Location description from owner

The England region

Warwickshire is at the heart of the country, with some of the most attractive towns and villages in England set amongst beautiful countryside. The county is split into five districts each with their own distinctive feel, but wherever you are in the county there is always a sense that you can access everything you need without the hassles that go with life in the large cities.

Warwickshire offers everything you need for a relaxing short break or a longer holiday. Visit historic Warwick and Kenilworth with their magnificent castles, enjoy regency Royal Leamington Spa and step back in time in Stratford-upon-Avon, home of William Shakespeare.

Delve a little deeper into Shakespeare Country and you will discover some delightful smaller towns and villages.

Visit Stoneleigh, an idyllic village with redbrick cottages. Try Southam, with its restored Holy Well. It is a small historic coaching and market town with a chequered history. Similarly, the two market towns of Alcester and Henley-in-Arden retain much of their historic charm. Follow Alcester's Heritage Trail and discover historic buildings, a wonderful selection of exciting pubs and tearooms, plus a wide choice of traditional, independent shops. Don't miss Roman Alcester, a museum which traces the town's links to the Romans and their continuing influence.

The mediaeval street town of Henley-in-Arden originated as a clearing in the Forest of Arden and has a rich variety of architecture - red brick, black and white half-timber and plaster sit side by side and blend to give the town its unique character. Visit the Heritage Centre and be sure to buy an ice cream!

Shipston-on-Stour saw some of the busiest sheep markets in the country and, today, its elegant Georgian buildings, traditional coaching inns, 15th century parish church, shops and tearooms give the town its distinctive character. Shipston has a good selection of independently run restaurants and shops which include specialists in clocks, contemporary art and traditional toys.

Kenilworth

Kenilworth is a delightful South Warwickshire town. From the earliest of times Kenilworth has been strategically important. In 1119 AD Henry I gave land to Geoffrey de Clinton to build a castle from local sandstone by an ancient ford.

From there, Kenilworth Castle became one of the most impressive castles of Elizabethan England. Today's visitors will hear of lovers' trysts, bloody battles and water pageants as they wander round these impressive Castle ruins. Visit Leicester's Gatehouse, closed since 1958 but now reopened, following a £2.5m restoration project. The gatehouse includes a major exhibition exploring the connections between Kenilworth and Elizabeth I. In 2009 be sure to visit the restored gardens at Kenilworth Castle. Visit the English Heritage website for further information.

Near the magnificent castle ruins are the Abbey Fields. Around the castle and the St Mary's Abbey ruins there are lovely walks, delightful old houses and thatched cottages in "Little Virginia", said to be named after the planting of potatoes brought here by Sir Walter Raleigh.

Kenilworth is a favourite for locals and visitors a like for its restaurants, pubs and shops. Its excellent selection of restaurants offers something different for every night of the week!

Many local events are held throughout the year. Kenilworth Carnival is one of the few still held in the area. The Kenilworth Lions Show in Abbey Fields and Kenilworth Round Table's Fireworks at the Castle are great for locals and visitors. The Boxing Day duck race in Abbey Fields is also a great opportunity to get some fresh air during the festive season.

Just a stone's throw from Kenilworth town centre is the impressive Stoneleigh Abbey, with its magnificent state rooms, mediaeval gatehouse, and regency stables, all perfectly located in beautiful landscapes. Kenilworth is also close to Stoneleigh Park and therefore a perfect place to stay if you are attending one of the many events held at the showground.

For further information about the town please visit www.kenilworthweb.co.uk

Places to visit:
Kenilworth Castle - In centuries gone by Kenilworth was truly at the centre of power and politics due to the dominance of Kenilworth Castle. It is believed that one of the first English Parliaments was held here. The castle was constructed soon after the Norman conquest of 1066, and throughout history passed hands through many of the Kings of England. King John created the Great Mere, an enormous man-made lake that helped fortify the castle, and later Henry V built an isolated pleasure house known as the Pleasaunce on the far side. During the English Civil war in 1649, Kenilworth Castle was destroyed and the great mere drained away by Oliver Cromwell's forces to ensure that it could not be used as a defensive fortress again. Now cared for by English Heritage, it is regarded as the largest and finest ruined castle in England. It is open to visitors throughout the year and hosts a number of concerts and fireworks events.
The best way to enjoy the castle is through the Kenilworth Castle Millennium Trail. This pleasant walk meanders around the castle and surrounding countryside and is the best way to take in this scenic part of the world.

Outside of Kenilworth to the west, mid-way to Lapworth, sits the grand stately homes of Baddesley Clinton and Wroxall Abbey. Long associated with Roman Catholic families, Baddesley Clinton has 3 priest holes and during the Elizabethan era was a haven for persecuted Catholics. It also has close associations with the Gunpowder Plot of 1605.

Visit the grand state rooms of Stoneleigh Abbey too, near the town.

Other nearby locations - The picturesque villages and hamlets include Stareton, Leek Wootton and Stoneleigh, home of the Royal Show at Stoneleigh Park (the old National Agricultural Centre). The city of Coventry lies just north of the town.