Warwickshire is one of England’s many land-locked counties of the West Midlands. The beautiful city of Warwick is surrounded by mostly rural villages, although of course the other main town of Stratford-upon-Avon is a tourist mecca, due to being the birthplace of William Shakespeare.
After London, it’s the most visited place in England (mostly by American tourists). But away from here, you’ll find glorious countryside for walking.
Always follow the Countryside Code, to keep all creatures safe.
The Historic City of Warwick
This city stands out as one of England’s finest. Small enough to be personal, but large enough for long walks through its ancient walks, you can also stroll alongside the River Avon. The timber-framed buildings and leafy squares, give this a feeling of ‘yesteryear cities’.
Edge of the Cotswolds
Although England’s largest National Landscape is mostly in Gloucestershire, it spills over into several other counties, including this one (National Landscape is the new name for an ‘Area of Outstanding National Beauty). The name was changed, in the hope of better protecting these areas, in the face of pollution and climate change.
The Cotswolds just brushes south Warwickshire, where you can find postcard-pretty gentle hills and golden stone cottages. Visit Shipston-on-Stour or Ilmington for a slower pace of life. Alongside the meadows and ancient woods, you’ll also find local markets and country pubs.
Relax in Royal Leamington Spa
Royal Leamington Spa is one of England’s spa towns, a leafy oasis with Regency architecture, and the beautiful Jephson Gardens in the centre, perfect for a slow walk or picnic.
Visit the Pump Rooms to learn the story of this town’s spa heritage (other spa towns in England are Bath, Cheltenham and Tunbridge Wells).
Hike the Heart of England Way
This long-distance walking paths runs through the Warwickshire countryside, where you’ll come across quiet lanes, small villages and old farms.
The views stretch for miles over Henley-in-Arden or Meriden (the centre of England). If you’re fortunate, you may spot birds, foxes or elusive deer.
Step Back in Time at Kenilworth
Kenilworth castle is one of England’s finest, and played a big part in English history. First built in the 1120s, in 1563 it was handed to the Earl of Leicester by Elizabeth I, who converted it into a lavish palace, to ‘entertain his queen’.
Today you can explore the red-stone ruins of the castle, or just wander the rose and kitchen gardens, imagining life in Tudor times. The town itself is home to cosy cafés, hidden bookshops, and friendly locals.
The Birthplace of William Shakespeare
Stratford-upon-Avon is where you’ll find the legacy of one of England’s greatest ever writers. The streets of this town are lined with historic houses, including his own, which you can visit. Or take in a play at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre.
Shakespeare was a wealthy property developer (with left-wing political views) who has no direct descendants, as all his closest relatives died, with no living children.
Despite stories of other people writing some of his plays, Shakespeare Birthplace Trust refutes this. Some believe that Edward de Vere (the Earl of Oxford) wrote them.
The Illustrated William Shakespeare offers 25 of his most beloved poems alongside stunning colour collage artwork, if you feel that you really should read Shakespeare, but want some easy bedtime reading!
Germaine Greer is not a fan of ‘exploitation of the Bard’, saying that millions of ‘pilgrims’ now spend £7 to struggle up the stairs of Anne Hathaway’s Cottage (not a cottage, and it never belonged to her). And visit to spend money at fast food chains and over-priced sandwich bars, something that William would likely be appalled at.
Nuneaton (birthplace of Larry Grayson)
This large town contains a beautiful church and museum, and a park with remnants of the old Priory. One resident was TV presenter Larry Grayson. Born to a single mother who handed him in a blanket to a local family, they all remained close friends (he lived with his sister until his death).
His beautiful folk-singing co-star Isla St Clair was unimpressed, when the BBC revived the Generation Game a few years back. She wrote that people longed for a show that ‘doesn’t involve eating worms or awful revelations that should be kept indoors’.
