Stratford-upon-Avon might be steeped in the history of William Shakespeare, but there's so much more to Warwickshire than the playwright. A few miles west, the market town of Alcester makes a pleasant addition to a visit to Stratford-upon-Avon, with its Tudor cottages and fascinating museum of Roman artefacts.
A little further afield, Shipston-on-Stour is a pretty, medieval town, with historic coaching inns on the high street, as it was once an important staging place. The Stour offers a perfect spot for a riverside stroll. From here, walk to the village of Preston-on-Stour for Cotswold stone buildings and the picturesque St Mary's Church.
At Henley-in-Arden, the high street is lined with coffee shops and boutiques, including the 16th-century Henley Ice Cream parlour, where local delights dominate the menu. Should you want more foodie treats, time your visit to coincide with one of the area's food events, such as the Alcester and Forest of Arden food festival in May and October, or the Stratford-upon-Avon food festival in September.
There are grand estates aplenty dotted throughout the county. At Charlecote Park explore the Tudor house and spot deer on the woodland walk, while at Ragley Hall take a guided tour of the house and see the superb sculpture collection in the grounds. Art lovers shouldn't miss Compton Verney, a gallery in a Grade I-listed mansion.
And if the wealth of heritage houses catches your imagination, why not spend the night in one? At Billesley Manor Hotel, near Stratford-upon-Avon, the emphasis is on relaxation – it's the perfect rural retreat to end your day.
