Welcome to Shakespeare’s England
Warwickshire comes with a story to tell, vibrant towns surrounded by charming countryside, it has its own unmistakable identity. Passionate locals keep the spirit going, showing visitors what this magnificent area has to offer.
In the West Midlands, the rural county of Warwickshire is a beautiful area of thinly populate countryside surrounding the extended urban areas of Birmingham and Coventry. This is a place of castles, medieval towns and impressive country estates.
Warwickshire has given us one of history’s most revered wordsmiths and playwrights, William Shakespeare, and his birthplace Stratford-upon-Avon is rightly a hotspot. In Stratford-upon-Avon, the theatres of the Royal Shakespeare Company welcome you to witness live, one of the Bard’s famous plays. See signature motte-and-bailey forts and romantic Elizabethan love nests, with gatehouses and towers. Miles of canals and stairway locks beckon you for relaxed pub lunches and picnics.
Warwickshire ticks all the boxes when it comes to history lessons. Kenilworth has atmospheric castle ruins, Rugby celebrates the sport that takes its name, at The World Rugby Hall of Fame Museum, and Coventry, which will be in the spotlight in 2021, when it is celebrated as the UK City of Culture, claims two extraordinary cathedrals The Herbert Art Gallery & Museum and an unmissable Transport Museum.
Explore our Region
Some of the hidden treasures of our area include an amazing collection of National Trust properties, stately homes and gardens that are all within reach. Visit Packwood House to see their restored Tudor house, park and garden with notable topiary. Baddesley Clinton is a picturesque medieval moated manor house and garden, whilst Charlecote Park is a superb Tudor house and landscaped deer park.
Stoneleigh Abbey, founded in 1154, is the largest house in Warwickshire and sits in 690 acres of parkland overlooking the River Avon. King Charles I was entertained at Stoneleigh Abbey when the gates of Coventry were closed to him, and Jane Austen was inspired to share the interiors and views of the grounds in her novels.
Following a ten-year restoration period, Compton Verney has been transformed from a Georgian mansion into an art gallery of international standing. The stunning settings provided by the landscaped grounds, designed by Capability Brown, and are perfect for a family picnic.
For more information on our area and holiday ideas visit www.shakespeares-england.co.uk
For further information on Warwickshire the website https://visit.warwickshire.gov.uk/ is full of useful ideas to help you plan your itinerary.
Kenilworth
Kenilworth Castle, with its restored Elizabethan Gardens is a truly inspirational place, which has been further enhanced with the recent addition of viewing platforms that allow visitors to enjoy stunning views from the castle not seen in over 350 years. A short walk from the castle is the ruin of the Abbey of St Mary, which sits in Abbey Fields. Here you will find 68 acres of open space along with swimming pools, tennis courts, a lake, and numerous nature trails along with an exciting new children’s playground.
https://visit.kenilworthweb.co.uk/
Royal Leamington Spa
Royal Leamington Spa is the hidden jewel of Warwickshire, the town boasts dramatic Regency architecture, delightful parks and gardens and a unique mix of top quality shopping, with a fantastic range of independents alongside high street brands.
The historic heart of Royal Leamington Spa is Old Town, south of the River Leam. Steeped in history, particularly as the industrial centre during the first half of the twentieth century, this part of the town has since attracted many different restaurants and now provides a wealth of exciting activities such as dance, theatre and live music.
Leamington Spa Art Gallery & Museum in the Royal Pump Rooms provides opportunities for all ages to learn, enjoy and participate in the creation, interpretation and preservation of our wonderful arts and heritage. https://bidleamington.com/
Stratford-upon-Avon
Stratford-upon-Avon is a market town with more than 800 years of history.
No visit to Stratford would not be complete without finding out more about the English poet and playwright that makes it famous. At Shakespeare’s Birthplace you can visit the place the world’s most famous playwright was born and grew up and you can discover more about his early years.
Stratford Town Centre hosts a diverse range of shops, restaurants and accommodation. The best of Stratford-upon-Avon can’t be seen in a day, so why not make a weekend of it.
www.shakespeares-england.co.uk