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Shakespeare's New Place

A contemporary planting design celebrating Shakespeare’s legacy

Stratford-upon-Avon, UK

The transformation of the garden at New Place, Stratford-upon-Avon – William Shakespeare’s residence for 19 years – reimagines this historic site as a major heritage landmark that celebrates Shakespeare’s legacy, with planting design by Gillespies.

Contemporary garden design at Shakespeare’s New Place with sculptural features, planting, and timber seating by Gillespies landscape architects.

The re-imagined garden invites visitors to walk in Shakespeare's footsteps, tracing the footprint of his family home within a contemporary landscape. Gillespies’ innovative planting design creatively honours Shakespeare's work and life, with elements that weave storytelling throughout the space.

Throughout the garden, there are subtle re‑imaginings that will help enhance the 'guest' experience. Themes from Shakespeare's work and life are plentiful, represented through planting, sculptures, text and archaeology.

A raised 'Golden Garden' cuts through and interfaces with all the spaces, creating pause for thought and engagement - 37 pennants stand at random among the golden, year-round planting.

At the heart of the site — aptly named Heart of Home — pleached hornbeams encircle 'His Mind's Eye,' a bronze sculpture of a windblown tree that depicts Shakespeare's power of imagination. Shakespeare's golden chair and desk are also here.

The sunken Tudor Knot Garden, originally part of Ernest Law’s 1920 design, has been restored with scented plants, adding a timeless touch to this tribute to Shakespeare’s heritage.

Landscape architecture at Shakespeare’s New Place featuring illuminated sculptural tree, sphere, and timber seating in garden courtyard.
Contemporary landscape design at Shakespeare’s New Place with sculptural planting beds, heritage paving, and historic timber-framed architecture.
Vibrant perennial planting and sculptural wind vanes at Shakespeare’s New Place garden by Gillespies landscape architecture studio in London
Framed garden view of wildflower planting and colourful wind vanes at Shakespeare’s New Place by Gillespies landscape architects.
Formal garden design at Shakespeare’s New Place with illuminated timber pergola and structured planting in London.
Orange-red torch lilies and mixed perennial planting illuminated by warm evening sunlight in a landscaped garden.
Aerial landscape architecture concept drawing of Shakespeare’s New Place garden with formal hedges, paths, and planting.
Herbaceous garden at Shakespeare’s New Place with formal layout, timber pergola, and historic church backdrop, landscape architecture London.

Project details

Title

Shakespeare's New Place

Client

The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust

Status

Complete

Project team

Gillespies, Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios, Timothy O’Brien, Chris Wise and Expedition Engineering

Gillespies team

Oliver Smith

Photography

Jason Gairn/Gillespies | Video by Rob Parrish

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