This historic region has a lot to offer when it comes to enjoying a weekend in Warwickshire.
When it’s time to start planning a weekend trip away it can be hard thinking of where to start. So we have put together this handy list with our resort in Warwickshire, things to do in the area and places to eat. That way you will hopefully get some inspiration and be able to start planning your escape with family or friends.
where to stay in Warwickshire?
Stratford-upon-Avon Lodge Retreat
Gospel Oak Lane, Pathlow, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 0JA
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We have over 24 different resorts across the UK and one of them is located in Warwickshire. Our Stratford-upon-Avon Lodge Retreat has a range of different lodges to suit couples all the way up to groups of 10! All lodges are self-catering with fully fitted kitchens, living dining areas, bedrooms & bathrooms. There is a lodge to suit everybody whether you are after a hot tub break or you want a pet friendly holiday. The best part about this resort is the location. It’s the perfect base to explore the area and make some memories.
things do to in Warwickshire
Shakespeare’s Birthplace
Henley St, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 6QW | 8 min drive
If you are heading to Stratford-upon-Avon you have to go and see Shakespeare’s Birthplace. The beautifully restored 16th-century half-timbered house is full of history and is in the heart of the town. You can book tickets to visit Shakespeare’s Birthplace, Anne Hathaway’s Cottage and Shakespeare’s New Place. It’s a full day experience where you will be able to take an inside look of how Shakespeare lived his life.
Stratford Butterfly Farm
Swan’s Nest Lane, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 7LS | 12 min drive
Known for being the ‘UK’s largest tropical butterfly paradise’, Stratford Butterfly Farm is the perfect place to explore no matter what the weather. This indoor exotic environment is home to hundreds of beautiful butterflies from across the world. There are plenty of tropical flowers, waterfalls and pools filled with fish which will make you feel like you have left Stratford-upon-Avon and gone overseas.
Spot On Wake
Wootton Park, Wootton Wawen, Henley-in-Arden, B95 6HJ | 9 min drive
For the water sport lovers or adrenaline seekers, Spot On Wake is the perfect place to go for all water based activities. This venue has three custom built and designed lakes to suit all the activities they have available. Whether you want to try out wakeboarding, stand up paddle boarding, open water swimming or try your luck on the aqua jungle, an over water high ropes course.
Ragley Hall, Park & Gardens
Ragley Hall, Alcester, B49 5NJ | 16 min drive
Ragley Hall is set in 450 acres of stunning park land and is home to some amazing events throughout the year. From festivals, concert picnics and sporting challenges there you will find something fun to enjoy during your visit to Ragley Hall. It was designed in 1680 and has been in the family for over 300 years, even if there are no events on it’s a breath taking place to explore with stunning views of the estate.
Umberslade Adventure
Chalcot Wood, Cut Throat Ln, Earlswood, Hockley Heath, B94 6SE | 20 min drive
If you are looking for something fun to do outdoors with kids of all ages then Umberslade Adventure will be perfect. There is something for everyone here from a low ropes course, commando course, nature trails, archery, zip line, tree climbing, den building and more. There is a Bluebells Lodge that serves various hot and cold food and drink options along with plenty of picnic benches for you to take your own food.
Watch a show at the RSC
Waterside, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 6BB | 11 min drive
Since 1961, the Royal Shakespeare Theatre by the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) has been a place where you can go and enjoy plays by Shakespeare and his contemporaries. If you are staying in Stratford-upon-Avon we definitely recommend you check out what plays are on and book your tickets to watch a play! The RSC also has restaurants, cafes and bars that you can take advantage of whilst also supporting the company during performance days.
the best restaurants & cafés near Stratford-upon-Avon
The Woodsman Restaurant
4 Chapel St, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 6HA | 10 min drive
Located in a Grade II listed building that dates back to the 1500s and was used as an Inn from 1655 to 1661, The Woodsman Restaurant has a traditional approach to contemporary cooking. With all of their ingredients sourced from the English countryside. Open from Wednesday to Sunday you will be able to enjoy everything from a Sunday Roast to a wood fired cod fillet and everything in between.
The Farm Stratford-upon-Avon
King’s Ln, Snitterfield, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 0QA | 2 min drive
Known for being a hidden gem in Stratford-upon-Avon, The Farm is the perfect place for breakfast, lunch, pizzas or even a Sunday roast. As well as the café they have a farm shop and delicatessen that has a range of products which will be perfect for your self-catering holiday if you are wanting to cook at your lodge. If you are staying at our lodge retreat The Farm is only a 2 minute drive away!
Caffeine & Machine
Caffeine and Machine Ltd, Ettington, CV37 7NS | 17 min drive
Caffeine & Machine is everything you could need all in one place. A coffee house, licensed bar and restaurant. It is also a boutique B&B and living art gallery. Here you can enjoy a range of different food and drink options. Along with plenty of alcohol and soft drinks to suit all. It’s the perfect place to go in the summer months too as you can sit out and enjoy the weather.
Now you can enjoy planning your staycation starting with booking a place to stay.
Spend spring and summer days exploring one of the many beaches across the South Cornish coast.
According to Visit Cornwall, you can find over 300 beaches along the South coast so no matter where you are in South Cornwall you can enjoy one of the stunning beaches. If you are looking for a place to stay whilst you explore some of the best beaches in South Cornwall we have the perfect place for you. Our incredible Mullion Cove Coastal Retreat is the perfect base to enjoy beach days out.
Par Sands Beach
- where? St Austell, Cornwall, PL25 5DS
- dog friendly? Yes
- parking? Yes
- facilities nearby? Yes, pub, diner and fish & chips
This wide stretch of sandy beach is the perfect place to go for a beach day in the spring and summer months. It’s a south facing beach and is backed by sand dunes, although it can become quite busy it still makes a great place to go. It’s perfect for everyone whether you want to sit and soak up the sun, go for a paddle in the water or even fly kites or go kite surfing!
Carne Beach
- where? The Roseland, Cornwall, TR2 5AG
- dog friendly? Yes
- parking? Yes
- facilities nearby? Yes, restaurant
Relatively sheltered by Gerrans Bay on the Roseland Peninsula is where you will find Carne Beach. This large stretch of golden sand is off the beaten track which means it very rarely gets busy which makes it a great place to head to if you are around the area. The beach slopes gently towards the sea and there are plenty of rock pools that you can explore. Carne Beach is also one of the few beaches that allow dogs on the beach all year!
East Looe Beach
- where? Looe, Cornwall, PL13 1HL
- dog friendly? No
- parking? Yes, in Looe town
- facilities nearby? Yes, cafés, restaurants & shops nearby
You will find East Looe Beach right in front of the old town in Looe which means there are plenty of facilities nearby like public toilets, restaurants, cafes and shops. The car parks are around a 10-15 minute walk to the beach but if you are spending the whole day in the area then they are right in the centre of town. The beach is sheltered by the famous Banjo Pier and on the other side of it you will find the Looe River and harbour which is worth an explore if you have time in your day.
Readymoney Cove Beach
- where? Fowey, PL23 1JH
- dog friendly? Yes (not between July & August)
- parking? Yes
- facilities nearby? Yes, beach café
Although small in size, Readymoney Cove Beach is the perfect sheltered sandy beach located on the outskirts of the beautiful town Fowey. Use this beach as your base for the day and explore the town as there is so much to see and do here. On one side of the beach you will see St Catherine’s Castle which is worth the climb up to. Make sure you check tide times before your visit as the beach can be covered during spring tides.
Portwrinkle Beach (Finnygook Beach)
- where? Nr. Looe, Cornwall, PL11 3BP
- dog friendly? Seasonal dog ban
- parking? Yes
- facilities nearby? Yes, beach car park café
Portwrinkle Beach (also popularly known as Finnygook Beach) is the most popular beach in Portwrinkle. The beach sits to the side of Hoodny Cove and is a large stretch of golden sands, perfect for beach days. There are also lots of rock pools that a great for kids and families to explore. You will find a beach café right at Finnygook Beach with toilets so it’s the perfect place to stay for the day.
Gunwalloe Church Cove Beach
- where? Gunwalloe, Helston, TR12 7QE
- dog friendly? Yes (not between July & August)
- parking? Yes
- facilities nearby? Yes, café
Gunwalloe Beach is a National Trust owned beach and sits right at the base of the Lizard Peninsula. This beach is more exposed to the Atlantic sea than others along the coast which means on some days it can be a great place for surfing. It is a decent sized beach that backs onto the small church of St Wynwallow. It’s a great beach to go to for a beach day with family or friends.
Maenporth Beach
- where? Falmouth, Cornwall, TR11 5HN
- dog friendly? Yes (not during July & August)
- parking? Yes
- facilities nearby? Yes, restaurants
This beautiful sandy cove is the perfect place for sunbathing, sailing, rock pooling and fishing. The beach itself is in a small sheltered bay so you are sheltered from the wind and waves and can just enjoy amazing views out along the coastline. When the sea is out enjoy exploring the area and try to keep an eye out for the ship wreck of the Ben Asdale that can be seen along the rocky edge.
Polkerris Beach
- where? Polkerris, Fowey, Cornwall, PL24 2TL
- dog friendly? Yes (not between 10am & 6pm)
- parking? Yes
- facilities nearby? Yes, café, shop and pub
Whether you are into your water sports or not, Polkerris Beach is a great place to spend the day if you are around the Polkerris area. It’s also a beach that not too many people know about so if you are away in South Cornwall for your summer holidays you will find something for the whole family to enjoy. There is also an incredible beach restaurant and waterside pub for you to enjoy a bite to eat at.
Swanpool Beach
- where? Swanpool, Falmouth, Cornwall, TR11 5BG
- dog friendly? Yes (not between July & August)
- parking? Yes
- facilities nearby? Yes, beach café & restaurant
Not only is Swanpool an amazing beach, it also has so many other things that make it the perfect place to go for a day out with family or friends. The sand and shingle beach can make the perfect beach day along with the outdoor café, crazy golf course, water sports and kayak hire and car park that are right near the beach too. So you won’t find it hard entertaining the family during your time at Swanpool Beach.
Porthcurnick Beach
- where? Rosevine, Portscatho, The Roseland, Cornwall, TR2 5EW
- dog friendly? Yes
- parking? Yes
- facilities nearby? Yes, café
This south east facing beach is owned by the National Trust and is sat in a sandy cove. There is plenty of space to sunbathe, explore the rock pools, enjoy water activities or explore the other smaller beaches nearby if the tide is low. As well as the beach you will find a coastal football that goes around the area too if you want to enjoy the beach and explore the area.
Downderry Beach
- where? Looe, Cornwall, PL11 3JR
- dog friendly? Yes
- parking? Yes
- facilities nearby? Yes, shop, cafés and pub
Another amazing dog friendly beach is Downderry Beach, a large stretch of shingle and sand that created the perfect beach to relax on during a summer’s day. You should definitely take some nets and explore the rock pools that show at a low tide and see what you can discover. There is also a pub right on the beach where you can stop for some lunch during your time in the area.
Charlestown Beach
- where? Charlestown, St Austell, Cornwall, PL25 3NJ
- dog friendly? Yes (not between April – October)
- parking? Yes
- facilities nearby? Yes, pubs and restaurants
This south facing shingle beach is located right next to the historic harbour of Charlestown. Whether you want to explore the caves and rock pools that line the beach or just sit and enjoy the view it’s a great place to go. And the town is also worth exploring whilst your there and you will find plenty of restaurants to try out. The harbour has also been used as a film setting for a few films and TV series including Poldark.
Gorran Haven Beach
- where? Gorran Haven, Nr St Austell, Cornwall, PL26 6JG
- dog friendly? Yes
- parking? Yes
- facilities nearby? Yes, bakery and fish & chips
Located just in front of Gorran Haven village is where you will find the beach, it’s a fairly sheltered sandy beach but still an extremely popular one. There are plenty of facilities in the village which is why a trip here will be perfect for a day out. There is also a stone pier that forms a small harbour right next to the beach too which is used to take the public out on fishing trips.
Seaton Beach
- where? Nr Looe, Cornwall, PL13 1PX
- dog friendly? Yes
- parking? Yes
- facilities nearby? Yes, bakery, café, pub & diner
Although Seaton Beach is a mix of coarse sand and grey pebbles it is still a great beach to explore if you are in the area. It is located at the foot of the Hessenford valley which is a huge wooded area. And when the tide goes out you will find plenty of rock pools to explore. If you are wanting a walk you can also go along the promenade all the way down to Downderry Beach!
Gyllyngvase Beach
- where? Cliff Road, Falmouth, Cornwall, TR11 4NA
- dog friendly? Yes (not between May & September)
- parking? Yes
- facilities nearby? Yes, beach café
Another extremely popular beach in Cornwall is Gyllyngvase Beach. This Blue Flag status beach has a vast area of beautiful golden sands along with an award-winning café. The beach is only a 10 minute walk to the historic town centre of Falmouth. Whether you are a family, couple or group of friends you will enjoy this amazing beach for sunbathing or enjoying some water sports.
Start planning your trip to South Cornwall and look forward to exploring all the beautiful beaches along the coast.