Hamnet film boosts tourism at Shakespeare heritage sites

The BAFTA- and Oscar-nominated film Hamnet has driven a reported 15–20% rise in visitor numbers at Stratford-upon-Avon sites such as Shakespeare's Birthplace and Anne Hathaway's cottage since its January release.

Visitors are arriving in larger numbers at Shakespeare heritage sites in Stratford-upon-Avon after the release of the film Hamnet. The movie, adapted from Maggie O'Farrell's 2020 novel, opened in January and has attracted major awards attention. The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust manages key locations including Shakespeare's Birthplace, Anne Hathaway's cottage and Shakespeare's New Place. The Trust says the sites typically receive about 250,000 visitors a year. What is known: - The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust reports a roughly 15–20% increase in visitor numbers across its sites since the film was released. - Anne Hathaway's cottage is one of the settings referenced in the film and has been a particular focus for visitors. - Hamnet has received multiple award nominations, reported as 11 BAFTA nods and eight Oscar nominations, with Jessie Buckley highlighted for leading actress. - The film is set in Stratford-upon-Avon and London but was not filmed in Stratford. - Trust staff and scholars, including Charlotte Scott, say the film offers a more emotive route for some people to engage with Shakespeare's life and work. Summary: The film's release has coincided with a measurable rise in tourism at the Shakespeare Trust's sites and heightened interest in the places associated with the bard. Trust officials say the increase has been apparent since January and expect interest to continue through the year.