Warwickshire - The Heart of England
Situated in the Heart of England, Warwickshire is an unspoilt county with plenty of opportunities for great day trips or longer visits
Below is few ideas for places yo visit on your next holiday to Warwickshire.
If you travel to Alcester, you will find the magnificent Coughton Court (pronounced Coat-un) which has been the home of the Throckmortons from Tudor times to present day. The magnificent central Gatehouse, built in 1530, and the Tudor courtyard are complemented by an Elizabethan Knot garden. There is a new one-and-a-half acre Flower Garden in the old walled garden by the lake and a Bog Garden plus river and lake walks.
The house has a fine collection of family portraits, furniture and memorabilia with close associations with the Gunpowder Plot of 1605.
Built in 1680, Ragley is the family home of the Marquess and Marchioness of Hertford and houses a superb collection of 18th century paintings, porcelain and furniture. Set in 27 acres of beautiful formal gardens and a Capability Brown park (400 acres of parkland), this elegant 17th century house contains a stunning mural by Graham Rust 'The Temptation' and also England's finest Baroque plasterwork dated 1750 by James Gibbs can be found in the Great Hall.
The Hall was used as a location for the BBC production of Scarlet Pimpernel. Ragley Hall is situated off the A48/A435, south of Stratford-upon-Avon, and is open from March 22nd until Sept 30th - OAP's £4.50
Situated in the 16th century Shrieves House Barn in Sheep Street (in the centre of Stratford upon Avon), is a 'living museum' well worth a visit. Theatrical settings depicting the history of this site, complete with all the sounds and even the smells of the past. It is an educational, yet fun attraction for all the family. From the glorious to the ghastly, the hilarious to the haunting, it is an experience like no other, and will live on in your mind long after your visit.
The Falstaffs Experience (in the Shrieves House Barn) is also believed to be one of the most haunted properties in Britain, and holds lantern lit Ghost Tours on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings. For the more serious, fearless explorer, 'Midnight Vigils' are also held, where an experienced medium will help you explore the building by night. For more information, please call or visit the website.
New Place was the home which Shakespeare purchased in 1597 with his London earnings, and where he died in 1616. The original estate is now preserved as a picturesque garden space. Nash's House was originally owned by Shakespeare's granddaughter's first husband and the interior of the property reflects the style in which New Place is likely to have been furnished.
The Teddy Bear Museum in Greenhill Street, Stratford Upon Avon is open daily 0930-1730
Shakespeare's Birthplace Henley Street, Stratford-upon-Avon
This is the childhood home of William Shakespeare which contains both original and replica artefacts depicting the house as Shakespeare would have known it as a child. During your visit from 2007 the housewife or her maid will introduce the family rooms furnished with original and replica items similar to those which would have adorned the property when Shakespeare was a boy. In the recreated glover's workshop a glover and his journeyman will be carrying out the trade of Shakespeare's father from over 400 years ago.
Anne Hathaway's Cottage, Shottery, (1 mile from Stratford-upon Avon) This was the childhood home of Shakespeare's wife and remained occupied by the Hathaway family until 1899. The beautiful thatched farmhouse contains many rare items of family furniture original to the house and the house itself is set in stunning grounds with quintessential English cottage garden, orchard, sculpture garden, romantic willow cabin and maze.
Mary Arden's House and the Shakespeare Countryside Museum, 3 miles from Stratford-upon-Avon. This was the childhood home of Shakespeare's mother. From spring 2007 you can experience the Elizabethan pace of life and interact with the daily domestic routine of a working farm in Shakespeare's time. You can enjoy the rare breed farm animals, enjoy a flying display by Heart of England Falconry, children can dress up as an Edwardian or Tudor and much more. A great day out for all the family.
Hall's Croft, Old Town, Stratford-upon-Avon. This is an elegant 17th Century House which belonged to Shakespeare's daughter Susannah and her eminent husband, Doctor John Hall. The house includes Doctor Hall's consulting room, an exhibition of early medicine and many elegant rooms with exquisite furnishings and paintings.
Stratford Butterfly Farm
Wander through a lush landscape of exotic foliage where over a thousand multi-coloured butterflies sip nectar from tropical blossoms. Stroll past bubbling streams and splashing waterfalls and feed the Koi Carp. In addition to the caterpillars, Stratford Butterfly Farm also has an amazing range of other animals. There is an insect room where weird and wonderful creepy crawlies reside. The braver amongst you may wander into Arachnoland, a spider and scorpion exhibit. The largest and most dangerous spiders from across the world can be found here including the Goliath Bird-Eating Spider and the Black Widow - all safely behind the glass thank goodness.
Situated on the banks of the river Avon in the heart of Stratford. Why not indulge in an evening of culture, pre booking recommended
Take time out to discover the beautiful and tranquil setting of Charlecote Park, set alongside the Avon, amongst the Warwickshire countryside between Warwick and Stratford. This quintessential English park was home to the Lucy family for over seven centuries, the spacious parkland landscaped by 'Capability' Brown. The Tudor house known to both Queen Elizabeth and Shakespeare, was lovingly updated in a rich early Victorian manner. Wander through the formal gardens and visit the unspoilt Tudor Gatehouse. Visit the Kitchens and the shop in the Old Servants Hall to purchase a reminder of a relaxing day at a timeless English Park.
Beautiful Tudor timber framed building with a moat around it, and stunning Elizabethan interiors.
Bursting to the towers with tales of treachery and torture, passion and power and above all, fascinating people, time and events, Warwick Castle is so much more than simply a castle. Experience preparations for battle in 'Kingmaker', feel the weight of a sword in 'Death or Glory', see the lavishly decorated State Rooms and watch as a household prepares for a Victorian party in 'A Royal Weekend Party', discover how electricity was generated in the Mill and Engine House and explore 60 acres of grounds and gardens.
Throughout the year there is a fantastic programme of events including jousting tournaments and the world's largest seige machine in action.
Accessibility: Access to the Castle is limited - April - Sept: 10am - 6pm
Oct - March: 10am - 5pm
If you are interested in dolls, then a visit to the Warwick Doll museum in Oken's House, Castle Street Warwick, is a must.
Based in the heart of Warwickshire, Hatton Country World consists of two side by side attractions - Hatton Shopping Village and Hatton Farm Village. Hatton Farm Village is a fun-packed paradise for children and adults, with a unique mix of animals, adventure and all-out activity.
Constructed between Norman and Tudor times the castle ruins are well worth a visit.
Discover beautiful Regency architecture in this stunning town in Warwickshire. There is so much to see and do in Leamington with shops, bars and restaurants in abundance so you wont be disappointed.