Things To Do
Coming fresh into an area at best can be a little disconcerting and at worst can daunt one into inactivity. There’s nowhere to go! We’re out in the sticks! Where can we go for a walk? Where’s the nearest cinema? Video-rental? Football ground? Swimming pool? Theatre? The list is endless….you knew exactly where to go before you moved and where to find out….
We hope this page will help you to begin to feel settled in and if you’ve been here for a while perhaps we can encourage you to visit places again or even for the first time. A useful number to know is 0870 160 7930 - this is for South Warwickshire Tourism and the website is www.shakespeare-country.co.uk
Leamington Spa
Leamington Spa has been on the map for a long time if not as long as Warwick. It received a great boost to its social and economic life when Queen Victoria made it her favourite spa town and started a fashion followed by the inherited and newly rich of her times. The large mansions north of the river Leam bear witness to the prosperity of the Victorians, especially those industrial magnates whose enterprise had helped to make Britain the envy of the world.
We can thank them for the wide boulevards in which horse and carriage could turn so easily but which today provide so handsomely for our congested traffic. That is not their only bequest to the town of Leamington. The Victorians built open parks which we can still stroll through, stucco covered buildings which reflect the smallest amount of light on the dullest of days making the town bright and airy, elegant homes decorated with wrought iron work giving Leamington a particular identity. The pump rooms which were the hub of Victorian ‘Spa life’ are still very much at the centre of Leamington life.
The Pump Rooms house the town library where you can browse the web. There is an art gallery and museum with a coffee shop/restaurant. Also available are the public assembly rooms which can be hired for wedding receptions, concerts and other private functions. Call 01926 742 700 or visit www.royal-pump-rooms.co.uk
Places to visit
Warwick Castle
One of the most famous must be Warwick Castle, on our doorstep and a great day out for the kids is the best-preserved mediaeval castle in the British Isles. The entry fee is not cheap, but you do get a lot for your money probably more than you can visit in one day, so go early!
It's easy to find, just make your way towards Warwick and follow the signs. There is a mediaeval festival each year running from mid-July until early September, which includes ghostly experiences and jousting every weekend. Call 0870 442 2000 for more information or visit the Warwick Castle web site: www.warwick-castle.co.uk
Kenilworth Castle
For a completely different castle experience we recommend Kenilworth. Originally a Norman keep, Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester and the Virgin Queen’s paramour restored it to one of the greatest Tudor palaces. Today it is a beautiful ruin best seen as the sun is setting. You can walk around the castle outside walls enjoying its grandeur for nothing! Afterwards, the Queen and Castle, opposite main entrance, is a convenient watering hole. However, Kenilworth offers a very large choice of pubs and restaurants, numbering some of national and international acclaim.
To visit the inside and find out more about the castle’s summer programme of events call 01926 852 078. For a free events diary call 0870 333 1181 or visit their web site: www.english-heritage.org.uk
Stratford Upon-Avon
The town of Stratford must rate very high on any visiting list. From a visit to Anne Hathaway’s cottage to dinner on a barge gliding along the River Avon or an evening in one of the several theatres. For more information call 0870 160 7930 or visit the web site: www.shakespeare-country.co.uk . For specific information on houses and places connected with Shakespeare call 01789 204016 or visit www.shakespeare.org.uk
Boating on the Avon
BoatingBoating on the Avon can be fun and the canals are also fun to lock and unlock! www.avon-boating.co.uk will give information on boat hire and cruises.
Hatton Locks
Hatton Locks is closer to home, 3 miles west of Warwick on the A4177; there is a flight of 21 locks to see! This is a great place for picnics or refreshments at the canal-side café. For details of leisurely circular walks call 01926 409 432 or visit www.britishwaterways.co.uk
Grand Union Canal
Even closer is a part of the Grand Union Canal that runs through Leamington. Go along Tachbrook Park Drive past the entrance to the Shires Retail Park, following signs for Warwick at the second roundabout follow the signs for Warwick turning left and then sharply left again into the car park of the Moorings Pub.
If you drop down onto the towpath you can walk along the canal and then follow the signs to Warwick along the side of the Avon eventually arriving at St.Nicholas Park just below the Castle or continue along the canal until ther bridge at Tesco’s supermarket, Warwick. It takes 2/3hours roundtrip and is especially recommended if walking with a buggy.
Picnics and BBQs
A great place for picnics, BBQs and a stroll are the Burton Dassett Hills. Head out of Warwick Gates in the direction of Bishops Tachbrook, pass the Revolver, an up-market, fancy food, fancy décor pub recommended by some for special occasions. Turn left at the t-junction towards Gaydon. You will pass the Heritage Motor Museum; this is another place to visit if your passion is vintage cars.
Go through the village of Gaydon, you can’t miss the hills! There is a small car-parking fee of £1.40. Up on the hills kite-flying and glider-flying enthusiasts give full vent to their passion. There is some good walking country too! Avon Dassett is a small village nearby also worth a visit. Call 01926 742 762 for more information visit www.shakespeare-country.co.uk
Charlecote Park
There are many beautiful villages and stately homes in the area. Our favourite at the moment is Charlecote Park. There are miles of deer park walks; a free buggy service makes it ideal for families. There is also a house to visit and a restaurant to relax in. Charlecote is situated 5 miles east of Stratford and belongs to the National Trust. Call 01789 420 211 for more details or visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Compton Verney
If you are in to art and architecture Compton Verney situated 7 miles east of Stratford is a must to visit. Robert Adam designed the mansion house and Capability Brown laid out the gardens. The collection of art works includes Naples 1450-1800, German 1450-1600, British Folk Art and much more. Call for details 01926 645 500 or visit www.comptonverney.org.uk
Shopping & Crafts
If shopping, crafts and farm animals are more your style then Hatton Country World/Hatton Farm Village is for you. Three miles north of Warwick on the A4177 this attraction has something for everyone in the family. England’s largest craft centre, an antiques centre, factory outlets, restaurants, farm animals and adventure playgrounds. There is an admission charge for the Farm Village Call 01926 843 411 for more details or visit www.hattonworld.com
Bowling
Bowling fans are well placed as the Megabowl is on our doorstep opposite the entrance to the Shires Retail Park on Tachbrook Park Drive. To book call 0871 550 1010 or visit www.megabowl.co.uk/
Swimming
The nearest in-door swimming pool is at the Canons Health Centre on Macbeth Approach, however there are several municipal swimming pools. The one we would recommend is at Newbold Comyn, Leamington. Pick up the signs for Newbold Comyn as you drive along The Parade (the main north-south road through the centre of Leamington).
In addition to the swimming pool there is a fitness room. Outside there is a skateboard park and facilities for other out-door activities. To find out more call 01926 450 000 and ask for Leisure and Amenities Department or visit www.warwickdc.gov.uk
Victoria Park
For smaller children Victoria Park has a paddling pool and swings. There is also a small skateboard ramp and plenty of room to run. It is very close by car. Drive past the entrance to the Shires Retail Park, follow the signs for Leamington town centre, pass the Ford Foundry on the right along Princes Drive at the roundabout the road drops down and as it passes under the railway bridge, you can see Victoria Park on the left. The main entrance is a little further. Continue to follow signs for town centre at the mini-round-about go left and then first left along the side of the river and you can’t miss the park entrance.
Sports Grounds
The nearest sports ground to those using Othello Avenue as the main entrance to the estate is at Acre Close, Whitnash, just behind the Post Office. If, on the other hand, you are closer to Ophelia Drive and Tachbrook Park Drive probably Edmondscote sports ground is nearer. Follow directions as for Victoria Park, but at the roundabout on Princes Drive bear left towards Warwick and then first left to the sports ground.
Pubs and Restaurants
The White Lion at Radford Semele
We’ve already mentioned a few pubs and restaurants, but here are a few more close by we’ve tried and can recommend. The White Lion at Radford Semele is about 10 minutes in a car through Whitnash village. Follow signs for Radford Semele and just before village of Offchurch on a bend (be careful) turn right into the car park. They have a nice garden, welcome children and the menu is very reasonable.
The Porridge Pot
The Porridge Pot in Warwick has fun for children in their whacky warehouse and serves good family food. The pub has a large non-smoking area and is very family friendly.
The Saxon Mill in Warwick
The Saxon Mill was a watermill and you can still see the mill wheel. This pub has recently been refurbished and is under new management. Beautifully situated and serving good food it is worth a visit. The Crabb Mill at Claverdon and The Orange Tree at Chadwick End also have very good restaurants and are amongst our personal favourites, high quality food and presentation also mean high prices.
Cinema
Cinemas in LeamingtonLeamington has 2 cinemas; the Apollo and the Royal Spa Centre. The Apollo has recently been renovated and has 6 screens open to the public. Programmes run from Friday to Thursday. There is a 24 hour info line 0871 220 6000 or visit www.apollocinemas.co.uk.
The nearest multiplex cinemas are in Coventry. Showcase Cinema: 02476 602 111 & The Odeon: 0871 22 44 007 are all within 20 minutes drive from Warwickgates.
The theatre is open throughout the year. Productions vary from musicals, ballet, one-man shows through to concerts and pantos.
Your comments
The places we have listed here are our personal favourites, we hope you enjoy them. If you have a personal favourite that you would like adding to this page please contact us.