Great Days Out In Warwickshire
Are you looking for a British destination for your next holiday? Warwickshire, right in the heart of England, has so much to offer. If you love history – and indeed, literature – Warwickshire is the perfect place for your next self-catering holiday. Let’s take a look at a few of the historic county’s highlights.
Warwick Castle
Spectacular Warwick Castle is a whole day out (at least). Explore the magnificent state rooms, which have been reconstructed to show different periods from the castle’s history. Climb the towers for views over the beautiful grounds, or descend into the frankly gruesome dungeons. Have a go at archery, get lost in the maze, watch a display from the Castle’s birds of prey or admire the jousting – there’s such a lot to see here.
Warwick Castle also hosts a packed programme of events and exhibitions, so check the dates before you book. If you’re planning a trip to Warwick Castle, book a stay at Puddle Cottage in Tredington Mill, just 15 miles from the castle.
Shakespeare’s Stratford-upon-Avon
Pretty Stratford-upon-Avon, with its riverside setting and well-preserved historic buildings, would be a lovely place to visit in its own right. However, as we all know, it was also the birthplace and home of playwright William Shakespeare, and this is why most visitors come here.
You can visit Shakespeare’s birthplace, his old school, his long-term home New Place, his mother Mary Arden’s house and his wife Anne Hathaway’s childhood home. Walk along the river to Holy Trinity Church where Shakespeare is buried, or simply enjoy strolling around the old streets of Stratford, literally in his footsteps. Of course, the true Shakespeare fan will go to see a play at the Swan Theatre, the Royal Shakespeare Theatre or The Other Place.
Thinking of booking a Stratford theatre break? The Chicken Shed Lodge is one of several lovely properties in Winchcombe Farm at Upper Tysoe, which is only 13 miles from the centre of Stratford-upon-Avon.
Other historic sites in Warwickshire
If you love exploring historic visitor attractions, there are plenty of other places to visit in this ancient county. Kenilworth Castle was an impenetrable medieval fortress, later converted into a palatial home by Robert Dudley (in an attempt to impress Elizabeth I). There’s a lot to see at the English Heritage castle, including the beautiful Elizabethan gardens.
Charlecote Park is another Tudor stately home and it’s just five miles from Warwick. The National Trust-managed property is set out as it was in its Victorian days, including the fascinating kitchens. Don’t put your National Trust pass away yet, as there’s also Baddesley Clinton to visit. This moated manor house has a lovely setting in the Forest of Arden.
Is industrial history more to your taste? Warwickshire is home to the most extraordinary network of canals and there’s a great choice of boat trips along these historic waterways.
Stay in your own historic Warwickshire building: the fabulous Pool View is part of an 18th-century former water mill, situated on its own little island.
Family days out in Warwickshire
There’s a lot for families to do in Warwickshire, as well as the famous Warwick Castle. Animal loving kids will make a beeline for Stratford Butterfly Farm or Hatton Country World, which is home to over 450 animals as well as other attractions.
Indoor attractions include the MAD Museum (Mechanical Art and Design) in Stratford and the British Motor Museum in Gaydon. You can also head into the largest local towns (Warwick, Rugby and Leamington Spa) for family-friendly places to eat and shop.
If you’re looking for a base for your family holiday, George’s Getaway is in a pretty rural location near Stratford-upon-Avon and sleeps up to eight people. They even provide LEGO!
Luxury holiday cottages in Warwickshire
Here at Handpicked Cottages, we have a selection of luxury holiday cottages in Warwickshire, many of which are close to popular visitor destinations like Warwick Castle and Stratford-upon-Avon. Look out for cottages with views over the lush Warwickshire countryside: perfect for both temperate summer days and content winters…
