Proudly proclaiming the fact that it is "Europe's largest", the Stratford-upon-Avon Butterfly Farm affords a peaceful retreat away from all things Shakespearean. Hundreds of butterflies can be viewed at close quarters, many of the species sporting spectacular colors. For those interested in less attractive, more frightening creatures, other insect displays are available, including stick insects, leaf-eating ants and the world's largest spider.
If you are footsore and weary from shopping or sightseeing, why not see Stratford-upon-Avon from a different perspective? Hop aboard one of the modern passenger boats operated by Bancroft Cruisers from the wharf at the Stratford Moat House and take a 35 minute sightseeing cruise down river. Note that there are spaces on the larger boats for up to three wheelchairs. Bancroft Cruisers are also available for charter bookings, complete with on board bar facilities.
For those who like their leisure activities passive, this is an ideal spot to relax. Feeding the ducks at the water's edge is about as energetic as it gets! However, there are lots of things to see including the colorful narrow-boats moored in the canal-basin and the impromptu street-entertainers. And that is not all. On one side of the gardens is the splendid Royal Shakespeare Theatre, and on another is the truly inspirational Gower Memorial. The Gardens are also just a short walk from the town center, making them particularly popular with visitors recovering from whistle-stop tours of Stratford's heritage sites.
A short drive north-east of Birmingham brings you to this well-respected zoo known as Twycross Zoo on the Warwickshire/Leicestershire border. It is home to a wide range of animals and places a strong emphasis on conservation. Its breeding programs for endangered species are helping to conserve wild species on the brink of extinction. Animals range from lions to parrots and there is a playground and picnic area as well as a gift shop. There are also feeding shows, special exhibitions and regular talks during the summer season.
This unique house was built for residential purposes in 1878 by George Alfred Haden Haden-Best. The house is located along with the previously constructed Haden Hall in a 55 acre (22.26 hectares) estate and was bought over for public subscription. The estate is now used as a park for the public and the Haden Hill House has been converted into a small museum. This museum attracts a large amount of visitors with its list of programs and activities for all ages. The house is designed in a Victorian style and houses many Victorian objects. The museum has special services to aid school visits and holds many interesting activities for school children. The Oak House inside the house is also rented out for private events, most prominently weddings. This glorious house is a much-loved place to visit in the locality.
City Sightseeing is a company that is dedicated to help tourists explore cities. This touring company runs buses along specified routes covering different tourist locations. The bus has a guide who gives the tourists information on the place of visit and assists them in the English language. The company also has pre-recorded commentaries in languages like German, Japanese, Italian, Spanish and Russian. Check website for details.
If you are footsore and weary from shopping or sightseeing, why not see Stratford-upon-Avon from a different perspective? Hop aboard one of the modern passenger boats operated by Bancroft Cruisers from the wharf at the Stratford Moat House and take a 35 minute sightseeing cruise down river. Note that there are spaces on the larger boats for up to three wheelchairs. Bancroft Cruisers are also available for charter bookings, complete with on board bar facilities.
Cotteridge Park is a Victorian Park which covers an area of 22 acres. This wonderful private park is the venue for a number of local events and activities that include from musical performances, child-friendly workshops and fitness programs to suit all ages. Featuring a basketball court, tennis court, community orchard, an amphitheatre, play areas, etc. the park is the ideal getaway for a fun-filled family day out within the city itself.
This 17th Century country house had many notable residents like William Wolryche-Whitmore, Charles Babbage, George and Rachel Labouchere etc. Each of these personalities had something of their own to add to the house, which makes the structure a timeless beauty. Today, the house is under the care of the National Trust and is surrounded by landscaped gardens, farmland and a lake. It is a traditional sandstone building set in the Dudmaston Estate. The house bears the history of various families, most prominently the Labouchere, following the couple and their travels and housing their modern and botanical art collections from all around the world. The National Trust has developed the entire estate into a family friendly and educative experience by organizing family tours and hosting events. A great place to visit with the family.
Summer's the ideal time to spot a long, slithery snake swimming in the lake or lazing in the sun, while the baby ducklings wade in the water! Tucked away in the RSPB reserve, this site was acquired by them in 2007, and restoration work was done to make it fully accessible to the public. Middleton Lakes is famous for the numerous birds that fly in from all around to set up home there through the year. So make sure you keep time in the day to do a little bird-watching and spot some amazing, colorful ones fly right past you! Other activities include getting up close and personal with nature by climbing on the trees and playing around in the grassy areas.
This 17th-century heritage mansion is perfect for your hosting your wedding. This huge Jacobean mansion with a lavish garden spreading across 10.9 hectares (27 acres) is scenic and romantic. It was once a home to the Earl of Shrewsbury. The hall is mainly given out for wedding banquets. Nearby is the Church of St. Mary the Virgin, which can be used to carry out the ceremony. The hall also has a Residential Arts center operating since the past 40 years, which has various courses on painting, drama, dance etc.