Blessed with the same rolling hills and picturesque countryside as almost every other English county, Warwickshire was nevertheless gifted one other feature, an accident of birth, that made it one of the most popular tourist destinations in all of the UK, if not the world. Shakespeare was born there.
This lucky break means that Warwickshire, already idyllic and representative of that ‘Olde’ English charm with its market towns and quiet villages, old timbered buildings and bucolic countryside is also now known as ‘Shakespeare Country’ and sees a constant stream of coaches turning up every day to look for the Bard.
Naturally, all things tourism begin in Stratford-upon-Avon where you can visit Shakespeare’s birthplace as well as the world-famous Royal Shakespeare Company who perform in one of three theatres along the River Avon. Also worth seeing are Nash House and New Place as well as Hall’s Croft. On the outskirts of town there is the enchanting village of Shottery and the wonderful Ann Hathaway’s Cottage.
Other highlights include Mary Arden’s House and Countryside Museum in Wilmcote Village and the numerous stately homes and delightful gardens, including Ragley Hall, Charlcote and Coughton Court. The market towns of Shipston on Stour and Alcester are also pleasant, as is the market town of Kenilworth and the ruins of Kenilworth Castle.
For castles however there is only one site in Warwickshire worth seeing – the magnificent medieval Warwick Castle, built by William the Conqueror in 1068 and used as a fortification until the 17th century, and to this day one of the finest castles in England.
For those seeking something a bit more laid back there is the elegant and regal town of Royal Leamington Spa with its Regency buildings and famous Royal Pump Room and Baths. Lastly, for those tired of history or culture, there is the famous Belfry golf course, a former Ryder Cup venue or alternatively in Warwickshire at large there are over 1700 miles of bridleways and footpaths in spectacular scenery to explore.
The Assembly, Leamington SpaThe Stranglers are pleased to announce a full UK tour in March 2012, the band have been busy in the studio writing and recording their seventeenth studio album which is due for release next year. First forming in 1974 the band's straight talking approach gave them the reputation as aggressive and confrontational with their notoriety later embraced by the punk movement of 77. The tour celebrates the 35th anniversary of the initial release and success of debut single 'Grip' and their legendary first album Rattus Norvegicus.…
Liverpool band Cast were one of the major success stories of the 90s Britpop phenomenon, combining strong songwriting skills with some of the best melodies of the era. Cast initially formed in 1992 led by John Power, previously of the much respected but ultimately shortlived band The La's. (It was also Power who penned the majority of Cast's songs). Several line-up changes ensued, as did some high profile support slots including Oasis, before finally being signed to Polydor in 1994. The following year saw the launch of the band's debut album "All Change" which was a huge success, spawn…
Rizzle Kicks are a hip-hop duo from Southend in London. The duo consists of Jordan “Rizzle” Stephens and Harley “Sylvester” Alexander-Sule . They released their debut album ‘Stereo Typical’ on 31 October 2011. Rizzle Kicks have been making music together since they attended school in Sussex. They realised that their style fitted together when Alexander-Sule sang over one of Stephens’ tracks. A promotional single ‘Miss Cigarette’ was released in December 2010; they then released their debut single ‘Prophet (Better Watch It) in May 2011, which was offered as a free download on their website. The…
Warwick Racecourse, WarwickAli Campbell, lead singer of the world-famous reggae group UB40, goes solo on his concert tour which is bound to sell out at venues across the UK. Get your tickets early!…
At 24 years of age, Kevin Bridges is one of the most popular up and coming comedians in the country. His big break came at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival where he won the 'So you think you're Funny' competition. Bridges has since gone on to appear on Michael McIntyre's Comedy Road Show and 'Live at the Apollo'. He is currently touring Scotland and N. Ireland and has released 'Kevin Bridges: The Story so Far ...Live in Glasgow' on DVD this year.…
Warwick Arts Centre (University of Warwick), CoventryFunny man Jimmy Carr has become known and loved for his deadpan delivery and observational comedy. His humour is often dark yet hugely appealing as his success on TV and the live stand-up stage keeps on growing. In 2006 he became the first big name to perform in the virtual reality world 'Second Life'. He hosts TV's '8 Out of Ten Cats' and has guest presented 'Have I Got News for You'. Carr is an established writer also creating material for the likes of Frank Skinner, Bo Selecta and Lily Savage.…
The StranglersMonday, 19 March 2012Pop And Rock - watch The Stranglers live at The Assembly Rooms - Leamington Spa in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire on the Monday, 19 March 2012. Compare ticket prices and save on the best seats in the house!
Other concerts, music and gigs in Warwickshire are:
Beatles and 60s Night24 Mar, NuneatonCast1 Apr, Leamington SpaRagley Hall Battle Proms Concert18 Aug, AlcesterAli Campbell21 Aug, Warwick
Sport in Warwickshire
Warwick RacecourseOur spotlight theatre/performing arts centre of the week is Warwick Racecourse, located in Warwick. See what shows and performances are on this week at Warwick Racecourse.
Twycross ZooSituated near the small village of Twycross, the zoo occupies over 40 acres and is set in open countryside. Despite its rural location, it is only four miles from the M42/A42 (which links the M1 and M6) making it readily accessible from anywhere in central England. Amongst the animals to be fo…Location: Twycross
Twycross ZooSituated near the small village of Twycross, the zoo occupies over 40 acres and is set in open countryside. Despite its rural location, it is only four miles from the M42/A42 (which links the M1 and M6) making it readily accessible from anywhere in central England. Amongst the animals to be fo…Location: Twycross
Some other notable historic attractions in Warwickshire are:
Battlefield Line RailwayBosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre and Country Park
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