Walk the riverside path from the theatres in the late afternoon and finish at the church as the light fades.
- Pair with
- Shakespeare's New Place Gardens and the Birthplace, or a river cruise from Bancroft Gardens.
- Time needed
- Allow about forty minutes, plus time for the churchyard walk.
Good questions
Where is Shakespeare buried?+
He lies in the chancel of Holy Trinity Church, alongside his wife Anne Hathaway and members of his family. A monument on the wall above shows him with a pen.
When is Holy Trinity Church closed?+
It is closed on Good Friday, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day, and the chancel is shut on Tuesday mornings for Holy Communion. It can also close at short notice for funerals.
Do I have to pay to see the grave?+
The tourism board page does not mention an admission charge, but a small charge or donation may apply for the chancel. Check the notice at the door.
Can I visit during a Sunday service?+
The grave is not accessible during the morning services on Sundays. The church usually opens to visitors from about 12.15 to 5pm, except when baptisms follow the service.
What else is worth seeing inside?+
Look for the twenty-six carved misericords in the chancel and the stained glass in the nave. The setting beside the river is lovely in itself.
