Shakespeare Country offers everything you need for a relaxing short break or a longer holiday. Visit historic Warwick and Kenilworth with their magnificent castles, enjoy regency Royal Leamington Spa and step back in time in Stratford-upon-Avon, home of William Shakespeare.

Delve a little deeper into Shakespeare Country and you will discover some delightful smaller towns and villages.

Visit Stoneleigh, an idyllic village with redbrick cottages. Try Southam, with its restored Holy Well. It is a small historic coaching and market town with a chequered history. Similarly, the two market towns of Alcester and Henley-in-Arden retain much of their historic charm. Follow Alcester's Heritage Trail and discover historic buildings, a wonderful selection of exciting pubs and tearooms, plus a wide choice of traditional, independent shops. Don't miss Roman Alcester, a museum which traces the town's links to the Romans and their continuing influence.

The mediaeval street town of Henley-in-Arden originated as a clearing in the Forest of Arden and has a rich variety of architecture – red brick, black and white half-timber and plaster sit side by side and blend to give the town its unique character. Visit the Heritage Centre and be sure to buy an ice cream!

Shipston-on-Stour saw some of the busiest sheep markets in the country and, today, its elegant Georgian buildings, traditional coaching inns, 15th century parish church, shops and tearooms give the town its distinctive character. Shipston has a good selection of independently run restaurants and shops which include specialists in clocks, contemporary art and traditional toys.