Why visit Warwickshire?
Shakespeare country
Few places can quite match the literary pedigree of Warwickshire – after all, this is the county where William Shakespeare was born and lived out his formative years (something you’ll be reminded of by countless road signs, souvenir shops and guide books).
Bard-themed breaks should be based in and around Shakespeare's hometown Stratford-upon-Avon, a well-preserved spot that’s home to Shakespeare's Birthplace, the Royal Shakespeare Theatre and the cottage belonging to Anne Hathaway, Shakespeare’s wife.
Whether you're here to catch a show, introduce your kids to the theatre or fancy following in Shakespeare's footsteps on trips around the Forest of Arden, Warwickshire is where you'll want to be.
The home of Rugby
The Warwickshire town of Rugby and its prestigious public school are famous for giving the world the ball game of the same name. Originating in the 19th century and popular ever since, original matches could involve hundreds of boys and last for days on end (thankfully, things have become a little more orderly since then).
As well as rugby itself, related sports like Australian Rules Football and American Football can trace their roots back to this small Central England town, making this one of the most significant spots in any athlete’s atlas.
To learn more about rugby’s origins and see where it all began, book a ticket for one of the tours that regularly run throughout the year at Rugby School.
Gateway to Cotswold countryside
Head to the south of the county to explore the edge of the Cotswolds, a spectacular expanse of classic English countryside that spans the boundary between South West and Central England. This area of outstanding natural beauty is dotted with walking trails, chocolate box villages and sandstone market towns, as well as gardens, National Trust properties and plenty of wonderful wildlife watching opportunities.
The best things to do in Warwickshire
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Head to Stratford-upon-Avon for literary sights like Shakespeare's Birthplace and Anne Hathaway's Cottage and Gardens, or stick around to catch a live performance at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre.
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Explore gorgeous green spaces like Charlecote Park, an ornate National Trust-managed property with gardens and a deer park just outside Wellesbourne, or make the trip to country mansions like Upton House near Banbury.
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Step back in time at historic Warwickshire castles like Warwick or Kenilworth.
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See a cracking combination of medieval and modern architecture at Coventry cathedral and enjoy the mechanical antics of the Lady Godiva clock next door.
Unexplored Warwickshire
Warwickshire’s canals
Once you’ve ticked off a few of Warwickshire’s must-see spots, it’s easy to scout out quieter times by following the Warwickshire Ring, an interconnected loop of canals that pass through some of the prettiest parts of the county.
Boat trips along both canals and the river Avon can be found easily enough in Stratford, while other watery highlights include innovative engineering like the cantilevered Dick’s Lane bridge and the Edstone Aqueduct, the longest stretch of elevated canal in England.
George Eliot and Nuneaton
With Shakespeare getting the lion’s share of the limelight, it’s easy to forget that Warwickshire was also the birthplace of the great 19th-century novelist Mary Ann Evans (better known by her pen name George Eliot).
Born and raised in the northern part of Warwickshire in the countryside around Nuneaton, Eliot’s works feature striking descriptions of the Warwickshire landscape, making an excellent addition to any trip to this part of the world.
To learn more and see an excellent collection of Eliot artefacts, head to the Herbert Art Gallery and Museum in Coventry, where the young Mary Ann studied for several years.
Herbs and botanics
The National Herb Centre is a fascinating collection of health-giving and aromatic plants located close to the Oxfordshire border near Banbury, with extra attractions like kids' nature trails, a café and an on-site garden centre to further sweeten the deal.
Here’s how
Signed up for a stay in Warwickshire but unsure about where to spend it? There are plenty of parks to pick from in this agricultural county, whether you’re after secluded glamping hideaways or family-friendly pitches.
Have a play with the filters on this page to mix and match by theme, facilities and nearby leisure options if you’re looking for something specific, or keep reading to browse some of our most popular options.
Still on the look-out for that site that’s just right? Head south to explore other counties that are part of the Cotswolds like Oxfordshire and Gloucestershire, or carry on northwards for fab green vistas over Leicestershire and the National Forest.
