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Chloé Zhao's poignant new film, Hamnet, has captivated critics and audiences alike since its cinematic release, generating significant early Oscar buzz. The drama stars Paul Mescal as William Shakespeare and Jessie Buckley as his wife, Agnes, chronicling the couple's profound grief following the death of their 11-year-old son, Hamnet.
Adapted from Maggie O'Farrell's acclaimed 2020 novel, the story offers a fictional exploration of the personal tragedy that many scholars believe later inspired Shakespeare's timeless tragedy, Hamlet. To authentically capture the late Elizabethan period, the production team made a deliberate choice to avoid the more obvious setting of Stratford-upon-Avon, opting instead for a series of picturesque and historically rich locations across Herefordshire and London.
Historic Herefordshire: The Heart of the Film
The primary filming for the Shakespeare family's home life took place in the quintessential English village of Weobley, Herefordshire. Renowned for its striking 'black and white' half-timbered buildings, this village provided the perfect backdrop. In response to the film's popularity, Herefordshire's tourism board has launched a special Hamnet-inspired walking trail. This route begins in Weobley and meanders through the region's lush countryside, passing through several of the area's finest Tudor-era villages before concluding in Pembridge.
Another key Herefordshire location was the Cwmmau Farmhouse, a National Trust property which stood in for Agnes's (Anne Hathaway's) family home, known as Hewlands Farm. While the actual Anne Hathaway's Cottage exists in Stratford, filmmakers selected this Grade-II listed farmhouse, built between 1600 and 1632. The house features remarkably preserved period details, including original bread ovens, oak beams, and leaded windows. The location fees contributed directly to conservation work on the property, which is now available for holiday lets.
London's Charterhouse and Shakespearean Landmarks
For the film's London sequences, the production utilised The Charterhouse in central London. This historic complex, founded as a monastery in 1371, has served many purposes—including a Tudor mansion—and is now an almshouse. The site offers public tours and seasonal candlelit visits.
While the iconic Globe Theatre features in the movie, those scenes were shot on a replica stage at Elstree Studios. However, fans can visit the authentic Shakespeare's Globe on London's South Bank, a faithful reconstruction where the Bard's works are performed weekly. The original theatre, built in 1599 by Shakespeare's own company, was destroyed by fire in 1613.
Exploring the Real Stratford-upon-Avon
Although Hamnet was not filmed in Shakespeare's actual hometown, visitors seeking a deeper connection can explore Stratford-upon-Avon in Warwickshire. The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust cares for three key properties: the restored house where Shakespeare is believed to have been born, Agnes's (Anne Hathaway's) family cottage, and the site of his later family home. To coincide with the film's release, the Trust is hosting special Hamnet tours and talks. This medieval market town remains the ultimate destination for understanding the real life and legacy of the world's most famous playwright.
