Best Places to Visit in Warwickshire
When talking about the best places to visit in the UK, the Midlands is often criminally overlooked. With its bustling cities, rolling countryside, and fair share of history, the Midlands has plenty to offer for explorers with a range of interests.
One county in particular which is worth a visit is the largely rural area of Warwickshire. Not only does it offer a range of charming towns perfect for shoppers, it also features a number of landmarks and places of interest which are well worth a visit. Here are some of our favourites.
Shakespeare’s Birthplace
Easily Warwickshire’s most famous export, both nationally and internationally, is The Bard. Despite going on to achieve fame and fortune in London in his own lifetime, William Shakespeare was born to relatively humble beginnings in Stratford Upon Avon. Will’s father, John Shakespeare, was a wool-maker in the 16th century, and young William was born into the house where the family both lived and conducted their business. Today, the dwelling has been converted into a museum where visitors can step back in time over 450 years to discover the playwright’s origins
Warwick Castle
Dating back to 1608, Warwick Castle was originally built by William the Conqueror as a mott-and-bailey castle, before being rebuilt into the impressive stone structure we can see today during the 12th century. Through history it has at times been a military stronghold and a stately country dwelling, before being purchased by the Tussauds group in 1978 to become a tourist attraction. Visitors today can explore the site and grounds, as well as enjoying jousting shows, falconry displays, and a stay in medieval-style log cabins in the Knights’ Village.
Twycross Zoo
Twycross Zoo is a popular day-out, first opened in 1963. It may not be as large as London Zoo, but it does have the claim-to-fame of having the largest collection of monkeys and apes in the Western World. As well as catering to primate fans, visitors can see critically endangered Amur leopards in the conservation area, a ‘Wet & Wild’ zone featuring exotic jungle creatures, and a nature reserve featuring native animals and insets. Youngsters can also dive into the Gruffalo Discovery Land, opened in 2021, featuring characters and animals from the popular story.
British Motor Museum
Petrolheads can find the perfect spot for them in Gaydon, Warwickshire, home of the British Motor Museum. Showcasing over 400 cars to view, courtesy of the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust and the Jaguar Heritage Trust, it’s the world’s largest collection of Historic British cars. Notable vehicles include the first ever Land Rover from 1948, the first ever Mini from 1959, FAB1 from Thunderbirds, as well as vehicles by Aston Martin, Roles Royce, Jaguar and more. The museum will teach you about the people and places behind its impressive exhibits, and there’s a calendar of varied events throughout the year too.
Warwickshire Events
It’s safe to say that there’s plenty going on in Warwickshire, offering a range of perfect days out to suit every interest. As well as visitor attractions, Warwickshire is also the ideal place to hold a party, wedding, or any other type of social event, with a range of desirable venues at your disposal. If you’re looking for five-star event catering in Warwickshire or surrounding areas, be sure to contact The Roasting Pig. With menus including whole hog roasts, authentic pulled pork, and delicious stone-baked pizza, you can book impressive food at competitive prices. For more information, contact us today.