Warwickshire

Astley Church & Castle

Location: Situated in the village of Astley just off the B4102

Once a fortified manor house and still surrounded by a moat, Astley Castle was built during the reign of Edward I but dismantled upon the Duke of Suffolk's attainder. It was home to the ill-fated Lady Jane Grey, who was beheaded after being Queen for only nine days. Although it was later rebuilt and then restored, it is no longer open to the public following a fire. Both Astley Castle and the neighbouring Church featured in George Eliot's novel 'Mr Gilfil's Love Story' . The Church, which is where her parents married, was known as 'Knebley Church' and the Castle as 'Knebley Abbey'.

Blyth Hall

(not open to the public)

Situated to the east of Coleshill, Blyth Hall was built around 1625 by the famous antiquary and county historian, Sir William Dugdale, Garter King of Arms. Re-fronted in the 18th century, the house contains fine staircases and a Tudor fireplace. The Hall is still lived in by the Dugdale family, and is not open to the public.

Canal Blacksmith's Shop

(visits by appointment only)
British Waterways: 01283 790236
Location: Situated next to the Coventry Canal, outside Hartshill

The former blacksmith's workshop, which is located in a building over 200 years old, was an important part of the canal maintenance yard up until 1948. Amongst the items on display in the restored building, include anvils and tools required to provide various metal parts (including nuts and bolts) to maintain the operation of the canal. One of the Blacksmiths duties was to maintain and wind the yards fine Tower Clock. The clock, which is a local landmark, has since been restored and is now as good as new.

Hartshill Castle

The Norman's left their mark on North Warwickshire, using the existing road system to build castles to subdue and pacify the local English! The remains of one Norman motte and bailey castle can still be seen in woods below the centre of Hartshill. The village itself was the birthplace of poet Michael Drayton in 1563, who is buried in Westminster Abbey.

Kenilworth Castle

Kenilworth, CV8 1NE
Tel: 01926 852078    Fax: 01926 851514

An English Heritage Property in Kenilworth. The ruined glory of Elizabethan England. Discover a past, rich with the famous names and events of history. Wander through rooms used lavishly to entertain Queen Elizabeth I and hear of extravagant water pageants and the siege of 1266. Spectacular views from Saint Lowe Tower. Tudor Garden. Audio tour available. Refreshments. Toilets. Free parking.

Mancetter Roman Site

(no visible remains)

The village of Mancetter near Atherstone, has long been known as the site of a significant and large Roman fortress and nearby villa. Some archaeologists believe that this was home to the fourteenth Roman legion and that Queen Boadicea (Boudicca) met her fate outside the fort in the Anker Valley. Previous excavation by Atherstone Archaeological and Historical Society were abandoned on order of English Heritage when skeletons believed to be Saxon were revealed. Both of the sites are now classified as Ancient Monuments, and development of the site is not permitted.

Maxstoke Castle

(not open to the public)

This 14th century moated castle was built by William de Clinton, Earl of Huntingdon. Although the original wooden bridge and drawbridge have been replaced by a stone bridge, the gatehouse, crenulated curtain walls and corner towers remain complete. The Castle was bought by Sir Thomas Dilke in 1599 and the Fetherston-Dilke family still live in it today.

Middleton Hall

Tel: 01827 283095

Car park, tea-room, gift shop, second-hand book sales, craft centre, children's play area, nature trail, lake and walled garden. Events programme. Set in attractive landscaped gardens, Middleton Hall was formerly the historic home of the Willoughby family (including naturalist Francis Willughby) and John Ray. The Hall is now operated by a charitable trust who are restoring and maintaining it for a variety of cultural, conservation and leisure interests. The Hall, with its Tudor Great Hall, is licensed to hold civil wedding ceremonies, and hosts receptions, conferences, seminars and social functions.

Old Market Hall

Location: Situated in the centre of Coleshill, near to the Church of St Peter and St Paul.

Toilets, kitchen, function room for hire, Civic Society lecture/events programme Having undergone extensive restoration by Coleshill Civic Society, the Old Market Hall was opened by the Duke of Gloucester in May 1999. The building has seen a variety of uses including a Victorian reading room, a Magistrates Court, and a weekly market. Today, the building with its magnificent roof trusses and market arches, houses a heritage centre and exhibition area, together with a large function hall. The restored town stocks which stand outside the hall, are unique in Warwickshire as they also combine a pillory and whipping post, and were reputedly last used in 1863.

Packington Hall

Location: Situated off the A45 towards Coventry, near to junction 3 of the M42
Tel: 01676 522274
Opening Times: Group visits only (by prior arrangement)

Now the home of the Earl of Aylesford, Packington Hall stands in a park of approximately 300 acres, with a deer park, fisheries and the Forest of Arden golf course. The grounds were laid out by Capability Brown and his plans of 1751 are kept in the house. The Hall, built in 1693, is in the Italian Renaissance style, with interior design by Joseph Bonomi. The Church of Great Packington, also in Packington Park, was built in 1789 for the Earl of Aylesford and their great house - apparently to offer thanks for the temporary return of George III's sanity. The organ of 1750 was built to Handels design and may have been played by the great composer himself.

Polesworth Abbey & St Editha Church

Location: Situated in the centre of Polesworth, accessed through the ancient Abbey gateway or along the riverside footpath.
Tel: 01827 892340
E-mail: polesworthabbey@aol.com

Historical sources state that Editha, Princess of Mercia, founded Polesworth Abbey in the 9th century. Today, the ruins of the Abbey Cloister and the two storey Medieval gateway still remain. The Abbey Church later converted to the Parish Church of St Editha, consists of a nave, dating back to the 12th century, chancel, north aisle, porch and a tower north of the chancel.

The Church of Our Lady

(not open to the public)
Location: Situated near Atherstone on Merevale Lane (B4116) off the A5 - accessed through the archway of the gate house.
Opening Times: Limited opening - key-holder notice on display

Facilities: Limited parking, kitchen and toilets. Gifts on sale including books and information on the church. Disabled access to the church (not toilets) Originally the Gate Chapel of Merevale Abbey, the church dates back to 1240. It is the only Cistercian Gate Chapel in the United Kingdom which is still used throughout the year. Features include an important Jesse stained glass window of 1340, and a rare 1777 organ by Johannes Snetzler. The ruins of the Abbey (founded in 1148), have now been incorporated into farm buildings and can be seen to the east of the churchyard.

Warwick Castle

Warwick, CV34 4QU
Tel: 0870 442 2000    Fax: 01926 406611

Experience history in every sense. Warwick Castle, with its magnificent towers and ramparts, offers visitors over 1000 years of history. The chilling dungeon contrasts with the elegant splendour of the State Rooms, baronial Great Hall and 'Royal Weekend Party, 1898' attractions. Visitors can experience the sights, smells and sounds of medieval life in 'Kingmaker - a preparation for battle' attraction, or visit the eerie Ghost Tower. In our 'Death or Glory' attraction visitors can feel the weight of a sword and see how the longbow was used to devastating effect. The Mill and Engine House is now open - discover how electricity was created to light up the whole Castle in 1900.

Warwickshire Museums

Market Place, Warwick, CV34 4SA
Tel: 01926 412827    Fax: 01926 419840

The headquarters of the Warwickshire Museum Service is housed in the 17th century market hall. It is one of the few buildings in the centre of Warwick that survived the disastrous fire that swept through the town in 1694. Displays of Geology, Biology and Archaeology illustrate the natural and historical heritage of the county that lies at the heart of England. The museum is noted in particular for the famous Sheldon Tapestry Map of Warwickshire, habitat displays and live bees. There is also a giant 180 million years old plesiosaur from the Jurassic, and a unique fossil amphibian found nowhere else in the world. A temporary exhibition gallery has displays which change every four to six weeks. The museum's shop has a good selection of souvenirs and greeting cards at affordable prices.

Wellesbourne Watermill

Kineton Road, Wellesbourne, Warwick, CV35 9HG
Tel: 01789 470237

6 miles east of Stratford off B4086 from Wellesbourne to Kineton. Visitors to this award-winning, historic watermill see the mill's machinery driven by one of the country's largest wooden waterwheels. There are regular demonstrations of how stone-ground flour is milled. Coracles are used on the millpond, a tranquil haven for wildlife. No visit is complete without sampling, in the tearooms, scones and cakes baked with the mill's flour. The grounds and tearooms are accessible by wheelchair but unfortunately the watermill is not.

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Holy Trinity Church

Old Town, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 6BG
Tel: 01789 266316

Visit Shakespeare's Grave and the graves of Anne Hathaway, Dr John Hall and his wife Susanna Shakespeare and Thomas Nash in the chancel of Holy Trinity Church. Also in the chancel are 26 fine 15th century carved misericords. On the bank of the River Avon, this is one of England's most beautiful parish churches.

The Collegiate Church of St. Mary

Warwick Church Street, Warwick, CV34 4AB
Tel: 01926 403940    Fax: 01926 402118

St. Mary's is one of the 'best hundred Parish churches' in England. It has a 12th century crypt and a medieval chancel. It contains the beautiful 15th century Beauchamp chantry, built to house the magnificent tomb of Richard Beauchamp, Earl of Warwick. This chapel also houses the tomb of Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester, favourite of Queen Elizabeth I. The energetic can climb the 160 steps to the top of the fine tower, which offers outstanding views. Also shop, brass rubbing. Limited disabled access.

The Saxon Sanctuary

St. Peter's Church, Stratford Road, Wootton Wawen, Henley-in-Arden, B95 6BD
Tel: 01564 792659    Fax: 01564 792659

Warwickshire's oldest church is a storybook in stone. Its tower saw in the last millennium and the drama of English history has swept through it ever since. Every age has left its own story, so a visit to St Peter's Church is a real adventure. We are open year-round, 9am till dusk, and admission is free. Group and educational visits by arrangement.

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Anne Hathaway's Cottage

Cottage Lane, Shottery, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 9HH
Tel: 01789 204016    Fax: 01789 263138

This world-famous thatched cottage continued to be owned by Anne Hathaway's descendants until the late 19th century. It still contains the Hathaway bed and many other items of furniture owned by the family. Outside lies a beautiful cottage garden and there are many pleasant walks leading from the cottage.

Arbury Hall

Nuneaton, CV10 7PT
Tel: 024 7638 2804    Fax: 024 7664 1147
E-mail: brenda.newell@arburyhall.net

Known as the Gothic Gem of the Midlands, this Elizabethan mansion was gothicised by Sir Roger Newdegate in the 18th century. George Eliot was born on the estate in 1819. The Stables tea rooms provide visitors with a selection of cream teas, cakes and ice creams. Pre-bookable visits for groups; minimum 25. Corporate functions available.

Coughton Court

Alcester, B49 5JA
Tel: 01789 400777    Fax: 01789 765544

Widely recognised as one of England's finest Tudor houses Coughton Court has been the home of the Throckmorton family since 1409. Of particular interest are the Tudor gatehouse and half-timbered courtyard. Many rooms within the house are open to the public. Backing onto the lake, the breathtaking walled garden is widely recognised as one of the finest in England and contains more than a hundred varieties of roses, and a stunning display of plants including the outstanding 'hot and cold' herbaceous borders. Together with the bog garden and the wonderful riverside walk, Coughton Court provides plenty of interest and pleasure for everyone.

Hall's Croft

Old Town, Stratford-Upon-Avon, CV37 6BG
Tel: 01789 204016    Fax: 01789 263138

Named after Dr John Hall, who married Shakespeare's daughter Susanna. This impressive 16th century house, with Jacobean additions, includes outstanding furniture and paintings as well as an exhibition about medicine in Shakespeare's time with references to remedies and potions mentioned in the plays. Outside there is a large, peaceful garden with a 200-year-old mulberry tree and a herbal bed.

Harvard House

High Street, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 6HB
Tel: 01789 204016    Fax: 01789 263138

The most ornate house in Stratford. Harvard House is a fine example of an Elizabethan town house, containing many architectural features. Rebuilt in 1596, it was the home of Katherine Rogers, mother of John Harvard, founder of Harvard University. It was presented in 1910 to Harvard University by Edward Morris, a famous Chicago millionaire. The setting is perfect for the nationally important Neish Collection of Pewter which ranges from Roman times to the 19th century. Cared for by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust on behalf of Harvard University.

Hill Close Gardens

Hill Close, off Friars Street, Warwick
Tel: 01926 493216

Once, the prosperous tradesmen of Warwick took their recreation in these just-out-of-town private gardens, surrounded by high hedges and decorated with delightful summer houses. Now cleared from dereliction by devoted volunteers, these charming relics of Victorian times await the funding for full restoration. In the meantime visitors are welcome to share the experience of the abundant old varieties of fruit tree, vegetables old and new, and colourful borders. Programme of events throughout the year.

Lord Leycester Hospital

High Street, Warwick, CV34 4BH
Tel: 01926 491422    Fax: 01926 491422

Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester, and a favourite of Queen Elizabeth I, converted the picture-book buildings of the dissolved Warwick Guilds into a retreat for old soldiers and it has continued to serve that purpose until the present day. The Brethren, as the inhabitants are known, attend weekday services in the ancient and beautiful chapel over the town's West Gate, which adjoins their home, and they still wear their blue gowns and flat Tudor hats on ceremonial occasions. The museum of the Queen's Own Hussars is in the Chaplain's Hall. A new knot-garden celebrates the millennium.

Mary Arden's House & The Shakespeare Countryside Museum

Station Road, Wilmcote, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 9UN
Tel: 01789 204016    Fax: 01789 263138

Mary Arden's House & The Shakespeare Countryside Museum. Wilmcote, 5 miles north of Stratford-upon-Avon. Great for a family outing, the timbered farmhouse was the home of Shakespeare's mother before she married John Shakespeare and moved to Stratford. The farmhouse displays many interesting features about life and work on the land. The grounds also feature a working blacksmith, falconers, livestock and Glebe Farm.

Nash's House & New Place

Chapel Street, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 6EP
Tel: 01789 204016    Fax: 01789 263138

Nash's House was owned by Thomas Nash, first husband of Shakespeare's grand-daughter, Elizabeth. In addition to the exceptional collection of Elizabethan furniture and tapestries, Nash's House also has displays upstairs on the fascinating history of Stratford. Shakespeare spent his retirement years in New Place, next door to Nash's House. Visitors can also enjoy The Knot and Great Garden.

Old Quaker Meeting House

Old Halford Road, Ettington, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 7NT
Tel: 01789 765690

The Old Quaker Meeting House in Ettington village was built in 1684 and has been in continuous use ever since. At 23ft x 18ft (7m x 5.5m) it is one of Britain's smallest. Originally thatched, it now has a slate roof. It is a simple room of local blue lias stone with elm roof timbers which, like the windows and their elaborate catches, may be older than the building itself. The walls are lined with rush matting, a 19th-century addition refurbished in 1986. Outside the meeting house is a small, peaceful garden, which was originally a Quaker burial ground. Light refreshments available.

Ragley Hall

Alcester, B49 5NJ
Tel: 01789 762090    Fax: 01789 764791

Ragley Hall, the Warwickshire home of the Marquess and Marchioness of Hertford, is set in 27 acres of beautiful formal gardens. The home contains Baroque plasterwork, the stunning 20th century mural 'The Temptation' and a fascinating collection of paintings, china and furniture. In addition to the beautiful house, there are the formal gardens, parkland, lakeside picnic area, children's adventure playground, maze, gift-shop and terrace tearooms providing a day out for all the family.

Shakespeare's Birthplace

Henley Street, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 6QW
Tel: 01789 204016    Fax: 01789 263138

Step into the house where William Shakespeare was born in 1564 and re-enter the Tudor world. Newly refurbished, the house now offers visitors a fascinating insight into life as it was when Shakespeare was a child. See the Shakespeare Exhibition which provides an introduction to his life and background and the traditional English garden.

St. John's House

Warwick, CV34 4SA
Tel: 01926 412827    Fax: 01926 419840

St. John's House is a charming Jacobean house dating from about 1620. It became a branch of the Warwickshire Museum in 1961, when it was bought by Warwickshire County to house the collections of Social History that the Museum had built up over the previous twenty years. The galleries have basic general themes such as costume, domestic life and school life but are changed frequently. The display of costume in particular is changed every year. St John's is the centre of the Warwickshire Museum's educational activities so visitors may well find the Victorian schoolroom or the Victorian kitchen in full use by school children. On the first floor is the museum of the Royal Warwickshire Regiment.

Stoneleigh Abbey

Estate Office, Stoneleigh Abbey, Kenilworth, CV8 2LF
Tel: 01926 858585    Fax: 01926 850724

Established in 1154, Stoneleigh offers an insight into the past 1000 years. During her stay Jane Austen was inspired to write Mansfield Park; Queen Victoria and Prince Albert stayed here. Visitors will see: Queen Victoria's bed and bathroom, nine magnificent staterooms, chapel, medieval gatehouse and parkland with the River Avon running through it. Tea Room serving refreshments.

The Garden at Anne Hathaway's Cottage

Cottage Lane, Shottery, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 9HH
Tel: 01789 204016    Fax: 01789 263138

The cottage garden at Anne Hathaway's Cottage has come to be regarded as the quintessential country cottage. The view of the house across the garden has been the inspiration for countless paintings and photographs. A path to the right passes a vegetable patch where old varieties are grown. The orchard is planted with traditional varieties of apples and pears. The site also includes the Shakespeare Tree Garden, created in 1988 and planted with trees mentioned in Shakespeare's plays. This garden now also includes a series of sculptures inspired by Shakespeare's work. Opposite the Cottage are two pretty walks that offer views of Shottery Brook and the surrounding Warwickshire countryside.

The Garden at Charlecote Park

Charlecote, CV35 9ER
Tel: 01789 470277    Fax: 01789 470544

Over the past few years the garden at Charlecote has seen many changes that reflect traditional, formal landscaping. Four major schemes have been developed since 1995. The parterre has been re-created on the river terrace; the herbaceous border has been moved to an area near the 'summerhouse' and the woodland garden has been enhanced. In 2000 the forecourt between the gatehouse and the mansion was redesigned by Sir Edmund Fairfax-Lucy and transformed with topiary, apple trees, lawns and pathways.

The Garden at Coughton Court

Alcester, B49 5JA
Tel: 01789 400777    Fax: 01789 765544

These breathtaking gardens have been developed at this historic Tudor house in Warwickshire. There are 25 acres of diverse gardens, the jewel in the crown being the walled garden which includes a rose labyrinth with 100 varieties of old fashioned type roses, and inspirational underplanting with some rare plants. The magnificent 'hot' and 'cool' herbaceous borders contain a myriad of colours and plants. The grounds also include a bog garden planted for interest throughout the seasons where there are fine examples of gunneras, hostas, ferns and other water loving plants. A leisurely riverside stroll along the River Arrow with its spring bulbs and wild garlic makes a visit to Coughton truly memorable.

The Garden at Mary Arden's House

Station Road, Wilmcote, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 9UN
Tel: 01789 204016    Fax: 01789 263138

The Mary Arden's site comprises of two 16th century farmhouses, with outbuildings and adjoining land. Many of these outbuildings associated with the two farms are used to display the Trust's Shakespeare Countryside Museum collections, which illustrate life and work on the land around Stratford-upon-Avon from the 16th to early 20th century. The garden in front of the house is planted in a typical country fashion with fruit trees, vegetables, herbs and traditional flowers and shrubs. The site covers several acres and gives the visitor the opportunity to enjoy the surrounding Warwickshire countryside.

The Garden at Ragley Hall

Alcester, B49 5NJ
Tel: 01789 762090    Fax: 01789 764791

There are some 20 acres of gardens surrounding Ragley Hall, consisting of mature woodland with a variety of formal and managed features. In 1912 the house and gardens were abandoned and over the next 30 years nature was not long in reclaiming the grounds. The 8th Marquess and Marchioness of Hertford re-occupied the house in the 1950's and the gardens were steadily developed from their neglected state. This improvement has continued and is on going.

The Garden at Stratford-upon-Avon

Butterly Farm, Swan's Nest Lane, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 7LS
Tel: 01789 299288    Fax: 01789 415878

Marvel at more than a thousand of the most beautiful butterflies from all four corners of the world, in the best display of tropical butterflies to be found in Britain. See hummingbirds and sunbirds flit from flower to flower to sip nectar. Wander through the lush landscape of a tropical rainforest, with splashing waterfalls and fish-filled pools. See all stages of the butterflies life-cycle. Feed the Koi Carp and be on the look our for our free-range lguanas.