Warwickshire Tourist Information

Warwickshire, situated in the heart of England, is one of the most popular destinations in Britain. The County of Warwickshire is idyllic and typifies 'Olde England', with ancient half-timbered buildings and mellow brick houses set in unique villages and quaint market towns, surrounded by gentle and picturesque countryside. Warwickshire Tourist Information is easy to access throughout the county.

Warwickshire offers water sports, boating, angling and is the home of The Belfry - famous for its links with the Ryder cup. The County has six country parks and 1,700 miles of footpaths and bridleways. There are many delightful gardens and stately homes to visit, such as Coughton Court, Charlcote Park and Ragley Hall.

Visitors to Warwickshire have a vast variety of things to see and do. The south of the county is known as 'Shakespeare Country' and Tourism in Warwickshire often starts at William Shakespeare's Birthplace - Stratford Upon Avon. In the town centre you can visit Shakespeare's Birthplace, Nash's House and New Place and Hall's Croft. Just outside the town centre is the charming village of Shottery, where you will find Anne Hathaway's Cottage. Mary Arden's House and Countryside Museum is to be found in the village of Wilmcote. Stratford Upon Avon is, of course famous as home to the Royal Shakespeare Company. They perform in the three theatres set in beautiful locations near the River Avon. The town offers even the most discerning shopper an interesting choice and good cafes, restaurants and hotels are plentiful. Nearby market towns worth visiting are Shipston on Stour and Alcester.

'Shakespeare Country' also encompasses the majestic, medieval Warwick Castle. Warwick's Warwickshire Tourist Information centre is to be found in the Court House on Jury Street. The town is home to many fascinating attractions, such as the historic group of half timbered buildings known as Lord Leycester Hospital - don't miss the tiny, tranquil garden behind the master's house. Why not visit the Collegiate Church of St Mary, whose tower is a landmark for miles around, to see the Beauchamp Chapel, also the Medieval and Tudor tombs? St John's Museum, housed in a Jacobean mansion is home to the Royal Warwickshire Regimental Museum.

The attractive market town of Kenilworth is worth visiting to see the historic ruins of Kenilworth Castle - immortalised by Sir Walter Scott in his novel of the same name.

The elegant town of Royal Leamington Spa has many fine Regency buildings, including the Royal Pump Room and Baths, which today house Warwickshire Tourist Information office, the town's library, art gallery and museum. The beautiful gardens beside the banks of the River Leam were laid out for the benefit of visitors who came to the Pump Room to take the waters, and are just as enjoyable today.

Rugby is well known for its famous School, which has been co-educational since 1993. It was the inspiration for Thomas Hughes novel Tom Brown's School Days and for being the home of Rugby Football. To find all about the school's history and its famous pupils you can visit Rugby School Museum.

Warwickshire Tourist Information can be found in Nuneaton Library, where you can pick up a leaflet for a self guided tour of 'George Elliot Country'. Just as south Warwickshire is known as 'Shakespeare Country', the north of the County - in particular the area around Nuneaton and Bedworth - is now known as 'George Elliot Country'. Born as Mary Ann Evans in 1819 on the Arbury estate, the novelist lived for 21 years in Griff House, situated mid way between the two towns. Her works include 'Scenes of Clerical Life' and 'Mill on the Floss'. Nearby Arbury Hall, is well worth visiting.