the houses and gardens of coventry & warwickshire
Day One
Begin the day in Coventry city centre to see the stunning Priory Gardens and Visitor Centre, built on the site of Coventry's first cathedral. It is a haven of peace and tranquillity and is surrounded by the restored Blue Coat School and mediaeval Holy Trinity Church.
Whilst in the city centre, take the opportunity to visit the Almshouses of Ford's and Bond's hospitals, established over 500 years ago to provide shelter for Coventry's elderly. Take a walk to the edge of the city where you will find Lady Herbert's Garden and the Garden of International Friendship. The gardens lie adjacent to each other and the stark contrasts in style compliment each other and provide a tranquil setting to watch to world go by.
After lunch, leave the city centre behind and head to Garden Organic Ryton, set in 10 acres of landscaped countryside with 32 individual gardens, an organic restaurant and shop. Visitors can also enjoy the Vegetable Kingdom, a unique interactive visitor attraction with family appeal.
Day Two
Begin the day in Royal Leamington Spa and visit Jephson Gardens, named after an eminent Victorian doctor who helped create Leamington's reputation as a spa town. Combine this with a visit to the Pump Rooms or shopping in this attractive Regency town.
From Leamington, drive a few miles west to the historic town of Warwick.
Lord Leycester's Hospital was established in 1571 and built as a hospice for old soldiers. See the Great Hall and Guildhall together with its stunning cottage gardens. The Brethren's Kitchen tea room is open during the summer months.
Next stop is Stoneleigh Abbey near Kenilworth. Set in 690 acres of parkland, the abbey has nine magnificent state rooms, as well as gardens created by Repton and Nessfield. There is also a coffee shop open during the summer months.
Day Three
No visit to Warwickshire would be complete without spending time in Stratford-upon-Avon, historic market town and birthplace of the world's greatest poet and playwright, William Shakespeare. Visit Shakespeare's Birthplace, the Royal Shakespeare Company Theatre, Holy Trinity Church and the beautifully preserved Shakespeare houses.
Lunch at one of the many fine cafes and restaurants in the town centre and in the afternoon finish your day with a visit to Stratford Butterfly Farm and watch hundreds of spectacular butterflies flying in a wonderful exotic rainforest.
