The Teddy Bear Museum

This world famous teddy bear museum and shop is located in a heritage 16th century building in the heart of Shakespeare's Stratford, England. The Teddy Bear Museum has existed since 1988, and every aspect of the teddy bear is celebrated, from his arrival at the beginning of the twentieth century to his worldwide popularity today.

World famous and distinguished bears from all over the world are on display at the Teddy Bear Museum. Many have been loaned or generously donated to the Museum by their owners or creators. Famous guests include the first television Paddington (a gift from Michael Bond), Pudsey Bear from the BBC's Children in Need, Roger de Courcey's naughty Nookie, Super Ted and, of course, Harry Corbett's creation, Sooty.

The Hall of Fame at the top of the house features treasured bears from the Museum's collection. "The Best of British" cabinet features four fine old bears from three pioneering teddy bear companies, Chiltern Toys, Chad Valley and JK Farnell. It was Christopher Robin's 1921 Farnell bear, which inspired A.A. Milne's stories of Winnie-the-Pooh. The oldest of the bears is Arden, made in 1913. This is an attraction for the whole family.