Published: 17.02.2026

Warwickshire Holidays Guide

Warwick Castle, WarwickshireEscape to the beautiful county of Warwickshire for unspoilt countryside, historic towns, castles, country houses, country parks, stunning waterside scenery and beautiful gardens. Rent a cottage for your break to enjoy the comforts of a home from home, and much more space than is available with a typical hotel stay.   Self-catering in Warwickshire offers privacy, comfort and extra space.

Whether for a romantic break, an escape with friends or a family holiday, this beautiful county has plenty to offer for self-catering breaks.

 

Beautiful Warwickshire Country Parks and Gardens

If you enjoy walking around stunning country parks and gardens on holiday, Warwickshire has a number worth visiting.  Meander around the National Trust’s Charlecote park with its deer park, visit the expansive Victorian gardens in Leamington Spa or explore Burton Dassett Hills Country Park with its nature trails and scenic viewpoints.

 

 

Rich History and Charming Warwickshire Towns

 

Shakespeare’s Country and Stratford upon Avon 

William Shakespeare and his birthplace are associated with Stratford-upon-Avon, with lots of holidaymakers choosing to visit Warwickshire for its links with Shakespeare.  The beautiful timber-clad house where Shakespeare was born in 1564 can still be visited and is a must see.  It’s also possible to walk past the actual school and guildhall where Shakespeare went to school.

If you love Shakespeare’s works, book to see a performance at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre during your break.

There is much to see in Stratford connected with the life and works of Shakespeare. It is easy to find the various Shakespeare related buildings by following the signs or take a tourist bus and enjoy a guided tour in relative comfort.

 

 

Kenilworth Castle and Elizabethan Gardens

With close links with Elizabeth I, the ruins of Kenilworth Castle make for a fascinating visit.  There are extensive defensive walls, as well as ruins of the Great Hall, and tall towers.  The ruins are surrounded by splendid Elizabethan gardens with geometric flower beds, fountains and an aviary.  Visit Kenilworth Castle and enjoy a walk back in time on holiday.

 

Royal Leamington Spa

With its elegant Regency architecture and historic spa buildings including the Royal Pump rooms, along with the stunning Victorian Jephson Gardens, there are plenty of reasons to visit Royal Leamington Spa.  The town is also home to a rich selection of eateries, cafes, pubs and spas.

 

Warwick with its Castle

Another must-see location is Warwick and the castle. The castle is a tourist attraction that aims to entertain family groups and covers an expansive area and a rich history. The Great Hall with its collection of armoury is not to be missed.

It is worth walking around the old part of Warwick to admire the streets of period cottages near the castle.

 

Stunning Waterside Scenery in Warwickshire

Warwickshire is also renowned for its lovely canals and waterside scenery.  One of the best ways to see the Warwickshire countryside is from on board a narrow boat and sail along the Grand Union Canal, or by walking along the canal-side at locations such as Hatton Locks. There is a whole network of interlinked canals in the area and several locks in Stratford-upon Avon where there are always plenty of colourful boats to be seen at Bancroft Basin where the canal connects with the River Avon. 

Canal-side walks are always interesting because chance encounters with canal boat owners. There are also boat rides on the Avon and a host of swans to encounter.

For more stunning waterside scenery, as well as an opportunity to enjoy a host of outdoor pursuits including walking, cycling, fishing and birdwatching, Draycote Water is close by.
 

 

Book your Warwickshire Break

If you book a stay in the south of Warwickshire, there is also scope to explore the Cotswold Hills, close to the genteel golden stoned villages of Moreton-in-Marsh, Stow-on-the-Wold, Bourton-on-the-Water amongst other gems.
 
Book a country cottage, a rural retreat or a barn conversion and enjoy discovering some of the best of Warwickshire, from country parks, to scenic gardens, historic castles, canals galore and elegant towns.