There is an attraction for everybody in Shakespeare’s England. With a variety of family-friendly places to explore, chances to delve into Warwickshire’s rich history and heritage, wonderful locations to experience Warwickshire’s captivating countryside, or places to immerse yourself in the inspiring arts and culture of the area, you will never be short of ideas and places to visit in Warwickshire.
Family Fun in Warwickshire
Warwickshire is packed with fun attractions to entertain the whole family. Get hands on with history with an action-packed day out at Warwick Castle. Unleash your inner-artist and get creative as you explore the galleries and parklands at Compton Verney. There is endless space and opportunity to get outdoors and back to nature as you enjoy a ramble and spot the grazing deer at National Trust Charlecote Park, or dip into a sensory themed fairytale with the animals at Fairytale Farm. Walk amongst butterflies and exotic mini-beasts at the Stratford Butterfly Farm, discover worlds of magic and mystery at Magic Alley, or set your mind whirring with the many machines at the MAD Museum.
History and Heritage
Discover the people and places in and around Stratford-upon-Avon that shaped the life of world-famous playwright William Shakespeare. Visit his family homes and follow his life from cradle to grave as you explore the town where he lived and died. Explore 900 years of history and heritage at Kenilworth Castle where you can walk in the footsteps of Queen Elizabeth I and discover stories of epic sieges. Grab a slice of nostalgia amongst the world’s largest collection of British cars at the British Motor Museum where you can follow a time-road through British motoring history, and unearth a much-loved classic car or two at the same time. Visit the birthplace of Rugby in the town that bears its name, and see the hallowed turf where William Webb Ellis first took a ball and ran with it. Descend into the mediaeval walls of St Mary’s Guildhall in the heart of Coventry's historic cathedral quarter, one of the only remaining mediaeval buildings in the city.
Arts & Culture
Be inspired by Warwickshire’s rich arts and culture which embraces the modern and contemporary, as well as historical treasures. Take in the works of Shakespeare with a performance of one of his plays at one of the Royal Shakespeare Theatres in Stratford-upon-Avon, or learn more about the mysterious and exciting life of theatre behind the scenes with a backstage tour by the Royal Shakespeare Company. Peruse the galleries of Compton Verney and take in the famous parklands that were created by the legendary landscape artist Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown. Revisit the locations that inspired and were lovingly painted in words by literary legends Jane Austen at Stoneleigh Abbey, and George Elliot in North Warwickshire and Nuneaton.
Out & About
The warmer months present the perfect opportunity for boat trips along the River Avon with Avon Boating, where you can join a chartered cruise or hire out your own rowing boat for a leisurely trip along the waters beside the Royal Shakespeare Theatre and Holy Trinity Church. Enjoy a nostalgic steam train ride from Birmingham to Stratford-upon-Avon aboard the Shakespeare Express. Lace up your walking boots and explore the Warwickshire countryside with a wander along a choice of Kenilworth Trails with themed options for all tastes from nature to history and even romance. If you prefer a guided commentary, join a walking tour around the historic streets of Stratford-upon-Avon with Stratford Town Walk or discover the beautiful honey-coloured towns and villages of the Cotswolds on a guided minibus tour with family-run Go Cotswolds.
Food & Drink
Discover how to craft the perfect gin with a tour of the Shakespeare Distillery on the outskirts of Stratford-upon-Avon. Join a gin tasting experience, or attend a rum workshop at their town centre tasting room Judith’s (named after Shakespeare’s daughter who married a wine merchant in the town). Just along the road in Leamington Spa is the Warwickshire Gin Company where you can join a gin tasting experience and learn the story of their artisan gins which are named after local legends and points of interest. If ale is more to your taste, pay a visit to Purity, a Warwickshire based micro-brewery with a big following where tours and tastings are available on selected dates.
With an outstanding attraction to suit everyone, Warwickshire is the perfect destination for a day visit or a short break. Use our attraction guide below and What’s On pages to start planning your adventures today.
