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Welcome ............................. 09
This wonderful region draws visitors back like a magnet year after year.
Great days out ...................
10
Coventry & Warwickshire offer an abundance of things to do with days out and top attractions for the whole family to enjoy.
Don’t miss
22
Our top things to do when visiting this picturesque area.
Shopping .............................. 24
Shopaholics will love this part of the country for its eclectic mix of boho-chic boutiques, high-street staples and quirky independents.
“Holy Trinity Chapel in Stratford is the final resting place of Shakespeare –& the church where he was baptised & worshipped” Don’t miss, P22
L Warwick Castle. See p11 I Holy Trinity Church. See p22.
This wonderful part of the world draws visitors back like a magnet year after year
Whether it’s a weekend break to visit stunning stately homes, days out with the children in the beautiful countryside or a simply taste sensation at one of the region’s splendid eateries, Coventry and Warwickshire have got it all.
Coventry and Warwickshire are rich in culture and heritage, with all the family attractions you could ask for. This part of England also offers magnificent medieval castles and ancient legends, historic market towns and really gorgeous gardens. Learn the legend of Lady Godiva or visit the birthplace of Shakespeare himself.
If you’re here for shopping, you’ll easily fill your bags on spontaneous trips through the countryside or make a beeline for brilliant shopping centres across the region.
You can get a taste for sumptuous food at the end of a hard day’s shopping at a number
of the region’s award-winning restaurants. Our must-visits include the Michelin-starred Royal Oak, Whatcote; and Salt in Stratfordupon-Avon.
If you’re a culture vulture, you’re in luck in Coventry and Warwickshire… after all, this was the home of the Bard himself. Stratford-upon-Avon receives more than five million visitors per year from all over thanks to attractions like the Royal Shakespeare Company and Shakespeare’s birthplace.
Coventry is full of theatres attracting big-name stars – try The Albany Theatre, Belgrade Theatre to start off with. Or why not pay a visit to the award-winning Herbert Art Gallery & Museum which celebrates the city’s culture, history and arts?
Whatever reason you’re visiting, you’ll always find something exciting to do, tasty to eat or interesting to explore here. ■
Coventry & Warwickshire offers an abundance of things to do with days out and top attractions for the whole family to enjoy
Ready for serene strolls in the countryside or thrills per minute with water sports? It’s all on offer in Coventry and Warwickshire. Whether you’re a culture vulture or a family with energetic little ones, get set for actionpacked itineraries for memorable days out.
Zoom down water slides, amble along garden paths and go wildlife spotting. This family-friendly region serves up exciting activities for all ages.
Hands up if you want to go to a water park! Kids and big kids alike love Spot On Wake, a purpose-built water sports centre in the grounds of Wootton Park in Wootton Wawen. Show off your skills or learn how to wakeboard before challenging yourself on the inflatable
Kids and big kids alike love Spot On Wake
aquapark course.
There’s more watery fun at The Wave in the heart of Coventry. The indoor centre boasts epic slides designed for thrills and a whopping wave pool. If you’d rather relax, float down the lazy river.
Rugby is the place to go for sporting fans – no guesses which sport is celebrated here! Rugby’s greats and the moments that defined the sport are celebrated at the state-of-the-art World Rugby Hall of Fame.
Nearby, the Rugby Art Gallery and Museum showcases Rugby’s wealth of industrial heritage and the changing pattern of family and community life in Rugby and the Borough for the past 40 years.
Looking to escape the urban landscape? Head to Coventry’s vast War Memorial Park which opened in 1921 in tribute to the Coventry soldiers who lost their lives in World War I. The 48-hectare park features football pitches, bowling greens and even a splashplay zone for hot summer days. It’s also a popular venue for music events throughout the year, such as the Godiva Festival.
Royal Leamington Spa offers more than just a fine shopping experience, although flexing the plastic down the white-washed Parade is always tempting. At the middle of the town centre lies the Grade 2-listed Jephson Gardens.
This sprawling botanical haven invites you to walk among winding lakeside paths with a sensory garden and subtropical glasshouse to explore. Stop for a coffee and home-made cake in the Aviary Café.
There’s so much to do at the famous Warwick Castle that it might be hard to get the kids to leave! Set within gorgeous, landscaped grounds, attractions include the Castle Dungeon with special effects and thrilling performers. Get up close to topiary peacocks in the Peacock Garden and watch knights on horseback go into battle.
Kids and grown-ups alike will be beguiled by the beauty of Charlecote Park. A Tudor
house with several Victorian extensions, it provides a fascinating peek back in time through its well-preserved rooms, including an ancient laundry room, brewhouse and Victorian kitchen. Kids can blow off steam outside in the landscaped grounds, which are home to free-roaming deer and sheep.
Stratford-upon-Avon is not only Shakespeare’s birthplace, it also has you covered for family-friendly activities if the kids aren’t keen on history hopping.
You can’t go wrong with a visit to Stratford Butterfly Farm. Come rain or shine, admire hundreds of the world’s most beautiful butterflies flying in an exotic environment of tropical waterfalls and fish-filled pools.
Hoar Park Children’s Farm in Nuneaton, meanwhile, is a working farm where little ones make friends with the animals while helping out at feeding time.
If hanging out with furry friends is your thing, make a beeline for Redwings Oxhill. It’s home to almost 90 rescued horses, ponies and donkeys, along with friendly staff ready to share their equine knowledge. Join regular Walk and Talk tours to meet residents like Shire Major and the herd of mischievous miniature Shetlands.
With a famous playwright, fascinating museums and historic towns, expect large l
Situated in the middle of the beautiful town of Stratford upon Avon, enter Tudor World by walking up the 16th-century cobblestone road and step back in time. Or why not join a Walking Tour of the town with William Shakespeare? Or an join an evening Ghost Tour – all within this historically significant building?
doses of culture on days out in Coventry and Warwickshire.
Warwickshire is the beating heart of Shakespeare’s England, so it’s only right to pay homage to the famous bard by spending a day walking the cobbles of oh-so-pretty Stratfordupon-Avon.
There are plenty of trails and guided tours that help you soak up the Tudor atmosphere and hear the stories that inspired Shakespeare to put quill to paper. If time allows, catch one of his plays performed live at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre.
Tudor experiences
At Mary Arden’s Farm, you can get a taste of what life was like on a Tudor farm, complete with animal-tending, falconry and Tudor cooking displays. Explore the adventure playground and sample some Tudor-inspired goodies in the café once you’re done.
At Shakespeare’s Schoolroom and Guildhall, explore the very room where William Shakespeare sat as a pupil in the 1570s. You’ll also see the space where he first saw plays performed by the country’s greatest actors of the day. Join a Tudor lesson with Master Thomas Jenkins, dress up in Tudor clothes and write with a quill to really immerse in the experience.
With Anne Hathaway’s House, Shakespeare’s New Place, Nash’s House and Hall’s Croft to visit, too, you might need more than a day if you’re a big fan.
Stratford-upon-Avon is also home to Tudor World, an independent museum devoted to the Tudors. Discover what life was really like during Shakespeare’s time when you take your place at an Elizabethan dining table. Rest in a four-poster bed or watch true tales of the ‘old beliefs’, interwoven with stories of the building and the town’s rich history.
Big and little kids alike love the atmosphere at Stratford-upon-Avon’s MAD Museum, the only one in the UK. Interactive displays with buttons, lights and sound effects keep everyone happy for hours.
Coventry Transport Museum offers plenty for historians to get their teeth into with the largest collection of British-made road transport in public ownership.
For more cars, the British Motor Museum, in Gaydon, houses the world’s largest collection of classic British cars. You can check out vintage Jaguars, Aston Martins and Land Rovers as well as see cars from classic films, including Lady Penelope’s FAB1.
Nuneaton developed as an industrial engineering and textile town. Now the largest town in Warwickshire, it features The l
From the 16th century Bible, to the 15th century stone pulpit and world renowned doom painting, Holy Trinity Coventry is certainly a “must visit” place in our great city. The church also has part of the carpet on which our Queen was crowned
It is one of the very few large historic parish churches left intact after the 2nd World War, due to the outstanding bravery of Canon Clitheroe and three others; who went on to the roof whilst the bombs were falling, to save the church.
It worked, and here it is today! This church, soaked in history, is also a living worshipping community of over 300 people a week.
www.holytrinitycoventry.org.uk htoffice@holytrinitycoventry.org.uk 0247 6220 418
Phil Silvers Archival Museum
FarGo Village, Far Gosford Street, Coventry CV1 5ED – 07773 579181 steviebilko@aol.com
The only Museum in the world dedicated to the life and work of Phil Silvers www.bpsas.co.uk
Discover 900 years of history as you explore one of Great Britain’s most important, and recently restored medieval buildings.
View brand new exhibitions, relax in the 500-year-old Garden, and hear the tales about Robert Dudley, Elizabeth I, the Masters, and meet the resident Brethren.
Opening Hours: Tuesday - Sunday, 10am - 5pm (Last Admissions at 4pm) 60 High Street, Warwick, Warwickshire, CV34 4BH 01926 491422 www.lordleycester.com
Nuneaton Museum and Art Gallery.
Set in award-winning gardens, it houses a permanent display on the story of its most famous daughter, the novelist George Eliot, as well as exciting temporary exhibitions and a tea room. The Local History Gallery features a film about Nuneaton entertainer Larry Grayson, who presented TV’s Generation Game between 1978 and 1982.
The inspiring, glass-fronted Herbert Art Gallery & Museum tells the fascinating story of Coventry’s history from medieval to present times. Stroll around to gawk at stunning visual arts like the British Life and Landscape collection and Cathedral Tapestry Studies by Graham Sutherland. A highlight is the collection of artworks relating to the story of Lady Godiva.
Royal Leamington Spa’s history dates back to the Doomsday Book, but it was really put on the map thanks to Queen Victoria who bestowed the ‘Royal’ prefix in 1838. The town still retains some of this regal elegance.
The Royal Pump Rooms have evolved from a must-visit spa into a cultural hotspot with a library, museum and art gallery. You can still get a drop of the waters from outside – but be warned, they’re an acquired taste!
If you love hunting for local crafts, visit Hoar Park Shopping and Craft Village set in the lovely North Warwickshire countryside. Enter historic barns converted into craft shops to find the perfect souvenir. Artisans Art Gallery is the home of original watercolours and Reflections sells hand-made jewellery and wooden toys.
It’s easy to spend entire days out simply wandering around the region’s atmospheric towns. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time to the medieval age in Warwick. Winding cobbled streets nestle between timber-framed houses and a buzzing market square oozes charm. As well as visiting the medieval castle founded by William the Conqueror, you’ll find hidden gems. View the city from the tower of the Collegiate Church of St Mary or delve inside its Norman crypt.
The cathedral quarter Even more history awaits in Coventry, from the legend of Lady Godiva to the bombed-out cathedral. Marvel at the ruins of St Michael’s Cathedral, which was destroyed by the Nazis during the Blitz, then can head back in time to the 1940s at the on-site Blitz Experience. Round off your visit with a wander around Coventry Cathedral, a modernist masterpiece built right next to the ruins.
Next, visit the historic Undercroft at St Mary’s Guildhall, also in the city’s Cathedral Quarter. The atmospheric vaulted undercroft offers a dramatic yet relaxed setting for brunch and hearty lunches cooked in the same medieval kitchens that have catered for royalty and civic dignitaries for 700 years.
From the pomp and splendour of Warwick Castle to farmyard friends and water slides, the hardest thing about this region is choosing what to do next! Coventry and Warwickshire ensure your days out are filled with all the things you love to do, on backdrops you’ll never forget. ■
1
Coventry Transport Museum I
Calling all petrol heads – this is the spot for you. In the heart of the city you’ll find the Coventry Transport Museum, home to Britain’s largest collection of vehicles. To honour the city’s proud manufacturing heritage, the museum underwent an impressive £9.5m facelift in 2015. The museum is a great spot to spend a few hours lost in all things vehicular – from a
supersonic car to World War II tanks.
2
Coventry Cathedral
This unique tourist attraction blends the historic with the modern. In 1962, a new cathedral was built in Coventry’s city centre alongside the ruins of the previous cathedral which was destroyed during World War II. It’s where you’ll also find the third tallest cathedral spire in England. Worth a stop to
enjoy one of the regular organ concerts.
3
Sleep like a Knight for a night
You can now experience a medieval sleepover in a uniquely-themed lodge within the Knight’s Village of Warwick Castle. An overnight lodge package includes a night’s stay in picturesque woodland, an entrance ticket to the castle and evening medieval entertainment. The castle
regularly tops the tourist must-do list with the world’s largest working catapult, unrivalled panoramic views from the towers and impressive birds of prey displays.
4 Anker Wood
With six mazes (the largest collection in the country), a garden centre, tree top trails and animals, this place is guaranteed to be a hit with both young and old at heart. Enjoy nature trails,
lakeside walks, tree-top treks and a stunning deer park, as well as a wide variety of refreshments, a gift shop and on-site parking. A-maze-ing!
5
Holy Trinity chapel k
Perhaps a little morbid but for Shakespeare fans Holy Trinity Chapel in Stratford is must-visit to see the final resting place of the iconic Bard – and visit the church where he was baptised and worshipped. The Holy Trinity church dates back to 1210 and is a gem on the Shakespeare tourist trail. This place has the title of the most visited parish church in England.
6 Visit Shakespeare’s Birthplace
Head back in time and start your Shakespeare quest at the house where the famous playwright was
born back in 1564 and spent most of his childhood days. Enjoy the restored rooms, live presentations from engaging Shakespearean characters and interesting exhibitions before exploring the rest of Stratford-upon-Avon.
7
The Royal Pump Rooms
A great day out in the beautiful city of Leamington Spa isn’t complete without a look at the Royal Pump Rooms, which first opened in 1814. Just don’t expect to get your bathing suit on. The building that originally contained the country’s
For William Shakespeare fans a visit to the 13th century Holy Trinity Chapel in Stratford is a must
finest spa baths was redeveloped in the late 90s to become a centre for culture and tourism. Located opposite the equally-impressive Jephson Gardens, the Pump Rooms now contains an art gallery, library, visitor information centre, tea room and museum.
8
Stretch those legs
Stratford Bike Hire is based at the Stratford Greenway, a flat, five-mile, traffic-free cycle track along a disused railway line in Stratfordupon-Avon. You can hire a range of bikes, including e-bikes, tandems, trikes and bikes for kids and adults. If you need a refreshment, you can make use of the café here, too!
9
Charlecote Mill
Charlecote Mill is one of the only surviving working
watermills in the UK, and is well worth a visit. The mill retains all the charms and atmosphere of a mill run in Victorian times and most of the processes haven’t changed in 200 years! Check their website for open days.
10
Coombe Country Park I
Set in 500 acres of stunning countryside, Coombe Country Park in Coventry has something for everyone. With woodland walks, children’s play areas, course fishing and one of the largest heronries in the UK, this is the perfect spot for wildlife enthusiasts. ■
Shopaholics will love Coventry & Warwickshire for its eclectic mix of boho-chic boutiques, high-street staples and quirky independents
The heart of England is the spot for a spending spree you won’t forget in a hurry! From high-street brands to rare antiques, you’ll find your treasures in towns that ooze charm. Fill your bags on spontaneous trips through the countryside or make a beeline for brilliant shopping centres across Coventry and Warwickshire.
Coventry’s buzzing city centre is a mecca for shopaholics looking for mainstream brands. You’ll find all your favourites, like Primark and Marks & Spencer, along with quirky independent boutiques.
Coventry’s city centre is a mecca for shopaholics
West Orchards shopping centre is an elegant and sprawling centre set over five floors. At Arena Park, you’ll pick up fashion from Next, sportswear from JD Sports, along with Nordic designs at JYSK.
Cannon Park is a shopping zone with something for everyone. Pop into Pala Jewellers for sparkly gifts, get your essentials at Tesco and sample tasty bites at Asian Street Foods. There’s not much you won’t find at Lower Precinct. Bag something new to wear at H&M and add to your jewellery collection at Pandora.
j Hay Lane, Coventry
I Leamington Spa is a delightful town to spend a day shopping in
And if you love stalls overflowing with local produce, head to Coventry Market where you’ll also rummage through handicrafts and clothes to find bargains.
Set aside a couple of hours for a trip to Elliot’s Field Shopping Park, on the A426 towards Rugby. There’s a great variety of stores here, including H&M, Next and TK Maxx, but perhaps the biggest draw is the Nike Factory Store.
Leamington Spa
Royal Leamington Spa boasts an assortment of shops to tempt the most discerning customers. The town maintains its regal style thanks to wide boulevards lined with specialist boutiques and major high street stores. Start your shopping journey along Park Street, then head to Regent Street and Warwick Street.
The statuesque marble arches of the Royal Priors could teach other town centre shopping centres a lesson in class and style. The two-level emporium is beautifully bright and light thanks to the glass-domed ceiling. Wide walkways allow you to browse at your leisure. Royal Priors is home to Superdry, The Entertainer and Waterstones, along with tempting restaurants like Carluccio’s for Italian food.
An absolute shopper’s paradise is found down the Parade, bursting with fashion, home and technology stores. Fulfil a craving for gifts and stationery at WHSmith. Try clothes on to your heart’s content at Hobbs. Chocoholics are spoilt for choice with luxury chocolatiers. Head to Hotel Chocolat at the top of the iconic Parade, or try independent chocolatier Cenu Cacao on Regent Street.
Stratford-upon-Avon
You’re spoilt for choice in Stratford-uponAvon. The town centre is wonderfully compact and accessible, meaning you don’t have to struggle to the car with your haul. Familiar brands and a swathe of independent retailers ensure every need is catered for. To start, a large M&S has your department store needs sorted.
If you love designer clothes, Sarto Menswear sells garments from some of the world’s most famous and prestigious brands, such as Hugo Boss and Armani. Since 1980, Mosaique has delivered established and new labels for women, with accessories to go with your outfit. Pop in and choose from Max Mara, Moschino, Diane von Furstenberg and more. For homewares, try Lakeland and Robert Dyas. The White Company combines furniture with clothes and delightful gifts. l
If you’ve a sweet tooth, make sure you check out The Stratford Sweet Shop for old-fashioned British confectionary. For more foodie treats, check out the fortnightly Saturday farmers’ market in Rother Street to taste locally sourced and produced ingredients. Choose your favourite organic veggies and scrumptious cheeses and find unique souvenirs at the craft stalls.
A vibrant courtyard of independent shops and restaurants, Bell Court opened in 2017 and has fast become the place to go for some retail therapy. It’s hard to walk by the charming shopfront of Gemini Woman, where you’ll find the latest fashion. Admire the famous neon art portraits of Louis Sidoli at White Light Gallery.
The characterful and charming town of Warwick is the place to soak up Tudor architecture while wandering through cobbled streets. Indulge in as much browsing and buying as you like at shops that line the large market square in the centre of the town.
Heaphys of Warwick has a heritage in tailoring that stretches back to 1832. You might just find the best-tailored suits outside of London here.
Based in Warwick’s Market Place,
Hamlington’s Fine Jewellery is a thirdgeneration family jeweller who pride themselves on keeping to only the highest standards. Commission a bespoke piece or choose from a range of fabulous pieces on offer. Hamlington’s also offer refurbishments, resizing, valuations and cleaning services.
Join all the other happy shoppers along Swan Street and stroll along Smith Street, Warwick’s oldest shopping street. Jury Street serves up quirky shops and restaurants, and Market Street is the place for high-street l
names. If you’re visiting on Saturday, the historic market greets you with fresh produce offered direct from local farmers.
Coventry
For unique gems you won’t find anywhere else, this region keeps you shopping for as long as your feet can take it! Coventry’s FarGo Village is heaven on earth for shoppers who love all things artsy and indie. The former factory space hosts everything from quaint cake shops to antique stores.
Find the perfect psychedelic gogo dress and 1950s homeware at Auntie Olive’s Attic. Pick up some new yoga pants at Buddha Boutique and choose a unique canvas at Crazy Rah Art. FarGo often hosts events, so you might be lucky enough to catch Vegan Markets or workshops.
For more vintage threads, make a beeline for Milk Vintage on Hales Street, where you’ll find cool clothing imported from the US and Canada, with an emphasis on 1980s and 1990s sportswear. If pre-loved books are more your vibe, you’ll find everything you need at Gosford Books on Gosford Street.
Coventry also boasts scores of familyrun businesses offering you the best of local services. John Aspell has been working for over 30 years, producing and designing unique and elegant jewellery for Aspell & Company in Spon Street. Francis and Gaye is another family-run jewellers located in West Orchards shopping centre.
Leamington Spa
Specialist boutiques nestle among Georgian and Edwardian architecture in Royal Leamington Spa. Get happily lost in the Aladdin’s cave that is Stone The Crows, a bazaar with a tremendous selection of furniture and homewares, or browse a l
For the best shopping experience in Coventry, head straight to Arena Shopping Park. Located just north of the city centre and close to the M6, Arena is the ultimate one-stop shopping and leisure destination.
Home to over 20 big name stores including M&S, Next, JD and Decathlon, you can shop till you drop, before refuelling at the likes of Nando’s, Starbucks and Costa. Situated right next to The Coventry Building Society Arena, it’s the perfect place to combine with a concert or football game. Plus, there’s convenient public transport links and 1,600 free parking spaces to make your visit a breeze!
quirky selection of gifts, cards and tableware at Berylune.
Eco-friendly shoppers love Zero Store, which dispenses everyday grocery items to you in whatever containers you happen to have. They stock more than 300 different products, with a third of them sourced locally.
Independent fashion boutique Lilac Rose sells Instagram-worthy accessories to go with fashionable women’s clothing. Proudly showcasing hand-picked British designers, the team work hard to source pieces you won’t find elsewhere on the high street. For more trendy women’s fashion, check out Domino, which stocks brands including Stella Nova and Dea Kudibal. Stylish men’s fashion can be yours at Chapter.
Magic Alley is a spellbinding retail emporium and magical attraction. The shop sells everything from crystal balls and magic wands to dragons and vintage toys. It also offers a Magical Attraction – The Enchanted Treasure Trail to solve clues and puzzles in a world of fairies and wizards. You might even meet the odd unicorn!
Trading for more than 10 years, Vinegar Hill is a friendly family-run business which offers the perfect gift for a loved one. The lifestyle store stocks quality Italian handbags, pearl jewellery and humorous greetings cards.
Do you love teddy bears? Curtis Brae is a shop for big and little kids alike, with collectables and soft toys to suit everyone.
If you’re in the market for a special gift, 50 Henley Street is a must-visit. Run by Steven and Joanne Beer, this independent jeweller specialises in vintage pieces and watches including Rolex and Cartier. Steven joined his family business at the age of 16 in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter. Since then he’s travelled the world sourcing the best diamonds and jewellery. l
Nuneaton is a popular and historic 13th-century market town. There you can find Johnsons Jewellers, a family-run business which has been trading for more than 120 years and sells the very best in luxury watches. Johnsons are also part of the worldwide network of Official Rolex retailers. Customers are welcome to view the extensive Rolex collection whilst relaxing with a glass of Champagne.
Elsewhere in Nuneaton, Ropewalk Shopping Centre offers a range of popular brands and cafés over two floors.
Meander down the Henley Mile for vintage shops and bookstores. You’ll find beautiful scarves and gifts at Henley Tweed Boutique, and a gorgeous array of knick-knacks and furniture at Henley Vintage. Keep the theme going at Urban Village Vintage, where leather jackets mingle with records and funky boots.
Chocoholics, rejoice! Henley Chocolates is the Warwickshire home of hand-crafted artisan chocolate and a must-visit. The team of ‘chocolate fairies’ make scrumptious products with the best fresh, local ingredients they can lay their hands on. Try your hand at making your own chocolates or indulge your sweet tooth with an artisan hamper.
The shop is one of 10 tucked into the courtyard of Yew Tree Farm shopping village, set in the heart of glorious Warwickshire countryside between Henley and Stratfordupon-Avon. It’s still a part-working farm with buildings converted into commercial units selling everything from garden furniture at The Garden Furniture Centre, to loose-leaf teas at Grey’s Teas.
If you’re after a unique shopping experience Hatton Shopping Village is the perfect place for a family day out. It’s located next to Hatton Country World where children enjoy a soft play centre along with a petting zoo and farmyard fun rides. The shopping village offers just as much fun for bigger kids.
The carthorses and dovecotes that used to occupy the farm buildings have given way to a bustling community of independent shopkeepers. Today, many of the old nooks and crannies are filled with things that simply can’t be found on the high street. With its roots as a Craft Centre – some of the original craftsmen remain – there is a delightful mix of traditional and contemporary.
The region is full of quaint market towns and Kenilworth’s market is on Thursday. Stalls full of fresh fish, cheese and handcrafted gifts sit under blue and white striped awnings in front of the clock tower. Make time to pick up a new read from the ever-so-helpful
The region is full of quaint market towns — Kenilworth’s market for instance is on Thursday
team at Kenilworth Books. Locals are fiercely proud of this bookshop and it’s easy to see why. You’ll find plenty of options from bestsellers to children’s books.
Have a rummage around the Treehouse Bookshop for a bargain book, too. This not-for-profit second-hand bookshop hosts numerous weekly events, like art history talks and popular live folk nights.
From glamorous designer boutiques to market stalls spilling with crafts, the region offers shops to suit every personality. Whether you choose Coventry’s shopping centres or Warwick’s cobbled, boutique-lined streets, you’ll leave with a smile on your face and bulging bags. ■
www.charlesclinkard.co.uk
This part of the country is a foodie’s paradise with a host of fantastic restaurants, cafés and pubs – so make sure you bring a healthy appetite
There’s something to tempt every palate and even the fussiest of diners in Coventry and Warwickshire. The region’s top restaurants serve up innovative menus that attract culinary praise. However, you’ll also stumble upon cute-as-a-button tea rooms and traditional pubs filled with friendly locals and award-winning ales.
If you love to follow your nose to award-winning and popular
restaurants, your taste buds are spoilt for choice in Coventry and Warwickshire. Not only does The Royal Oak in Whatcote have a Michelin star, it’s also been voted one of the country’s top 50 gastropubs. Book a table in this historic inn and it’s easy to see why. Their emphasis on seasonal, farmto-fork produce ensures that their menu really shines.
Warwick boasts a wide range of
independent restaurants, pubs and coffee shops. The Roebuck Inn is the region’s oldest public house dating back to 1470. It’s located on historic Smith Street, just a hop, skip and a jump from the world-famous Warwick Castle. This is a favourite of locals craving posh pub grub with a glass of sparkling prosecco.
The star of the show in Kenilworth is The Cross in Kenilworth. Chef Adam Bennett has
retained a Michelin star for years and the restaurant also has three AA Rosettes. The famous culinary guide praises the restaurant for highquality cooking and hearty dishes re-mastered. This award-winning restaurant operates under the ownership of chef patron Andreas Antona, who also owns Michelinstarred Simpsons restaurant in Birmingham.
Combine a visit to Kenilworth Castle with locally sourced beef steaks at Harringtons on the Hill. Or pop in for Fish Market Friday for wine deals with your fish dish. Then, if you’re in the mood for a sweet treat, get down to Milk & Mocha for waffles, crêpes, ice cream sundaes and more.
Take your appetite straight to Salt on Church Street, the first restaurant in Stratford-upon-Avon to receive a Michelin star, along with three AA rosettes. If you want to learn their secrets, there’s a cookery school above the restaurant.
The Fuzzy Duck is an awardwinning boutique inn for a romantic supper or a family feast. The head chef takes great pride in working with the best local suppliers and fresh produce to create diverse dishes on changing seasonal menus.
Wander around the town centre for over 100 fabulous places to eat and drink. To feed your creativity as well as your stomach, have a supper fit for a Shakespearean thespian at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre’s Rooftop Restaurant. It’s wrapped around the curve of the auditorium, with huge windows and a terrace overlooking the river.
If you’re after a unique and unforgettable dining experience, book a table on the Countess of Evesham restaurant boat.
Stay by the water at The Riverside Stratford Bar & Restaurant, accessed via the beautiful village of Tiddington. Pick a table on the balcony of the nautical-style building and tuck into hearty steaks, burgers or pizzas.
Head north from Stratford to Henley-in-Arden and you’ll find a
You can enjoy affordable, freshlyprepared dishes in a comfortable environment at Bistrot Pierre
fabulous menu created by Michelinstarred chef Glynn Purnell at The Mount, the town’s newest offering. This cosy gastropub specialises in simple food, made well and in championing local ingredients from trusted suppliers. Think steaks, burgers and roasted fish.
Coventry proudly holds the title of the Capital of Culture 2021, so the food scene is thriving. For gourmet burgers washed down by Prague’s Staropramen lager, The Lazy Monkey Bar and Kitchen is located just steps away from Coventry Railway Station.
Catch a theatre performance and have a drink, burger or afternoon tea in 1950s-style surroundings at Nineteen 58 Bar. It joins The Belgrade Café in offering everything you want on a night out at Coventry’s Belgrade Theatre.
Delicious multi-cultural cuisine is a highlight of the Coventry city centre. Turmeric Gold, Coventry’s most exclusive Indian restaurant, serves up award-winning dishes like Goa king prawns and sheek kebab with exotic mango salsa, while The Farmhouse serves up a fusion of British Kashmiri dining, including a spicy Bombay bad boy steak and Indian street pizzas. Head to Habibi Restaurant for home-made dishes, made with love, from Palestine.
Fans of French cuisine should make a beeline for Bistrot Pierre. Located in Cathedral Lanes shopping centre, overlooking the iconic Lady Godiva statue, diners can enjoy affordable, freshlyprepared, French-style dishes in a comfortable environment. Those who follow vegan, gluten-free or vegetarian diets are also wellcatered for here.
If you’re after something more exotic, Cathedral Lanes is home to a range of other chain restaurants. Head to Zizzi for Italian cuisine, Las Iguanas for Latin American favourites or Turtle Bay for fiery jerk flavours. There’s also The Botanist Bar & Restaurant where you’ll be able to enjoy some famously fancy cocktails accompanied by a varied menu of comfort food and familiar favourites.
In the cultural quarter of the l
city, FarGo Village is the place to go for independent shops and dining. Bib Noodle Bar dishes up healthy Chinese cuisine, including hand-made noodles, dumplings and home-fermented vegetables. If you’re in the mood for something sweet, you can pick up cupcakes, brownies, cookies and more at Sugar & Spice.
The rural charm of this region includes an abundance of country pubs, quaint tea rooms and foodie festivals. Combine a day of history and culture with a mouthwatering meal at The Townhouse in Stratford-upon-Avon.
It’s just a stone’s throw from Shakespeare’s school and resides in a 400-year-old, Grade 2-listed building. Do your best to choose between tasty dishes made with local ingredients, like dry-aged sirloin steaks, pork ribeye and generous charcuterie boards.
Feel like stone-baked pizza?
The Orange Tree in Chadwick End has you covered. For cosy,
Feel like a stone-baked pizza tonight?
The Orange Tree in Chadwick End has you covered
village pub vibes, Ye Olde Saracen’s Head is located just outside lovely Balsall Common. Start with fried buttermilk chicken and leave enough room for charcoal ovencooked steaks. In Hatton, the Falcon provides a rustic atmosphere with gastropub food after a day ambling in the countryside.
An oldie but a goodie is The Virgins and Castle in Kenilworth. First opened as a pub in 1563, records show that it once hosted the ‘Court of the Castle Manor’. Delicious meals are available every day, but this pub is famous for Sunday roasts served with Yorkshire pudding. Don’t be surprised if you catch a live music gig with your meal either!
For food with views, bag a window seat at the Queen and Castle in Kenilworth. This gastropub boasts seasonal dishes and an outdoor dining space that’s perfect for large groups and dog l
walkers. Plus, you’ll enjoy fantastic views of Kenilworth Castle, which is even more impressive when lit up at night.
At Ufton, The White Hart features a tricky winding drive up to the front door. It’s well worth it when you’re rewarded with miles of countryside to admire.
It’s not just the food that attracts visitors to the tastefully-decorated Red Lion pub in Hunningham. The lush garden is intercepted by the gorgeous River Leam. It’s the perfect spot to spend a warm summer evening, especially as the landlord regularly hosts live music acts to entertain you while you dine alfresco.
You don’t have to travel to the countryside watering holes, with miles of canal views to dine by. Popular waterside pubs include The Blue Lias Inn, an unpretentious canal-side inn located next to the Grand Union Canal. In Long Itchington, pop into the Two Boats Inn. Built in 1743, this traditional
English pub is an ideal stopping point for boaters, walkers and cyclists alike.
One thing that locals are proud of in the region is a good quality tea room. Nearly every tourist attraction, museum and art gallery in Coventry and Warwickshire boasts one! Run by a couple focused on sustainability and community, Forrest Coffee House in Kenilworth is a good choice. It offers local honey and crafts with your coffee and cake.
Soak up the ambience of a 1940s tea room at the Fourteas in Stratford-upon-Avon. Order the Ivor Novello Afternoon tea and nibble on home-baked scones with jam and clotted cream while listening to the likes of Vera Lynn and Glen Miller.
Time your visit with one of many food festivals to taste the best of the best across the region. Stratfordupon-Avon’s annual food festival offers a feast of food and cooking
demonstrations from celebrity chefs. You’ll be able to learn all about the food you’re buying from the passionate producers who make and sell them. Follow trails throughout the town to sample local delicacies in boutique eateries and real ale.
Warwick Food Festival features more than 100 food and drink traders, live entertainment and kids’ activities – so you can enjoy lunch while they play.
The popular Coventry Food Festival showcases everything from fudge to gin and Greek dishes. Kenilworth Food Festival takes over Warwick Road with live entertainment between chef demonstrations and, of course, plenty of eating.
No matter where you go in Coventry and Warwickshire, you’ll wish you had more room to fit one more treat in! From lunch in country pubs to elegant high teas and Michelin star menus, every craving is catered for. ■
Only here for the weekend? Fear not! Here are some ideas for a memorable short break to Coventry & Warwickshire
Start in Coventry, a city that has seen a lot of regeneration over the past few years and yet more it coming its way thanks to the title of Capital of Culture 2021.
After making your way to the city centre and bidding hello to the famous statue of Lady Godiva, visit the ruins of the Cathedral and the surrounding lanes. Petrolheads must find time for Coventry Transport Museum, telling the motoring heritage of the city. Nearby is the cultural quarter of the city, FarGo Village, a wonderfullyunique collection of independent businesses in a truly quirky setting.
Then head to Royal Leamington Spa and soak up the elegant marble pillar-lined parade; shopping has never been such an elegant affair.
Gourmet dining
Once you’ve bagged some bargains take your pick of independent pavement cafés and coffee shops. The food scene here is thriving with everything from Greek to Thai to Caribbean, with plenty in between. If you’re after gourmet dining, stop off at The Cross at Kenilworth, the Michelin-star restaurant, for an unforgettable dinner.
The hidden hedged gardens of Warwick at Hill Close Gardens are something not every visitor knows about. A delightful network of individual Victorian gardens, separated by high hedges, have been restored using Heritage Lottery Funding. Charming summerhouses, old fruit trees and blossoming flower beds all await.
Other historical delights in this pretty town is the timber-framed Lord Leycester Hospital and vast
greenery of St Nicholas’ Park. End your busy 24 hours with a night fit for a knight in Warwick Castle’s lodges or glamping tents.
Spend the following day in Stratford-upon-Avon soaking up the wonderful Tudor charm of this bustling town. As soon as you get to Stratford, take a Tower Tour at the
Royal Shakespeare Theatre. It’s free to ascend the 118ft red brick tower for views of the town, the Royal Shakespeare Company estate and its surroundings.
Stratford also has you covered for great family-friendly activities. You can’t go wrong with a visit to Stratford Butterfly Farm which is fun for big and little kids alike or soak up the fantastic atmosphere at the MAD mechanical art museum, with its interactive displays.
There’s also Tudor World, a small and independent museum
Take a Tower Tour at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre
devoted to the Tudors – the only one in the country. Walk across the pedestrian Tramway Bridge in front of the theatre and make for Bistrot Pierre. It has an alfresco terrace with wonderful views of the theatre, the Avon and the spire of Holy Trinity, a short walk along the river. The Stratford Town Trust runs free concerts at the nearby bandstand from May to September.
Sadly, all too soon it’s time to head home with a head full of memories and a list of lots to do when you next come back. ■
Culture vultures assemble! This region offers the perfect mix of galleries, museums, exhibitions and festivals
Shakespeare’s birthplace, Stratford-upon-Avon
From sports to Shakespeare and castles, Coventry and Warwickshire are brimming with culture and history. Catch a touring musical after a brilliant day of museumhopping. Time your trip with a yearly calendar of fabulous festivals. Whatever gives you a proper culture fix, it’s likely you’ll find it here.
Roll up, roll up for dazzling performances across Coventry and Warwickshire! Get set for an overload of talent and fun.
Stratford-upon-Avon receives more than five million visitors per year
from all over thanks to attractions like the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) and Shakespeare’s birthplace.
Famous around the world, the RSC performs live theatre throughout the year in the 1,000seat Royal Shakespeare Theatre and 450-seat Swan Theatre. If you can’t catch a performance, check out the stunning views from the Tower and discover theatrical secrets on a Theatre Tour.
Coventry is full of theatres attracting big-name stars and touring bands. The Albany Theatre
is a true gem with its impressive Art Deco style behind the superb façade of the old Coventry Technical College. Designed in 1919 and originally opened in 1935, the theatre was restored by a team of volunteers and charitable trust donations. The Albany’s two theatres host dance, drama and comedy shows.
The Belgrade Theatre is a major arts and cultural facility in Coventry and remains one of the largest regional producing theatres in Britain. The historic building boasts an 850-seat main auditorium
as well as a space to hold smaller audiences looking to enjoy critically acclaimed plays and traditional pantomimes.
Coventry Building Society Arena plays host to huge events yearround, including international tennis fixtures and concerts by bigname acts such as Harry Styles and Arctic Monkeys.
Located in Earlsdon, The Criterion Theatre offers a taste of community spirit thanks to the 200-strong repertory theatre company made up entirely of volunteers.
Over in Leamington, The Royal Spa Centre is the place to go to see everything from comedy, dance and spoken word through to musical theatre and films.
A grassroots organisation delivering a dose of culture to the region is the volunteer-led Loft Theatre Company. They’ve been producing live theatre in Royal Leamington Spa since 1922.
If you’re in Warwickshire in the summer, you can catch
a major arts and cultural facility
outdoor productions in beautiful surroundings at historic venues such as Coombe Abbey, Charlecote Park and The Dell, in Stratfordupon-Avon.
There’s a fantastic array of annual festivals that fill the social diary of the region. Highlights include the annual Stratford Literary Festival. One of the most significant literary festivals in the UK, it attracts thousands of people who share a love of books, writing and reading. You’ll find an exciting mixture of debates and celebrity author events, along with plenty of workshops to hone your skills.
Warwick Folk Festival showcases the very best in traditional and contemporary folk arts – and it gets bigger and better each year. The family-friendly event features beautiful views across the banks of the River Avon and the chance for glamping.
If you’re more of a bookworm, Warwick Words History Festival is a festival of the written and spoken word. Expect to meet plenty l
of accomplished novelists and playwrights.
You’ll enjoy 10 days of exhibitions and events at Kenilworth Arts Festival, held at different locations across town. Over the last few years, Art in the Park has grown to be one of Royal Leamington Spa’s most popular festivals. Artists, live music and workshops join incredible food stalls at Jephson Gardens.
Love classical dance or innovative drama? Warwick Arts Centre, based at the University of Warwick, has a national reputation for its wideranging programme welcoming thousands of visitors year-round. Since opening in 1974, the arts centre has been an important resource for the arts across the region. In recent years, top comedians like Peter Kay, Michael McIntyre and Sarah Millican have left audiences rolling in the aisles.
Along with performing arts, visual art includes two specially commissioned pieces by Richard Wentworth and Mark Titchner. You’ll also admire works by young artists, across more than 900 paintings, prints, ceramics and photos. Follow one of the sculpture trails to see two giant steel dinosaurs by Jake and Dinos Chapman.
It’s easy to fill your itinerary with romantic castles, paintings and ancient artefacts when you
You’ll enjoy 10 days of exhibitions and events at Kenilworth Arts Festival
step back in time in Coventry and Warwickshire. For starters, the spectacular Warwick Castle is the perfect place for a family day out and every stone is steeped in history.
The castle is the biggest single tourist attraction in Warwickshire. You’ll see the medieval trebuchet that weighs 22 tonnes. Budding dragons can learn the skills to become fully-fledged dragons on the Zog activity trail. Along the way, fascinating stories abound.
The castle has often hosted royals – both as guests or prisoners. Queen Elizabeth I visited the castle in 1566 during a tour and returned in 1572. A timber building was constructed inside the castle just for her. Then, there’s The Knight’s Village which is home to themed lodges and glamping tens, a medievalinspired restaurant and an outdoor entertainment area where you can even attend knight school!
Kenilworth Castle is no less impressive. First built in the 1120s, Queen Elizabeth I granted it to Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester in 1563. He converted Kenilworth into a lavish palace. The castle’s fortifications were dismantled in 1650, and the ruins later became famous thanks in part to Walter Scott’s romance novel, Kenilworth. Climb the tower for breathtaking views and stroll through the Elizabethan Garden.
For a secret castle experience, visit Bagot’s Castle in the village of Baginton. Ruins remain of a castle believed to have been originally built at the time of King Henry I. Take advantage of the guided talks by a resident archaeologist as well as children’s trails for unique history lessons. The bluebells here are worth a visit alone, best seen in full bloom during April and May.
In Coventry, you simply can’t miss the majestic cathedral with atmospheric 14th-century ruins resting beside the New Cathedral, a masterpiece of modernist architecture designed by Sir Basil Spence.
A trip to Shakespeare’s England simply isn’t complete without a visit to Shakespeare’s Birthplace. In fact, it’s a bucket list trip for fans of l
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the Bard. In Stratford-uponAvon, you’ll find Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, the family home of Shakespeare’s wife-to-be. Discover original furniture including the Hathaway bed. Outside, Wander the orchards to spot sculptures inspired by Shakespeare’s plays. You’ll also explore Nash’s House, Shakespeare’s New Place and Hall’s Croft.
To discover Stratford’s cultural gems after dark falls, complete with tales of murder, mystery and evil spirits, sign up for The Stratford Town Ghost Walk.
From plays to transport, The British Motor Museum is home to the world’s largest collection of historic British cars. Take a walk down the ‘Time Road’ and discover how both motoring and family life has changed through the decades. Travel through ‘Making British Cars’ to see how influential the motor industry has been over the years. There are plenty of events and rallies throughout the year that appeal to petrolheads.
That’s not all though, with the Coventry Transport Museum to keep the theme going. It’s home to the world’s largest collection of British road transport, including the two fastest cars in the world. From the road to the skies, visit the Midland Air Museum to learn about local aviation history and get plenty of aircraft selfies.
Alternatively, to learn about British sporting culture, a visit to the World Rugby Hall of Fame will introduce you to everything Rugby Union. Based in Rugby (of course), listen to tales of rugby legends and learn about the history of this humble international game through state-of-the-art interactive exhibits featuring memorabilia and more.
Why not stretch those legs as you soak up an art trail? Coventry Canal Basin is the ideal place to start out on several fascinating art trail treks through picturesque countryside. Look out for informative fact boards and plaques along the routes highlighting some of Coventry’s rich
industrial history. You’ll also enjoy miles of traffic-free towpath walks.
The award-winning Herbert Art Gallery & Museum celebrates the city’s culture, history and arts. It tells the fascinating story of Coventry’s history from the medieval to the modern, with a whole gallery dedicated to the much-loved Lady Godiva story.
As well as ever-changing displays, The Herbert also offers a range of talks and workshops for adults and families to encourage creativity. One of the best-known prizes for visual arts in the world, the Turner Prize came here as part of UK City of Culture 2021.
Last, but not least, make time for Compton Verney, a fabulous country mansion art gallery featuring two centuries worth of paintings and the UK’s largest collection of British Folk Art. This venue also hosts events, tours, talks and workshops, or you could even visit to simply explore the extensive park surrounding the mansion. ■
The night-time economy in Warwickshire is thriving, packed with clubs, pubs, bars and live music venues
When the sun sets on Coventry and Warwickshire a whole raft of lively options come alive! Enjoy loads of atmospheric pubs ringing with the sounds of live music. Or dress up to let your hair down at neonlit nightclubs. Then, of course, there’s the theatre and that famous headliner, Shakespeare.
If you’re a theatre buff, you might spend your entire time in Stratfordupon-Avon in the presence of the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. A long history includes its opening as the Shakespeare Memorial Theatre in 1879. Reconstructions led to the
Royal Shakespeare Company’s birth in 1961. Check the programme for your favourites, enjoy the rooftop restaurant and leave with souvenirs and inspiration.
You’re spoilt for choice in Coventry, so set aside plenty of time to book tickets to brilliant shows! Built in 1958, The Belgrade Theatre impresses with a two-tier main auditorium and a reputation as one of the largest regional producing theatres in Britain. From tribute acts to children’s shows, there’s not much you won’t find on the Albany Theatre’s dazzling programme –
and you’ll enjoy the show in Art Deco surrounds.
Royal Leamington Spa boasts the Royal Spa Centre & Town Hall. The house theatre offers 667 seats and there’s the Studio Cinema with 188 seats for intimate screenings and performances. Expect plenty of razzle and dazzle with musicals, comedy acts and tribute shows. Music is the heart and soul of Coventry. In the 70s, the city ruled the charts on both sides of the Atlantic with its trademark fusion of ska and punk, the 2Tones and The Specials. There’s even a dedicated
area for celebrating 2Tone heritage at the 2Tone Village.
Make a beeline for HMV Empire, which has previously hosted blockbuster events including a sell-out, one-off concert from The Libertines. Founding member Tom Clarke, the former frontman of Coventry rock band The Enemy, has a little black book of famous faces and artists to call upon. Shed Seven, Pete Doherty and Tim Burgess, the lead singer of The Charlatans are among them.
If you’re into metal and rock, the Arches will provide plenty of fun nights out, thanks to both new bands and tribute acts. For bigname international stars, check out the schedule at the 40,000-capacity Coventry Building Society Arena.
The city has always welcomed musicians with open arms. The annual Godiva Festival attracts over 70,000 music lovers. Based in Coventry’s historic War Memorial Park, the three-day event offers
Make a beeline for HMV Empire, which hosts many blockbuster events
live music along with family entertainment, a craft village and a children’s funfair.
Are you a budding jazz musician? Head to Bedford Street for the weekly Jazz Jam Night on a Wednesday. It’s billed as Royal Leamington Spa’s ‘most unique live music experience’, and it’s easy to see why.
Looking for something a little different? It’s likely you’ll find a salsa or quiz night at the Leif Tea Rooms in Royal Leamington Spa. Check the schedule for cocktail happy hour and stretch your vocals at open mic nights. Colourful events are a given at the award-winning LGBTQ+ venue, The Yard Coventry. Rock up for karaoke, dress up for cabaret or join in with games nights.
How about an adults-only mini golf course? Teezers is Coventry’s answer to it, with an 18-hole, retrothemed course to putt your way through. Naturally, you’ll sip chilled cocktails and sample street food as you aim for a hole-in-one. The names of the holes, like Cool l
Runnings and Bullseye, are great conversation starters.
Mad about football? At the Sky Blue Tavern you can drink craft beer and watch live matches – all in surroundings themed around Coventry City Football Club.
Is it a dancing kind of night or a cosy pub evening? Either way, Coventry and Warwickshire deliver something to suit your mood after dark. If you’re after a night out with a difference you can’t miss
Coventry’s oldest pub, The Golden Cross on Hay Lane. Self-billed as ‘Coventry’s most welcoming pub’, you simply can’t go wrong. Plus, the history alone keeps you talking all night. Built in 1953, it’s adorned with traditional Tudor features like jettied upper floors with exposed beams. They don’t do live sport on big screens, but they do love convivial conversation, real ales and live music on Saturday nights. Another watering hole with bags
Need more oomph to your night out?
Try rocking the Kasbah – a rite of passage for Coventry students for 25 years
of history is The Slug and Lettuce. This former gaol and courthouse in Bayley Lane lay empty for more than 20 years, before reopening as a bar and restaurant in 2013. The building is infamous as the place where the last public hanging in Coventry and Warwickshire took place. Now it’s much more famous for colourful cocktails.
Shakespeare wrote that ‘good wine is a good familiar creature, if it be used well’, and he’d be proud of
the number of traditional pubs still standing in Stratford-upon-Avon. Hop around Ely Street, High Street and Sheep Street for a wide choice.
Take a step back in time at the timber-framed and reportedly haunted Garrick Inn which dates back to the 1400s. You’ll hear plenty of stories of fires, plagues and ghosts over beer. Alternatively, hole up in the Old Thatch Tavern, a gorgeous Grade 2-listed pub and the oldest drinking hole in Stratford.
Stratford-upon-Avon’s best bars and clubs are but a stone’s throw from each other. You might rub shoulders with some of the talented Royal Shakespeare thespians in bars that surround the world-famous Royal Shakespeare Theatre.
That Little Gin & Prosecco bar serves – yes, you’ve guessed it, gin and prosecco! There’s a huge range of gin on offer from around the world, as well as their own homemade varieties. The Townhouse Stratford hits the right note as your Cosmopolitan is bound to taste better listening to the nightly pianist.
Fizzy Moon Brewhouse in Royal Leamington Spa caters for just about every tipple you could desire. Choose from 150 different gins, beer from the micro-brewery and handcrafted cocktails. Everyone loves The Drawing Board, with framed vintage comics to go with craft beer. Sink into a squishy leather sofa near a log burner and tuck into gourmet bar food.
In the heart of Leamington Spa’s buzzing nightlife scene, Clink Cellar Bar is a dimly lit haven for pre-club cocktails and late-night tipples. To sip a colourful drink or two in refined surroundings book a table at upscale Villa Capri, sink into a comfortable chair and enjoy! If an artisan gin bar is more your thing, The Boiler Room has you covered. Sip your faves on a backdrop of chic industrial copper, steel and brick.
Need a bit more oomph to your night out? Kasbah Nightclub is a rite of passage for many students at Coventry and Warwick universities. For 25 years it’s been a beacon of entertainment in Coventry, and a vital part of the city’s grassroots
For 25 years the Kasbah has been a beacon and a vital part of the grassroots music scene in Coventry
music and performing arts community.
The lovingly-named ‘Kazzy-B’ or ‘The Colly’ features three rooms of music, inflatables and foam fingers. And they’ll even offer you free toast on occasion. Prepare for an eclectic blend of noughties pop music and R’n’B bangers.
If you want to take things up a notch in Royal Leamington Spa, the town boasts a handful of well-loved clubs. Altoria is the place to get down on the dance floor on a Friday night. The queues for this club let you know how popular it is, so be prepared to make new friends in line. Smack nightclub on Tavistock Street boasts a contemporary, monochrome interior that entices a younger crowd to eclectic dance and DJ nights.
Launch from daytime walking and castle-hopping to nightly adventures to suit everyone. With the famous live music and theatre scenes, there’s always a show to knock your socks off. Stay in your jeans or dress up for cosy pub drinks and buzzing club nights. In Coventry and Warwickshire, you’re never short of options after dark. ■
Although Coventry & Warwickshire has more than enough to keep you busy, a journey further afield can make for an exciting new adventure
Coventry and Warwickshire are a couple of the most accessible locations in the UK. Situated in the middle of the country, the region has fantastic links for going further afield and exploring outside the immediate area.
The region is within easy access of the motorway network and an excellent railway network means that in just under an hour you can be in central London from Coventry. This landlocked county is said to be further from the coast than any other – but even then it will only take you two hours to feel the waves between your toes at Weston-superMare or Bournemouth.
The UK’s second city, Birmingham, sits right on the doorstep of Warwickshire and easily accessible by road and rail. Bullring & Grand Central hosts a Selfridges department store, and has all your shopping needs covered. The National Exhibition Centre (NEC) hosts events from Crufts to wrestling and is the busiest exhibition centre in Europe.
Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter is home to Europe’s largest concentration of jewellery businesses and is the place to go for a fair-priced bit of bling.
JRR Tolkien, author of Lord of the Rings, grew up in Birmingham and his work has inspired a Tolkien trail. Follow his footsteps to see where he studied, lived, worked and played around the city. Three miles from the centre is local nature reserve of Moseley Bog and Joy’s Wood which is said to be the basis for the ‘Old Forest’ in his books, and
is open to visitors year-round.
Calling all chocoholics! Cadbury World is a must-visit, located on the site of the original Cadbury factory in Bourneville. Learn about the history of chocolate, sample your favourite sweet treats and even take part in a 4D chocolate adventure.
Go wild and get close to some of the rarest creatures in the world at Dudley Zoo and Castle in the Black Country. Home to more than 1,300 animals and nearly 200 species, there is plenty to see and do here.
At The Black Country Living Museum, near Dudley, you can stroll down two streets of restored buildings, which recreate a canalside industrial village from the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Peaky Blinders fans will be pleased to know that the museum was a regular filming location.
Within an hour of the region
is the, picturesque countryside of the Cotswolds. The river valleys, gentle rolling hillsides and quintessential sandstone market towns are well worth a visit. The region covers an area of 2,038sq km and is the country’s largest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The Cotswolds provide an excellent location for adventure and outdoor activities as well as many splendid country pubs.
Experience lavish shopping and world-class service at the world-renowned Bicester Village, over the border in neighbouring Oxfordshire, where spacious boutiques showcase the very best in high-end fashion and the world’s leading lifestyle brands. ■
