Warwickshire deserves to be better known that it is, says NADIA JEFFERSON-BROWN after a short but happy visit.
WE FEEL like we’ve just uncovered a secret. Warwickshire may not have the wow factor of the Lakes, the rugged grandeur of the Peaks, the sweeping sands of Northumberland, or the hide-away coves of Cornwall.
But it has its own distinct charm which will see us visiting on many more occasions to come.
The sheer ease of getting there is an obvious attraction (two-and-a-half hours south of York), making it perfect for a short break, and the roads were clear everywhere we went, lending an unhurried feel to our visit.
But the real appeal is in the quintessentially English countryside, with its gently undulating landscape, chocolate-box villages and the wealth of things to do and see in the area.
With far too much to conquer within our short stay, we headed first for the ancient town of Warwick and immediately relaxed our pace as we sauntered along quaint streets, passing historic churches, attractive gardens and timber-framed buildings. Given more time, I could have happily pottered around the boutiques, antique centres, museums, gift shops and delicatessens, but made do with window shopping and a quick impulse purchase in a designer shop before giving in to calls for ice cream.
We discovered St Nicholas Park on the edge of town, which was teaming with families enjoying the sunshine, and bypassed the crazy golf course and (empty) outdoor paddling pool to join the refreshment kiosk queue before exploring the adventure play park.
Satisfied that we’d “done” Warwick (apart from Warwick Castle, explored on a previous visit), we headed to our home for the next two nights, the four-star Hilton Warwick, a mile or so from the centre and just off the M40 at Junction 15.
We had a very comfortable family room, with a double and single bed, cot and sofa, wide-screen TV, free WiFi access for those in need, and refreshment tray brimming with snacks including a complimentary bottle of wine and platter of exotic fruits, offering the perfect opportunity to unwind before dinner in the hotel’s Restaurant 360.
The waiting staff were quick to take our order and plied the boys with activity packs to quell any boredom. The service was slick and the food delicious from a diverse menu including fish pie and Thai curry for the children, while we enjoyed the rib-eye steak and lamb shank.
After a restful night, we fuelled up from the impressive self-service hot and cold breakfast buffet (including make-your-own waffles) before continuing our exploration.
With wannabe knights in tow, we visited Kenilworth Castle, a vast medieval fortress, steeped in 900 years of history where our eldest rampaged around the rambling ruins.
This English Heritage property is a spectacular site, while the newly re-created Elizabethan Garden is a beautiful haven for that all-important ‘time out’.
We rounded off a perfect day out back at the hotel, splashing about in the pool – and dipping into the sauna room.
On Day three we headed to Ragley Hall, home to the Marquess and Marchioness of Hertford, eight miles from Stratford-upon-Avon.
There are well-maintained formal gardens to amble around within Capability Brown-designed parkland, while a short uphill walk takes you past a collection of modern sculptures (a girl reading on a park bench bemused our youngest) to the Palladian House designed by Robert Hooke in 1680.
We continued further to the architecturally impressive stables, housing a collection of carriages from bygone days.
After a picnic by a large lake in the grounds, we then had a mad hour dashing around a superb adventure playground complete with tree top walks, giant slides, a maze and trampoline.
For our final night away we stayed at the luxurious four-star Ettington Park Hotel, at Alderminster.
Set within 40 acres of leafy parkland, with the River Stour running through it and deer grazing among the trees, this magnificent Neo-Gothic mansion hotel is a destination in its own right, boasting impressive historic features and fine paintings, and decorated with dozens of friezes.
Our suite was sumptuous and stylish with sleeping, dining and seating areas, with luxury finishings. Home comforts included an oversized television, air conditioning, bathrobes and a fridge stocked with fresh milk.
During our stay we had use of the leisure facilities which included a lovely heated indoor swimming pool with a glass ceiling, steam room and sauna, and outdoor tennis court.
We dined in the hotel lounge overlooking the grounds and the ruins of a Norman church – delicious local Lighthorne Lamb sausages all round, bar one who went for the grilled goat’s cheese salad – before retiring to our suite.
Breakfast was a tempting self-service cold buffet in the hotel’s stunning Oak Room restaurant (complete with 18th century ceiling), with waiters taking orders from the hot food menu including kippers, porridge with honey and a full English.
We took a final dip in the pool before checking out, but couldn’t resist playing an amateurish game of croquet on the lawn before we drove away, feeling deliciously refreshed.
Fact file
• For details, special offers and to book at The Hilton Warwick, Warwick, CV34 6RE, phone 01926 499555 or visit hilton.co.uk/warwick
For Ettington Park Hotel, at Alderminster, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 8BU phone 0845 072 7454, email ettingtonpark@handpicked.co.uk or visit handpickedhotels.co.uk/hotels/Ettington-park-hotel
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