This small shop provides a high quality, the alternative range of children's clothing without you having to pay top-designer prices. Daisy Chain caters to newborn babies up to children of primary school age and is a great place for a special outfit or for something a little out of the ordinary. This is also a great shop for some innovative educational toys and gifts, as well as wooden toys, soft toys galore, mobiles, wall hangings and even a battery-operated hobbyhorse.
This award-winning museum in a Tudor period mansion has interactive exhibits, Shakespeare tours, night-time ghost tours, and organized school visits that bring 16th-century Elizabethan England to life. Visitors can take a seat at a period dining table, rest on a monarch’s bed and throne, and listen for spirits by candlelight.
A trip to Stratford is not complete without a visit to the home of the Royal Shakespeare Company. The theater was built in 1926 following fire damage to the 1879 original structure. Fortunately it was not completely destroyed during the fire; parts of the original building, a cross between a German castle and French chateau, are still clearly visible. A second auditorium, the Swan Theater has also been incorporated into the older part.
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.
The Welcombe Hills is a delightful area. Not far from Stratford-upon-Avon town center, it is best approached on foot from the parking area in Ingon Lane just off the Warwick Road. From here it takes about ten minutes to reach the obelisk (erected in the 1870s in memory of a former owner of the Welcombe estate) where you will be rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The hills cover about 72 acres of land, providing habitat for an abundance of flora and fauna. Picnic tables and a viewing point have been provided for the additional enjoyment of visitors. Although not visible from here, the road that now forms the driveway to the Menzies Welcombe Hotel & Golf Course was once a track used by the Romans for transporting salt across the Welcombe Hills. A further point of local historical interest is that Shakespeare once purchased a share in the local tithes here, and was subsequently involved in a dispute concerning the enclosure of common land.
Originally the home of Shakespeare's parents-in-law, Anne Hathaway's Cottage is a charming, half-timbered, thatched-roof farmhouse. Inhabited by descendants of the Hathaway family until the 19th Century, the cottage still contains items of furniture that used to belong to them. Outside is a fantastic traditional English cottage garden complete with an orchard. Take a stroll through this idyllic setting, perhaps stopping to buy plants and herbs grown by the property's gardeners en route. The Tea Garden provides light refreshments and is open from March to October. Note too that Guide Friday Tours stop at the cottage.
Located within 21 acres of beautiful Warwickshire countryside, Stratford Manor-QHotels is just a 5-minute drive from Stratford-upon-Avon. The 4-star hotel has a leisure centre and an award-winning restaurant. The bedrooms each have a bathroom with free designer toiletries. All rooms feature a flat-screen satellite TV and WiFi access, and all have stylish modern decor. Guests can relax in the sauna and steam room at the Stratford Manor Leisure Club. There is also a fully equipped gym, an indoor swimming pool and a new spa with 3 treatment rooms. Shakespeare Restaurant serves a creative British menu featuring fresh local produce. Split over 2 levels, The Terrace Lounge offers speciality coffees, light lunches and real ales. QHotels Stratford Manor is just a 10-minute drive from historic Warwick, home to Warwick Castle. There is free on-site parking, and Birmingham NEC is a 25-minute drive away.
This luxury, 4-star Gothic mansion is set within 40 acres of lush parkland. With the River Stour running through, it offers luxuriously furnished rooms, award-winning dining, and an indoor swimming pool. Rooms at The Ettington Park Hotel are spacious and decorated with sumptuous furnishings. Each room includes a large flat-screen TV/DVD player, bathrobes, luxury toiletries and free mineral water. Guests can also enjoy free magazines and free Wi-Fi. Some rooms offer scenic views and open fireplaces. Dining at Ettington Park can be enjoyed in the stunning Oak Room Restaurant, with its elegant decor, 18th-century ceiling, and historic features. Locally sourced, seasonal produce is used to provide unique, modern British cuisine. Guests at The Ettington can also relax in the hotel's steam room and sauna. The historic town of Stratford-Upon-Avon and its rail station are 10 minutes’ drive away, and Warwick Castle is a 25-minute drive. The car park offers 3 complimentary electric car charge points.
Situated just north of Warwick, a visit to Hatton Country World is a great day out for the whole family. For those itching to spend money, take a look at Hatton Shopping Village, there are over 30 shops set in former Victorian farm buildings. Whether it's garden ornaments, kitchenware or goodies with which to pamper yourself, gifts, books or toys, you will find it all here. Once the shopping is done treat the children to a trip around the farm. Look out for the pet's corner, the guinea pig village, the adventure playground and the numerous special events that are held throughout the year. Entrance to shopping village, restaurants and parking is free.
A quarter of a mile from the center of Warwick lies an early Jacobean house devoted to the social history of Warwickshire. St John's House Museum is filled with displays that take you back in time, including a costume gallery and a 19th-century kitchen, parlor and schoolroom. Watch out for the Victorian children waiting for their lessons! St. John's House is also home to the Museum of the Royal Warwickshire Regiment, featuring its military uniforms and medals. There are delightful gardens here with enclosed, grassy picnic areas.
Winner of the Green Flag and Green Heritage Award, Jephson Gardens are an extremely picturesque garden located in the heart of Leamington. With a gamut of attractions and activities to pursue, the gardens offer the perfect day out for the whole family. The various attractions to visit include the Glasshouse, which houses interesting tropical plants and a goldfish pond. You can also go boating on River Leam or explore massive collection of trees and plants. A one of a kind Sensory garden is also a must visit here and it includes plants to touch and smell.
The Royal Spa Centre offers something for everyone as it plays host to a diverse range of shows. This includes talent shows, talks, musicals, dance performances, touring productions, tribute bands and regular shows aimed at children. The center also boasts a single cinema screen which features current films and those films that you missed first time around.