Steeped in history and heritage, Warwickshire is a rural haven set in a beautiful countryside threaded by rivers and canals. Located in the West Midlands, a county full of literary greats, culinary brilliance, and iconic heritage, Warwickshire is known as one of the happiest places to live in the UK. It is recognised for its charming towns, historical sites, and picturesque rural landscapes, making it a delightful and admirable place to explore.
Warwickshire holds a fascinating history dating back centuries. Originating in the Anglo-Saxon era, Warwickshire has played a significant role in English history. During the mediaeval period, Warwickshire was home to various powerful, noble families like the Beauchamps and the Nevilles, who were military noblemen and leading forces and had influences on shaping England’s history in the War of the Roses. Warwickshire began to industrially develop and thrive, alongside agricultural changes and significant social transformations contributing to the county’s unique development. Most famously, the legacy of William Shakespeare is deeply rooted in the county, as it is the birthplace and home to one of the most famous playwrights and poets that has ever graced the planet. The county’s historical sites, manor houses, castles, and churches offer a glimpse into its past, making it a compelling destination for history enthusiasts and cultural fanatics.
With its incredible background, breath-taking landscapes, and architectural magnificence, Warwickshire is full of unmissable attractions and things to do. We have created a list of our 5 favourites of 2024, to ensure a fun-filled, historical visit to the happiest place in the country.
Warwick Castle
Experience over a thousand years of eye-opening history at Warwick Castle. The mediaeval castle was originally developed from a wooden fort by William the Conqueror in 1068 and was then strengthened by stone during the War of the Roses and the English civil war. The castle now offers a captivating blend of history, adventure, and entertainment showing how this majestical piece of architecture has played a vital role in shaping the history of Britain. Warwick Castle now brings its gruesome tales and frightening times to life with live actors and special effects when you visit. With mediaeval jousting tournaments, the firing of the mighty Trebuchet, or a spot of mediaeval dining, there is something for all ages to enjoy. It holds over 200 event days a year, including the largest birds of prey show. Spend a night as royalty when you visit the great hall and royal state rooms, be pampered like a princess in the princess tower, or explore a fascinating Horrible Histories maze, it is guaranteed that the whole family will have endless amounts of fun at this must-visit Warwickshire attraction.
Mary Arden’s Farm
The farmhouse of William Shakespeare’s mother, Mary Shakespeare is now transformed into a working Tudor farm open for the public to explore. As a family, you can go to experience the sights, sounds, and smells of what life was like in Tudor times when William Shakespeare was a boy. Actors live as Tudor farmers and maids as they demonstrate daily activities and happenings to keep the farm running. With a seasonal calendar of activities such as May Day, Midsummer celebrations, and Woolly week, the farm is an ideal attraction to visit during your stay. The farm offers incredible daily activities such as learning how to gaggle a herd of geese, beekeeping workshops, wild food foraging, and falconry demonstrations amongst many others. Home to rare wildlife and animal breeds in a beautiful farmyard, children will love exploring and learning at this timeless farm. Exquisite nature trails, playgrounds for everyone, and a lovely picnic area with a cafe, there is so much to do at Mary Arden’s Farm.
Royal Shakespeare Theatre
Alongside the River Avon situates a marvellous 1018-seat Royal Shakespeare Theatre. A Grade II listed building, the venue offers a variety of performances including Shakespearian plays, modern works, and musicals. The stunning, world-renowned main auditorium serves incredible views of the show from every angle, making your experience phenomenal every time. The original theatre was destroyed in a fire, so in place became the memorial theatre in 1879 after a campaign was launched to build a theatre in the town of Shakespeare’s birth. Regularly holding festivals to show some of the world’s best plays, sonnets, and long poems, a must-see for a one-of-a-kind, unique experience at a theatre you will never forget. As an ambitious organisation, the group at the theatre reaches for culture, creativity, and community in every production they present. To accompany a fabulous show, there is an incredible rooftop restaurant and cocktail bar for a delicious treat and a delectable cocktail to sip away through the theatrical excellence.
Coventry Cathedral and Ruins
Coventry has had three Cathedral’s spanning over nearly 1000 years of unforgettable history. As a visitor, you have the opportunity to wander through the charred remains of the old Cathedral to the new 20th-century cathedral. The Coventry presents a story waiting to be uncovered as you travel from the darkness to the light through the use of perspective and the many permanent pieces of artwork. The ruins represent years of conflict, with the most recent being the victim of a World War II bombing in 1940. Now, the cathedral shows both the ruins and the practising Church of England cathedral together, building back the peace and unity of Coventry. Rather than simply a Church of England building, the Cathedral holds many events over the year with an array of family crafts, films, concerts, and performances for all of the family. Discover the symbols of friendship, transformation, and reconciliation in an exquisite architectural masterpiece unlike any other.
Avon Boating
An opportunity to take in the stunning Stratford- upon- Avon views from the tranquillity of the river, you can hire various different boats, paddle boards, or pedalos to explore. These are some of the prettiest stretches of water in the country. Enjoy a brilliant cruise downstream past some of the sights we have mentioned, including the Royal Shakespeare Theatre on a traditional Edwardian passenger launch. The river's picturesque grassy banks and serene water draws in tourists and locals regularly. As a day out with family, you can paddle board, canoe, or go kayaking on the River Leam, filling an adventurous day of fun and thrill over some of the best rivers in Warwickshire. There are also day cruises where you can be fed and watered with some traditional pub grub or indulge in a gin-tasting masterclass at a stop off in Shakespeare Distillery. With spectacular views, idyllic settings, and still water, it makes a boat trip an unmissable activity for the whole family.
Warwickshire introduces a happy and joyous county with many activities and sights to enjoy throughout the year. A remarkable background of history and heritage sets this county apart from all others, with an amazing castle, the home of a literary genius, and compelling locations for historical enthusiasts. Our list of 5 top things to do in 2024 sets only a glimpse into the magnificent county, wanting you to discover more and learn all about a place that set its path in England’s history, with breathtaking landscapes to catch your eye and admire along the way.
