Local Attractions
We are blessed to be surrounded by many wonderful local attractions for you to discover and explore close-by. Picturesque villages, grand palaces, ancient castles and beautiful gardens – this perfect corner of English countryside has it all. Wondering where to start? Here’s a few of our favourites:
Stratford-upon-Avon
(About 20 minutes by car)
You really need a couple of days to uncover all the exciting things there are to do in Shakespeare’s home town. We highly recommend buying tickets for the open-top bus that tours around the town; you can hop on and off all day long to capture the magic of this place.
Explore Stratford on foot with a walking tour, a lively and informative two-hour tour taking in the sights with knowledgeable guides. Visit http://www.stratfordtownwalk.co.uk for more information.
The Butterfly Farm, the Big Wheel for stunning views, Shakespeare’s Birthplace, Shakespeare’s New Place, Mary Arden’s Farm, The Other Place, The MAD Museum and a ride on one of the many boats on the River Avon, are all a must. In warm weather it’s nice to relax by the river with a picnic and watch the boats go by. There is a lovely children’s playground (near The Butterfly Farm) which includes a paddling pool (May to September), water and sand play. Parking and toilets are on site.
We recommended Fourteas and Hathaways Tea Room for light lunches, coffee and cake. Hooray’s Ice Cream Parlour is worth a visit for the staggering choice of ice cream flavours. They also sell hot drinks, pancakes, waffles and an assortment of cakes.
Royal Shakespeare Company – Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 6BB
(About 20 minutes by car)
One of the world’s best-known theatre ensembles, The Royal Shakespeare Company performs the works of Shakespeare, his contemporaries and new writing, throughout the year in Stratford-upon-Avon.
If you don’t have time to see a performance you can still enjoy the stunning views from the Tower, discover theatrical secrets on a Theatre Tour, spend time exploring the award-winning ‘The Play’s The Thing’ exhibition, relax with a coffee at The Other Place overlooking the River Avon while feeding the swans, or sip cocktails in the Rooftop Restaurant.
British Motor Museum – Banbury Road, Gaydon, Warwickshire, CV35 0BJ
(About 10 minutes by car)
Explore the British Motor Museum, home to world’s largest collection of historic British cars – from the very first Land Rover to Lady Penelope’s FAB1. Take a walk down the ‘Time Road’ and discover how motoring and family life has changed through the decades as the cars are brought to life in free guided tours. There’s a pleasant restaurant as well as a lovely picnic site and outdoor play area for children.
Broadway Tower – Middle Hill, Broadway, Worcestershire, WR12 7LB
(About 35 minutes by car)
An iconic landmark, on top of the beautiful Cotswolds escarpment, Broadway Tower has enjoyed a colourful history since its conception and offers something of interest for everyone, as well as stunning views. Then pop down to Broadway village and take a stroll around some of the independent shops before treating yourself to a delicious afternoon tea in one of the many tea rooms.
Blenheim Palace – Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, Oxfordshire, OX20 1PS
(About 35 minutes by car)
A masterpiece of Baroque architecture, Blenheim Palace provides an awe-inspiring experience for visitors and sits amongst more than 2000 acres of Capability Brown landscaped parkland and gardens. Home to the 12th Duke of Marlborough and birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, this Grade 1-listed building is home to one of the most important and extensive collections in Europe, which includes portraits, furniture, sculptures and tapestries. There is a playground, maze, butterfly house and café inside the Pleasure Gardens with a land train to take visitors between the gardens and the Palace.
Compton Verney Art Gallery and Park – Warwickshire CV35 9HZ
(About 10 minutes by car)
Discover the unique delights of Compton Verney, where there’s something for everyone to enjoy. 120 acres of stunning parkland and a lake surround an award-winning art gallery, with family-friendly café and gift shop. You can wander through the historic Capability Brown landscape, marvel at the world-class art exhibitions or have fun on the outdoor adventure playground. Definitely worth buying an annual membership pass if you’re planning a return visit in the next 12 months, as they are great value for money.
Cotswold Wildlife Park – Bradwell Grove, Burford, Oxfordshire, OX18 4JP
www.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk
(About 30 minutes by car)
Take a walk on the wild side at the Cotswold Wildlife Park in Burford. Stroll around the park and get eye-to-eye with giraffes, watch rhinos graze on the Gothic Manor House lawns, walk with lemurs or take a ride on Bella the Train (April-October). The stunning gardens and themed borders make a beautiful backdrop for viewing the animals. With over 260 different species of animals in over 120 acres of parkland, there’s plenty of space to relax and get closer to wildlife. Kids of all ages will love the adventure playground in the woods with interconnecting treehouses, rope bridges and slides. Don’t miss the Children’s Farmyard.
All Things Wild – Honeyborne, Nr Evesham, Worcestershire WR11 7QZ
(About 35 minutes by car)
All Things Wild is an all-weather family attraction with a host of different animals and dinosaurs to see. They offer lots to see and do including pond dipping, bug hunting, animal encounters, go-karts and soft play.
Warwick Castle – Warwick CV34 6AH
(About 25 minutes by car)
Experience one thousand years of jaw-dropping history at Warwick Castle. Great battles, ancient myths, spellbinding tales, pampered princesses, heroic knights, birds of prey and the castle dungeons are not to be missed. Book your tickets online before your visit to take advantage of discounted prices.
If you have time, visit St Nicholas Park opposite the castle, which has a delightful children’s play area, paddling pool, crazy golf, mini funfair, boat hire and café.
Upton House and Gardens – near Banbury, Warwickshire OX15 6HT
(About 5 minutes by car)
The National Trust’s Upton House is a country mansion which is home to an extensive private art collection. With beautiful walks, stunning gardens, and boasting the best chocolate cake in the area, this is really worth a visit.
There are also several other National Trust properties all within easy travelling distance of here including; Farnborough Hall, Packwood House, Baddersley Clinton and Charlecote House.
Cotswolds Distillery – Whichford Road, Stourton, Shipston on Stour CV36 5HG
(About 10 minutes by car)
Established in 2014, this first full-scale distillery in the Cotswolds, offers visitors guided tours around the distillery followed by the opportunity to sample their full range of spirits and liqueurs in a cosy tasting room.
Hook Norton Brewery –Brewery Lane, Hook Norton, Oxon OX15 5NY
(About 20 minutes by car)
This independent family-run brewery which has been brewing beers for 170 years, is the finest example of a Victorian Tower Brewery in the county. They have a shop, Malthouse Kitchen Café and a free museum.
You can also book to join one of their brewery tours which last approximately 2 hours (pre-booking is essential).
Burton Dassett Hills Country Park – Southam CV47 2AB
https://countryparks.warwickshire.gov.uk
(About 15 minutes by car)
These unspoilt rolling hills provide the perfect place to fly a kite, go for a walk or just sit with a picnic and admire the view. Parking is £2.50 and there is a toilet available. During the summer months an ice cream and coffee van visit.
Below are a few websites that may also help you decide where to visit during your stay: