Welcome To Shakespeare Country
Spend time to discover the delights of Shakespeare Country and leave with your own wonderful story to tell. You'll be sure to find something for everyone when you plan your short break or holiday in Shakespeare Country. Visit Stratford-upon-Avon - home of William Shakespeare, historic Warwick and Kenilworth with two of the most magnificent castles in English history and Royal Leamington Spa with its superb shopping in a stunning Regency setting. Take time to explore the rolling green countryside of Warwickshire, dotted with an array of historic towns and villages. Journey to the south of Shakespeare Country and explore the Cotswolds with its classic landscape of honey coloured cottages and gentle hills with dry stone walls and grazing sheep.
If you haven't already booked your accommodation then check online for Latest Availability.
Leamington Spa Food & Drink Festival
11th and 12th September
The Royal Leamington Spa Food & Drink Festival celebrates everything that is good about local produce and providers in the area.
Promising to be an even bigger and more exciting event than last year, this wonderful two day culinary extravaganza, will once again include an exciting programme - including Levi Roots - Mr Reggae, Reggae Sauce Man, AGA Rangemaster Live Cookery Theatre, Local Specialist Produce, Farmers Market and International Market's set in traditional market stalls, ample opportunity for free tastings, live music, entertainment and even a fun fair for the children.
If you are a serious foodie or someone who just appreciates good food and drink there will be plenty to entertain you - so why not come along and see what's cooking in Royal Leamington Spa!
Want to make a weekend of it? Go to our Accommodation Search page for places to stay in Shakespeare Country.
FREE ADMISSION
Heritage Open Days
11th and 12th September
Heritage Open Days celebrates England's fantastic architecture and culture by offering free access to properties that are usually closed to the public or normally charge for admission.
Every year on four days in September, buildings of every age, style and function throw open their doors, ranging from castles to factories, town halls to tithe barns, parish churches to Buddhist temples. It is a once-a-year chance to discover hidden architectural treasures and enjoy a wide range of tours, events and activities which bring to life local history and culture.
The following attractions are offering free admission on Saturday 11th or Sunday 12th September
- Charlecote Park, Wellesbourne
- Coughton Court, Near Alcester
- Hidcote Manor Gardens, near Chipping Campden
- Hill Close Gardens, Warwick - free entry Friday 10th, Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th
- Upton House, Near Banbury
Stratford Food Festival
24th to 26th September
Friday 24 September 5pm - 11pm
Saturday 25 September 10am - 11pm
Sunday 26 September 10am - 6pm
A great range of stalls selling food, drink and related products. Live Cookery Demonstrations, Live Entertainment, Fun for all the Family. Entry for Adults £5 on the gate, children under 16 free but must be accompanied by an adult
The Arden Hotel
Located in the heart of historic Stratford-upon-Avon, directly opposite the world-renowned Royal Shakespeare Company Theatres, the Arden Hotel has undergone a multi-million pound refurbishment to create an elegant and sophisticated 45-bedroom boutique-style hotel.
The transformed Arden Hotel opened its doors in July 2010, and is fast becoming the flagship destination in the redeveloped World Class Stratford, enticing Shakespeare aficionados and theatre-goers from all over the globe.
The luxuriously renovated Arden boasts the chic new Waterside Brasserie, a stylish Champagne Bar and spacious suites with beautiful views over the River Avon, providing an inspirational backdrop for your trip, whether for business or pleasure.
The Church Street Town House
Shakespeare Country congratulate Sue and Rachel Hawkins on the launch of their new boutique hotel in the heart of Stratford upon Avon.
Housed in a 400 year old Grade II Listed building and located directly opposite Shakespeare's school, it is the perfect base to soak up the history, culture and entertainment that Stratford upon Avon offers.
The Town House has a bustling neighbourhood bistro, open all day for a light lunch, a delicious afternoon tea, a speedy pre-theatre supper or a relaxed dinner. There are two charming bars offering a great selection of wines, beers, Champagnes and soft drinks and a menu of tasty, fast bar snacks. The piano in the Blue Bar is played at 5.30pm during the week for the enjoyment of the after-work local crowd rubbing shoulders with the pre-theatre diners.
The 12 luxury ensuite bedrooms each offer superking sized beds, great showers, ipod docks, TV/DVD player and WiFi.
Shakespeare Country Members shortlisted for Excellence in Tourism Awards
The following Shakespeare Country Members have been shortlisted for the Heart of England Excellence in Tourism Awards 2010
Large Hotel of the Year
• The Stratford, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire
Large Visitor Attraction of the Year
• Drayton Manor Park, Tamworth, Staffordshire
Small Visitor Attraction of the Year
• Compton Verney, Compton Verney, Warwickshire
Sustainable Tourism of the Year
• Drayton Manor, Tamworth, Staffordshire
Regional Culture Award
• Heritage Motor Centre, Gaydon, Warwickshire
Access for All
• Drayton Manor, Tamworth, Staffordshire
Business Tourism
• Woodside - Sundial Venue, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
New Open Top Bus Tour Hits The Streets
A brand new City Sightseeing tour has started in the County linking key tourist attractions in South Warwickshire.
The new ‘Heart of Warwickshire' tour links Stratford upon Avon - Charlecote Park - Compton Verney - The Heritage Motor Centre & Warwick Castle. It will operate at weekends during the early part of the summer and every day during the school summer holidays.
The new tour will supplement Stagecoach's existing Stratford City Sightseeing open top bus tour.
Discover Warwickshire DVD
The new Discover Warwickshire DVD is now available for you to order online from the Shakespeare Country shop for £10.99 plus postage.
