The Area
Coventry
Coventry is the ninth largest city in England and is situated in the very heart of England. It has exceptional transport links with the Ricoh Arena, National Exhibition Centre and Birmingham International Airport only minutes away. The city is famous for its modern cathedral, which was built following the World War II bombing of the old cathedral. The special history of Coventry Cathedral has made it a unique modern-day symbol of faith, trust and hope and Coventry has since developed an international reputation as one of Europe's major cities of peace and reconciliation. Coventry has two universities, the city centre-based Coventry University and the University of Warwick on the southern outskirts which has an internationally recognised business school. The city is also famous for the legendary 11th century exploits of Lady Godiva.
Stratford-upon-Avon
This historic town is renowned for being the birthplace and home of Shakespeare. Located on the River Avon, the banks are dominated by the famous Royal Shakespeare Theatre, home of the Royal Shakespeare Company. Key tourist attractions within the town include Shakespeare's Birthplace, one of five houses relating to Shakespeare's life, which are owned and cared for by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust and Holy Trinity Church, where Shakespeare was baptised and is buried. Alternatively visit the Butterfly Farm, and a trip on the river is a must-do. Startford has many great pubs abd restaurants, including The Black Swan (locally known as the 'Dirty Duck'), which is frequented by actors 'fresh from the stage'.
Warwick
Warwick town centre is known for its historic architecture, and contains a mixture of Tudor and 17th century buildings with many specialist independent shops, cafes, pubs and restaurants. It retains a wonderful individual charm and is famous for Warwick Castle which attracts huge numbers of tourists from around the world. The Lord Leycester hospital, built in 1561, is still a home for retired soldiers and is open to the public and has recently featured in Dr Who. Nearby is Hill Close Victorian Gardens, a beautiful retreat where the well to do of Warwick’s old town houses created their own retreats. Warwick Racecourse celebrates it 300th birthday in 2007 and races are held on a regular basis.
Rugby
Rugby is a market town located on the eastern edge of Warwickshire, on the River Avon. The town is most famous for the invention of rugby football, which is played throughout the world. Legend has it that the game was invented by William Webb Ellis in 1823 at Rugby School, which is near the centre of Rugby. Rugby School is one of England's oldest and most prestigious public schools, and was the setting of Thomas Hughes's semi-autobiographical masterpiece Tom Brown's Schooldays. Rugby is also a birthplace of the jet engine.
Royal Leamington Spa
This royal spa town is noted for its parks and gardens, particularly the The Jephson Gardens, close to the Royal Pump Rooms and next to the River Leam. There is a wealth of Georgian and early Victorian architecture, including numerous Georgian townhouses, giving Leamington a grand appearance; the town is great for shopping and eating.
Rural Warwickshire and The Cotswolds
Warwickshire has a plethora of stately homes, many run by the National Trust, which tell the history of this beautiful region. Dominated by the spine of the Cotswold Hills, the area is characterised by attractive towns and villages built of the pretty honey coloured Cotswold stone, often with traditional thatched roofs. Typical Cotswold towns are Bourton-on-the-Water, Broadway, Burford, Chipping Norton, Cirencester, Moreton-in-Marsh, Stow-on-the-Wold and Winchcombe. The Cotswolds is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and ideal for outdoors activities such as walking, cycling and riding. The Cotswolds are home to many beautiful gardens such as Hidcote Gardens which are open to the public.
