5 Best Parks in Warwickshire
Getting out for a bit of fresh air in Warwickshire? Whether you’re a local looking to stretch your legs or a visitor seeking out ways to fill your days, there are lots of great parks to visit in the area. In fact, Warwickshire’s country parks and greenways alone have more than 1,200 acres of hills, meadows, woodlands, gardens, rivers and ponds to explore.
So you're looking to get out into the open air – whether that's for a walk, a run, a picnic, some time with the kids or any other outdoor activity – we've put together a list of five of the best parks in Warwickshire, covering both country parks and a lovely little urban oasis.
Visitors looking to maximise their time in the fresh air can, of course, do that by booking a camping or glamping break at one of our excellent range of sites. Staying outdoors is a particularly great way to have a break with the family – and you don't have to go far, stay long or spend much money to have a real adventure. Take a look at Pitchup’s collection of campsites below to find something that suits your style and budget.
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Coombe Abbey Park
Less than five miles from the centre of Coventry, Coombe Abbey Park has a wonderful 500 acres of parkland, gardens, woods, lakes, birdwatching, fisheries and nature trails to explore, making it arguably the best place for a bit of fresh air close to the city.
Centred around a grand house boasting more than 1000 years of history, the park was developed by celebrity garden designer ‘Capability’ Brown in the 18th century. It still retains much of its original form now, including elegant formal areas and an 80-acre landscaped lake. Other sections have been designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest because of their rich wildlife.
Visitors to the park can follow several walking trails, go birdwatching in the bird hide or tackle the exciting Go Ape course. There are also plenty of picnic spots, a café and a discovery centre where you can learn a bit more about your surroundings.
Burton Dassett Hills Country Park
It's all about those hills at Burton Dassett Hills Country Park. Made up of 100 acres of pristine countryside, with gorgeous views from rugged ironstone hilltops, it’s a great location for a run, a walk or just some time among greenery.
If you want something beyond just hills, there's also a small woodland at Fox Covert, an ancient beacon, some quarry remains and the 12th-century All Saints Church at the village of Burton Dassett to explore.
Ryton Pools Country Park
Home to birds and wildlife aplenty, and yet easily accessed from both Coventry and Leamington Spa, the 100-acre Ryton Pools Country Park is a local favourite for some time in the open air.
This is a place for long walks through ancient woodland and/or picnics with a view over peaceful lake waters. There are also ample chances for cyclists and anglers to spend a day indulging in their hobbies here. Refreshments are readily available at the park’s visitor centre, and on Sunday afternoons from Easter to September there's the added bonus of a miniature railway to ride on.
Jephson Gardens
If you’re in Leamington Spa but don’t have time to get out to a rural location, you can still have your fix of fresh air. Wander alongside the River Leam and into the award-winning Jephson Gardens, near the town centre.
Once voted ‘Best Park in Britain’, this elegant example of Victorian design gives you a chance to admire extensive floral displays, spot sculptures and wander through the sensory garden area. There’s also a play area, a boating lake and a tropical glasshouse along with a beautiful Victorian tea pavilion. Take even a short walk and you'll soon recognise why the garden has gained both a Green Flag and Green Heritage Award.
Swift Valley Nature Reserve
The 59 acres of coarse grassland, hedgerow, woodland and wetland at Swift Valley Nature Reserve, just north of Rugby, are managed by the Warwickshire Wildlife Trust.
The emphasis is very much on keeping things natural here – think wildlife watching and peaceful walks rather than colourful playgrounds and busy cafés. Take a pleasant stroll along the River Swift or its adjacent long-disused canal and take in the unspoiled surroundings. As you explore around the pools and marshy floodplain, look out for the reserve’s flourishing populations of kestrels, sparrowhawks, snipe, lapwings, coots and moorhens, plus butterflies, squirrels, rabbits and other shy beasts.
For locals and visitors alike, there are plenty of great days out in Warwickshire. Take a look at our list of things to do in Warwickshire for some inspiration, or get your boots on to explore the scenery on the best Warwickshire walks.
If you’re planning to stay over in the area – for a night or two, or a longer break – have a look through Pitchup's collection of campsites and glampsites. With everything from simple bargain pitches to smart glamping tents, we’ve got something for all tastes and budgets.