The area around Stratford-upon-Avon, where the fine countryside of Warwickshire borders with Oxfordshire, Worcestershire and Gloucestershire, is a popular choice for visitors. Not only is there access to the very best of the Bard, with the RSC celebrating the works of William Shakespeare at Stratford, but its proximity to the beauty of the Cotswolds and to the glorious spa town of Bath, makes it a magnet for anyone searching for all things quintessentially English.
To the north, Britain’s second city, Birmingham, is host to several world-class theatres, a new Symphony Hall and the wonderful Birmingham Art Gallery, housing some of the finest in Pre-Raphaelite paintings; indeed, Birmingham has the largest public collection of Pre-Raphaelite art found anywhere in the world. Free lunchtime concerts are regularly held in the Round Room and galleries within Birmingham Museum. To the south of Shakespeare Country, Evesham, Banbury, Oxford and Cirencester offer visitors further historic and cultural delights.
Things to do in Shakespeare Country The literary connections are perhaps the most obvious attraction for visitors, but the countryside around Warwickshire is also amongst some of the most beautiful in England, and is well worth a visit. The Grand Union Canal and its connecting Oxford Canal run through the area, and although the industrial uses of such waterways are largely long since gone, the canals are now particularly popular with holidaymakers and recreational users. Cyclists and walkers also make the most of the wonderful, flat towpaths.
Top Destinations
Stratford-upon-Avon – Pay a visit to the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) and its grand, newly-renovated Royal Shakespeare Theatre, together with the neighbouring Swan Theatre, on the banks of the beautiful River Avon. The recently-constructed, and already iconic RSC Theatre Tower is open to visitors, although advance booking of tours is recommended. Nearby, enjoy a boat trip along the river, join a race day outing at Stratford Racecourse, or perhaps spend a day visiting Mary Arden’s House and Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, both of which are located just outside the town.
Kenilworth – Once home to Robert Dudley, the first Earl of Leicester, and favourite of Queen Elizabeth I, the historic mediaeval fortress and ruins of Kenilworth Castle are built of striking red sandstone, and are set in fine grounds; the estate also includes the recently re-created Elizabethan Gardens.
Royal Leamington Spa – Although the healing properties of the local waters had been know about since Roman times, it was during the Victorian era that the town really began to exploit its location, culminating with the opening of the Royal Pump Rooms in 1875. Leamington Spa still holds on to some of its Georgian and Victorian grandeur, with the Pump Rooms reopened as a cultural centre, and now containing the local Art Gallery and Museum.
Coventry – The amazing spectacle of Coventry Cathedral, a centre for international reconciliation since the destruction of its mediaeval brickwork in 1940, contrast the ancient, jagged and burnt-out ruins with the modernist walls of the new cathedral which was consecrated in 1962. Coventry Transport Museum houses the most extensive collection of British-made road transport in the world, and its location reflects the city’s former role at the heart of the British car industry.
Evesham – A fine old market town, Evesham is situated in the ‘fruit and vegetable basket of England’: the Vale of Evesham runs from the banks of the tranquil River Avon into the undulating hills and slopes of the Cotswolds. The Bell Tower in the town is the only remaining remnant of the once great abbey, destroyed following the Dissolution of the Monasteries, although visitors to Evesham should also note the fine 14th century Almonry building.
Oxford – Whether you are visiting to inspect the ‘City of Spires’, enjoying Kelmscott Manor - the idyllic Cotswold former home of William Morris, or venturing out to the stately grandeur of Blenheim Palace, Oxford is a city of international importance. The Ashmolean was the world’s first public museum and has recently been extensively refurbished for the 21st century. Meanwhile, the Pitt Rivers Museum houses a unique and world-class display of anthropology and archaeology.
Cirencester – Founded as the Roman town of Corinium, this market town owes much of its early success to a thriving wool trade and industry. Cirencester lies on the lower slopes of the Cotswold Hills, with the River Thames rising just to the west. In the centre of Cirencester, the mediaeval Church of St John the Baptist is renowned for its stunning Perpendicular porch. Meanwhile, just beyond the reaches of the main town, Cirencester House is the site of one of the finest landscape gardens in England.
Banbury – Best known for its nursery rhyme associations with the goings on in ‘Ride a Cock Horse’, Banbury does indeed still have a cross; although the original cross was pulled down at the end of the 16th century, a new one was erected in 1859, in celebration of the wedding of Queen Victoria’s daughter, the then Princess Royal, to Prince Frederick of Prussia. On a more prosaic level, Banbury Cakes combine fruit and pastry, to create a world-famous local delicacy.
Peaceful, riverside settingA very spacious, comfortable and well furnished house in a tranquil setting with a relaxing outlook over the River Avon. In season, keen anglers can try coarse fishing from a platform partially ...
Jumbo's Stable, Crimscote, near Newbold, Warwickshire, Stratford-Upon-Avon
Situated on a working farm only six miles away from Stratford-upon-Avon, these holiday properties are excellently located for guests who wish to really explore the local area, and are perfect for walkers, families, couples ...
Set in Shakespeare’s wonderful Stratford-upon-Avon, within close proximity to the town centre and all its attractions, this beautifully presented semi-detached cottage is furnished to a good standard throughout. The ...
Church Farm Barns, CHURCH LANE, SHOTTERY, Stratford Upon Avon, Warwickshire
5 STAR BARN CONVERSION IN STRATFORD UPON AVON - CHURCH FARM BARNS
A delightful barn conversion, situated on the outskirts of Shottery, 1.5 miles from Stratford-upon-Avon. Tastefully decorated and furnished throughout, ...
Heritage Mews, 42 New Street, Old Town, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire
Heritage Mews is a beautifully appointed cottage with an official Visit England 5 Star rating and Gold Award for 'exceptional quality of accommodation and customer service'. It enjoys a superb central yet peaceful location ...
Just a stroll away from the heart of Studley, yet surrounded by beautiful countryside, this lovely detached property nestles behind the owners’ farmhouse – once a 12th-century Augustinian priory. The holiday cottage ...
Adjoining the owner’s 17th century Grade II listed home, this first floor holiday cottage-style apartment is furnished and equipped to a very good standard and is accessed from the ground floor. Well converted but with ...
Originally built in the 1800s, this holiday cottage has been renovated to a very high specification but has kept all of its charm and character. Within easy driving distance are Stratford, historic Warwick, Leamington Spa ...
6 Hathaway Hamlet, COTTAGE LANE, SHOTTERY, Stratford Upon Avon, Warwickshire
The Cottage: 6 Hathaway Hamlet -5 STAR AWARDED COTTAGE BY BRITISH TOURISM
A glorious, part-timbered, Grade II listed cottage, situated in the serene village of Shottery, just one and a half miles from ...
A famously historic location! This very pretty listed cottage is only 200 yards from Anne Hathaway’s beautiful and famous cottage. It is of similar style and period, much smaller and one of a group. Situated in the ...
Peacefully situated in a pretty conservation area in this pretty Roman town, this beautiful holiday apartment overlooks the river from its balcony and has been converted to an exceptionally high standard. Set above the ...
Lavender Cottage is a delightful Victorian cottage in a quintessential English village on the Oxfordshire/Warwickshire border. It makes an ideal base for guests visiting Stratford, Warwick, Oxford and the North Cotswolds. ...
Just three miles away from Stratford-upon-Avon, this detached holiday barn conversion is in the perfect location for visitors wishing to really explore, enjoy a romantic break for two or a get-away with friends. ...
6 Hathaway Hamlet, COTTAGE LANE, SHOTTERY, Stratford Upon Avon, Warwickshire
The Cottage: 6 Hathaway Hamlet -5 STAR AWARDED COTTAGE BY BRITISH TOURISM
A glorious, part-timbered, Grade II listed cottage, situated in the serene village of Shottery, just one and a half miles from ...
6 Hathaway Hamlet, COTTAGE LANE, SHOTTERY, Stratford Upon Avon, Warwickshire
The Cottage: 6 Hathaway Hamlet -5 STAR AWARDED COTTAGE BY BRITISH TOURISM
A glorious, part-timbered, Grade II listed cottage, situated in the serene village of Shottery, just one and a half miles from ...
Alls Well, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, Stratford-Upon-Avon
In a superb location, right at the heart of Stratford-upon-Avon, this pretty mid-terraced cottage is tucked away in a small courtyard, with all the town’s attractions on the doorstep. Welcoming and comfortable, it has ...
Batsford Cottage, Willicote, near Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, Stratford-Upon-Avon
This delightful holiday cottage in a private courtyard offers bright, well-presented accommodation just 4 miles from historic Stratford-upon-Avon, birthplace of William Shakespeare. Set in the beautiful Warwickshire ...
An ideal base for whether you’re visiting family, friends or just relaxing. Canal View is a contemporary, semi-detached home set on the Wyrley and Essington Canal which borders the property. The location creates a ...
Originally built in the 1800s, this holiday cottage has been renovated to a very high specification but has kept all of its charm and character. Within easy driving distance are Stratford, historic Warwick, Leamington Spa ...
Church Farm Barns, CHURCH LANE, SHOTTERY, Stratford Upon Avon, Warwickshire
5 STAR BARN CONVERSION IN STRATFORD UPON AVON - CHURCH FARM BARNS
A delightful barn conversion, situated on the outskirts of Shottery, 1.5 miles from Stratford-upon-Avon. Tastefully decorated and furnished throughout, ...
Set in glorious farmland down a tree-lined private drive close to Shakespeare’s River Avon, each of these delightful adjoining properties (Cressida Ref: NMA and Troilus Ref: NMB) has been restored by professional ...
Located just minutes from the centre of Stratford this attached property would make an excellent holiday base for exploring this fascinating town with all its Shakespeare associations. As well as literary connections there ...
Ground Floor:2 steps to...Open plan living space.Living area: With wood burner, Freeview TV and DVD player.Dining area: With tiled floor and patio doors leading to garden.Kitchen area: With electric oven, gas hob, ...
A famously historic location! This very pretty listed cottage is only 200 yards from Anne Hathaway’s beautiful and famous cottage. It is of similar style and period, much smaller and one of a group. Situated in the ...
Heritage Mews, 42 New Street, Old Town, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire
Heritage Mews is a beautifully appointed cottage with an official Visit England 5 Star rating and Gold Award for 'exceptional quality of accommodation and customer service'. It enjoys a superb central yet peaceful location ...
Heritage Mews, 42 New Street, Old Town, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire
Heritage Mews is a beautifully appointed cottage with an official Visit England 5 Star rating and Gold Award for 'exceptional quality of accommodation and customer service'. It enjoys a superb central yet peaceful location ...
Jumbo's Stable, Crimscote, near Newbold, Warwickshire, Stratford-Upon-Avon
Situated on a working farm only six miles away from Stratford-upon-Avon, these holiday properties are excellently located for guests who wish to really explore the local area, and are perfect for walkers, families, couples ...
Jumbo's Stable, Crimscote, near Newbold, Warwickshire, Stratford-Upon-Avon
Situated on a working farm only six miles away from Stratford-upon-Avon, these holiday properties are excellently located for guests who wish to really explore the local area, and are perfect for walkers, families, couples ...
Lavender Cottage, Alveston, near Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, Stratford-Upon-Avon
In the quiet village location of Alveston, this charming mid terrace property, dating back to the 1800’s, is the perfect place to relax, unwind and explore the local area. Ideal for couples and families being just a ...
Lavender Cottage is a delightful Victorian cottage in a quintessential English village on the Oxfordshire/Warwickshire border. It makes an ideal base for guests visiting Stratford, Warwick, Oxford and the North Cotswolds. ...
Set in Shakespeare’s wonderful Stratford-upon-Avon, within close proximity to the town centre and all its attractions, this beautifully presented semi-detached cottage is furnished to a good standard throughout. The ...
Set in Shakespeare’s wonderful Stratford-upon-Avon, within close proximity to the town centre and all its attractions, this beautifully presented semi-detached cottage is furnished to a good standard throughout. The ...
Just a stroll away from the heart of Studley, yet surrounded by beautiful countryside, this lovely detached property nestles behind the owners’ farmhouse – once a 12th-century Augustinian priory. The holiday cottage ...
Just a stroll away from the heart of Studley, yet surrounded by beautiful countryside, this lovely detached property nestles behind the owners’ farmhouse – once a 12th-century Augustinian priory. The holiday cottage ...
Peacefully situated in a pretty conservation area in this pretty Roman town, this beautiful holiday apartment overlooks the river from its balcony and has been converted to an exceptionally high standard. Set above the ...
The Apple House, Crimscote, near Newbold, Warwickshire, Stratford-Upon-Avon
Situated on a working farm only six miles away from Stratford-upon-Avon, these holiday properties are excellently located for guests who wish to really explore the local area, and are perfect for walkers, families, couples ...
The Coach House, Aston Cantlow, near Stratford, Warwickshire, Alcester
Nestling down a quiet country lane next to the church where Shakespeare’s parents were married, this 18th-century detached coach house has been sensitively restored to an exceptionally high standard. Next to the ...
This Grade II listed holiday cottage is situated adjacent to the owners’ home in the centre of the village. During the conversion, many original features have been retained to create a modern but cosy atmosphere. An ...
Adjoining the owner’s 17th century Grade II listed home, this first floor holiday cottage-style apartment is furnished and equipped to a very good standard and is accessed from the ground floor. Well converted but with ...
The Swallows Barn, Bidford-on-Avon, near Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, Alcester
Situated on the owners’ smallholding, only 5 miles from Stratford-upon-Avon, this converted barn is excellently located for guests who wish to really explore the local area, and is perfect for walkers, families or ...
Located on a pleasant working farm, this single-storey holiday property offers wonderful views over the surrounding fields and look out on to chickens, geese and sheep. Stroll local footpaths to Compton Verney, the ...
All on the ground floor.Open plan living space: With beams, tiled floor and French doors leading to courtyard.Living area: With 40' Smart TV and double sofa bed.Dining area.Kitchen area: With electric oven, electric hob, ...
United Kingdom cottages
