With so many interesting and worthwhile places to visit in the ancient county of Warwickshire, it is the perfect destination for a staycation. The county is at the heart of English history with Shakespeare’s birthplace of Stratford-upon-Avon, the enormous Warwick Castle and many important battle sites. Motorhome hire in beautiful Warwickshire is something you cannot miss!
1.Stratford-upon-Avon
Stratford-upon-Avon is one of the UK’s most popular cities as it has so much to offer! The town is the birthplace of Shakespeare and is home to the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) making it the best place on the planet to find out all about the famous bard and witness his genius in action! You can see regular performances from the RSC throughout the year and in the summer you can even enjoy the bard’s famous works in the park along the River Avon. If you are not a Shakespeare fan, then do not despair, there is are many other things to see in this ancient city! It is worth a visit for its Tudor and Elizabethan architecture alone, as it has lots of notable examples which are best seen on one of the many different city tours. Stratford-upon-Avon is also home to Europe’s largest butterfly farm housing butterflies and plants from all over the globe. The town’s many sights make it one of the best days out in Warwickshire, as there is just so much to do!
2. Kenilworth Castle
Kenilworth Castle has an amazing history and is closely connected with the deeds of kings and queens, those who rebelled against them and those they fell in love with. The huge castle was enlarged and embellished continuously over the centuries with its forbidding circuit walls, a large lake and other defenses making it an impenetrable fortress. Its strategic location, impenetrability and abundant hunting in the local forests made it a favorite destination for many medieval monarchs. Its most well known period is its stewardship by Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester, who was the alleged lover of Queen Elizabeth I. Dudley greatly remodeled the medieval castle, making it into a centre for entertainment with an beautiful garden all with the intention of wooing the great queen. Elizabeth paid the castle a visit several times for fabulous festivities including fireworks, plays, mock battles and of course hunting. The intriguing history of this historical castle and its stunning Elizabethan garden ensure that it is a day out in Warwickshire that is not to be missed!
3. Warwick
What is there to do Warwick? With a mighty castle, a 14th century hospital and many charming shops and cafes you will not be bored in this medieval town! For centuries Warwick castle has been at the heart of turbulent of English history and can trace its founding back to the Anglo Saxons. The castle used to be the home of the Earls of Warwick but now hosts spectacular shows and attractions which explore the history of the castle. These shows include jousting tournaments and battle re-enactments, Horrible Histories for the kids and special events at Halloween and Christmas. In the old town centre of Warwick is the Lord Leycester Hospital, a collection of 14th century timber buildings next to the city’s Norman gatehouse. The hospital was founded as a home for retired veterans by Robert Dudley and veterans still live in the building and give tours of building. If you are in need of a cup of tea and a scrumptious cake, then you are in the right place! Warwick has many to tea rooms to choose from, but the Thomas Oken Tea rooms is one of the best. The tea room is located in a 500 year old timber framed merchant’s house. Take a well earned break from exploring the town and enjoy some tea and cake!
4. Hatton Locks
One of the most memorable places to visit in Warwickshire is Hatton Locks, the county’s so called ‘stairway to heaven’. The series of 21 locks come to a height of 45 meters over less than 2 miles and are an amazing example of industrial ingenuity. The locks were constructed in 1799 and then greatly expanded in the 1930s. Due to the difficulty of the task the building works required a workforce of 1000. When the locks were completed they allowed 2 narrowboats to pass along the Grand Union Canal and made the transport of heavy cargos of coal, sugar, tea and spices quicker and easier. The locks are still in operation today and visitors can see narrowboats ascend the locks and enjoy one of the many lovely walks and picnic sites around the canal.
5. Bosworth Battlefield Site
At the Bosworth Battlefield site you can discover the importance of the Battle of Bosworth 1485. The marked the end of the War of the Roses and was a notable turning point in English history which makes the battle site and award winning heritage centre well worth a visit! During the battle Richard III, the last Plantagenet king, was killed and Henry Tudor was consequently crowned king beginning the infamous Tudor dynasty. Visitors can enjoy a fascinating guided walk and find out what happened during the battle and where. Discover how the powerful forces of the Stanley family switched sides during the battle, effectively deciding its outcome. The story of the battle is told at the heritage centre through 4 different characters and visitors can even try out their strength as an archer!
Places to stay in Warwickshire
So now that you know what to do during your days out in Warwickshire, the question is of course - where should I stay? Choosing a campsite to stay in your motorhome rental can be a difficult decision. To help you out we have narrowed down our 3 favourite campsites in the region, where you can be sure of a lovely stay during your trip to Warwickshire.
1. Mousley House Farm Camping and Glamping, Warwick
Nestled in the rolling hills of the Warwickshire countryside, Mousley House Farm Camping and Glamping, offers the perfect location for exploring this fascinating county. Hatton Locks are just around the corner, Warwick just 5 miles away and Stratford-upon-Avon only a 12 mile drive. Sit back and get away from it all in this tranquil location surrounded by many charming walking routes, quaint villages and cosy country pubs. The campsite offers electric hook-ups, lovely amenities including toilets, family showers and chemical disposal sites as well as limited hard pitches. This family friendly campsite is the perfect choice to let the kids run around and also welcomes dogs! Choose Mousely House Farm for a memorable and relaxing stay in the Warwickshire countryside.
Price starts from £18 per night
GPS: 52.324324, -1.681479
Case Ln, Rowington, Warwick CV35 7JG, UK
2. Dodwell Park, Stratford-upon-Avon
A small family run campsite just 2 miles from Stratford-upon-Avon, Dodwell Park is the ideal location to explore Shakespeare country. It is also well located for excursions into the Cotswolds, where you can see charming thatched roofed cottages set in the beautiful backdrop of an unforgettable landscape. There are many great walks in the Warwickshire countryside to be had including nearby routes along the River Avon and to the nearby village of Luddington. The site has excellent facilities including free hot showers, electric hook-ups and a shop and off-license. For a campsite in Shakespeare country it couldn’t get much better!
Price starts from £21 per night
GPS: 52.182109, -1.758589
Evesham Rd, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 9SR, UK
3. Church Farm Campsite, Alcester
At the heart of England in a quiet and secluded location in the Warwickshire countryside you will find the small family run Church Farm campsite. Surrounded by green this campsite offers easy access to walks along the River Arrow, as well as the Arden Way and Heart of England Way. There is also a stretch of the national cycle route nearby and an abundance of wildlife for you to discover in this lovely corner of Warwickshire. Facilities include a brand new toilet and shower block, a central barbecue area called the Hobbit Hut and free WiFi across the site. Head to Church Farm and immerse yourself in the Warwickshire countryside.
Price starts from £14 per night
GPS: 52.236971, -1.870291
Church Farm,Coughton Fields Lane,, Coughton, Alcester B49 6BS, UK
Inspired to explore wonderful Warwickshire? Start your journey with Goboony!
