Must-See Attractions in a Unique Side of England
The Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games this summer puts a spotlight on England’s West Midlands region, just 1.5 hours by train from London. Let’s check out some terrific attractions in Coventry & Stratford-upon-Avon.
Much ado About William Shakespeare
William Shakespeare’s Birthplace and childhood home delves into the family life of the great Bard, exploring his influence on the world today via a vast collection of artifacts and other memorabilia. Literature lovers shouldn’t miss Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, which lies around a mile to the west of Stratford-upon-Avon. As the former home of Shakespeare’s wife-to-be, it’s in this famous cottage that visitors can relive their love story and see much of the original building, which remains as it was 500 years ago.
Catch a Show by the Royal Shakespeare Company
Budding thespians can enjoy the theatrical talents of the Royal Shakespeare Company, which regularly brings the works of the Bard to life in Stratford-upon-Avon. In the last decade, performances of Macbeth, Twelfth Night, Romeo and Juliet and Measure for Measure are among those to have been showcased at the 1,000-seat Grade II-listed Royal Shakespeare Theatre, which is situated on the banks of the River Avon.
Cycle through an Oasis of Greenery
Stretching for around 5.5 miles from the center of Stratford-upon-Avon, the Stratford Greenway follows a former railway line and is part of the long-distance National Cycle Route 5, which runs between Reading and Holyhead. The traffic-free trail meanders through a host of green space that visitors can explore on foot or by bike, with cycles available from Stratford Bike Hire.
Tap into Arts & Culture
As the UK City of Culture 2021, Coventry boasts exceptional museums and galleries. Alongside a wide range of talks and ever-changing exhibitions, the Herbert Art Gallery and Museum explores Coventry’s arts & culture. Coventry was the centre for the British motoring industry. Unleash your love of the open road as you learn more at the Coventry Transport Museum, which houses a large collection of British-made road transport from Penny Farthings to Jaguars. It is also home to two of the world’s fastest cars – Thrust SSC and Thrust 2.
Where History Comes Alive
Coombe Abbey Park offers 500 acres of beautiful gardens, woodlands and lakeside walks, much of it designed by Capability Brown. On the grounds is the historic Coombe Abbey Hotel, former site of a Cistercian abbey. Afternoon tea in the garden room is essential. Also within the park is Go Ape Coventry, an adventure park with treetop rope activities that are fun for the whole family. History buffs can walk in the footsteps of Queen Elizabeth I at Kenilworth Castle, just a short train ride from Coventry.
Contact our agency to discover the best ways to explore Coventry & Stratford-upon-Avon.
