Places to visit in Warwickshire

Its healing mineral waters made this charmer of a town popular with royalty (Queen Victoria was a fan; successfully lobbying for the town to be granted its royal prefix) . Today, the Regency-era Royal Pump Rooms are a cultural centre with a gallery and helpful visitor centre. Gambol through the prettily-planted Victorian Jephson Gardens before taking a coffee break at one of the many cute cafes.

All things to everyone, this popular park has everything from 18-hole mini golf to an outside swimming pool and boat rides, including pedalos, rowboats and kayaks. There’s a skate park, a fun park complete with everyone’s favourite spinning tea cups, and a teashop selling ice creams. All this, set against the beautiful backdrop of Warwick Castle.

This foodie heaven in the wonderfully named Wootton Wawen is a farm shop and restaurant. Stock up on local and UK varieties at the Isle of Cheeses, or artisan ice creams from the ‘It’s a bit cold’ section. Dine at the dog-friendly Orchard restaurant; homemade pies or perhaps a sourdough pizza?

The exterior of this handsome 16th-century building belies the bougie inside. The Bridge House hotel’s eight individually decorated rooms (pick from double, kingsize and family options) feature barn-style doors, luxurious bedheads and wood panelling in appealing shades of blue and pink. In the morning, pop along the celebrated ‘Henley Mile’ High Street, lined with medieval, Tudor, Georgian and Victorian architecture, plus top breakfast spots.

This National Trust Tudor house is framed by 46 hectares (114 acres) of parkland, with an ancient bluebell wood and wildlife-rich river. Peckish? Slide by Coughton Kitchen Café for a hot drink or sweet treat such as locally sourced ice cream. Save room for…

Refuel with hearty local fare – wild boar and rabbit faggot washed down with cask ale, for example – at Arrow Mill, near the Roman market town of Alcester. Home to many things to see and do, including Arrow Mill, a massive former mill turned pub with rooms situated in the heart of rural Warwickshire. The riverside setting, overlooking the estate of Ragley Hall is as lovely as the oak-beamed interior.

Bidford-on-Avon is a scenic riverside village dating back to Saxon times. Highlights include the pretty stone bridge that crosses the river and the characterful, half-timbered cottages. Hire a self-drive boat from Bidford Boats and cruise along the River Avon towards Stratford or Evesham.

Visit William Shakespeare’s childhood home in the heart of Stratford-upon-Avon and find out how the great storyteller's own story started. Spoiler alert, his dad was the Mayor of Stratford and the bard got married at the age of 18. Don’t worry, there’s still plenty more to discover…

If you love the theatre, you’ll applaud the location of handsome, red-brick The Arden Hotel, smack opposite the Royal Shakespeare Theatre and a five-minute walk from Shakespeare's birthplace. Rooms have earthy tones, plush beds and leafy river views. Breakfast on healthy compotes or a full English and dine on UK produce such as Wye Valley asparagus in the brasserie.

Generations of the lucky Lucy family shaped this fine example of an Elizabethan Revival country house, overlooking the River Avon and framed by Capability Brown-designed parkland. See how the other half lived in the Victorian kitchen and carriage house, before a light bite at one of three places to eat and drink, including the Wood Yard Café.

What could be more relaxing than a spa session in a 16th-century Grade II-listed hotel framed by 26 hectares (65 acres) of grounds? Note the original features, such as stained-glass windows and tiled floors, float in the indoor swimming pool and unwind in the sauna before a relaxing massage.

Home to the largest collection of historic British cars in the world – more than 400 – this petrolhead haven also includes interactive exhibitions. You’ll learn about the people who, ahem, drove the British motor industry, as well as get to pose with lots of shiny vintage wheels.

Run by the camel-crazy Fosset family, Joseph's Amazing Camels specialises in dromedaries (Arabian camels), even working with film and television companies. You can go on a Bedouin-inspired camel trek around the farm, after helping to groom and tack up your camel. Don’t get the hump…

Fill your boots tasting a slew of single malt whiskies, gins and liqueurs at the Cotswolds’ first full-scale distillery. Tour the warehouses and learn about the traditional production methods, before sipping artisan spirits and learning how to distinguish different flavours (although we’re pretty sure they all taste good). There’s an on-site cafe with scenic countryside views.