Nestled within the idyllic Heart of England, Warwickshire welcomes visitors with its charming towns and picturesque villages set against a backdrop of beautiful landscapes.
If you’re wondering ‘What is the biggest town in Warwickshire?’, the answer is Warwick, which boasts a majestic medieval castle and a plethora of attractions. Stratford-upon-Avon, birthplace of the famous bard, William Shakespeare, is another top town to visit in Warwickshire. And when you’ve topped up on culture, head out on foot or two wheels to roam the rolling hills of the Cotswolds or trundle along the banks of the pretty River Avon. Warwickshire promises attractions and scenery aplenty, not to mention enough country pubs to suit even the most discerning of patrons!
We’ve compiled a list of the top cities, towns and villages in Warwickshire: these are some of the best places to stay in Warwickshire if you’re looking for a well-rounded experience, taking in some of the county’s top sights, while leaving time for rest and relaxation along the way. If you’ve already decided where to stay in Warwickshire, tap the button below to take a look at our collection of cottages to find your perfect base.
Warwickshire holiday cottages
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Royal Leamington Spa – the best place to stay in Warwickshire for a romantic weekend
Oozing charm and elegance, Royal Leamington Spa can’t fail to impress with its stunning Regency architecture and European cafe culture. A foodie haven, you’re never more than a few steps from upmarket restaurants, bars, pubs and tearooms. Favourites include Oscar’s French Bistro, Elma (Eastern Mediterranean cuisine) and The Dining Room at Mallory Court, but the fun is in stumbling across somewhere lovely and formulating your own ‘top 10’ list!
A simple pleasure in Leamington Spa is wandering the tree-lined avenues, admiring the immaculate gardens, and strolling along the picturesque River Leam. Spend a joyful afternoon perusing the array of boutique shops along the Parade, followed by an indulgent and therapeutic spa treatment, for which the town is famous. On a sunny day, a stroll through delightful Jephson Gardens, a beautifully landscaped formal Victorian park, can’t be beaten. One thing’s for sure: if you’re looking for a quintessentially English experience, you won’t be disappointed.
And if you’re here because you’ve asked your search engine, ‘What is the happiest town in Warwickshire?’, you’ve just found your answer – it’s Leamington Spa (according to Rightmove’s Happy Home Survey, 2023)!
Highlights:
- Royal Pump Rooms and Art Gallery – Once a popular Victorian spa resort, now a fascinating museum and art gallery, a visit is the best way to learn about the historic town
- Jephson Gardens – Take a leisurely stroll along the winding pathways, explore the sensory garden, relax by the river, or enjoy a picnic amidst the beautifully landscaped gardens
- Royal Spa Centre – With a programme of shows including music, theatre, talks, comedy and more, there’s something for everyone
Royal Leamington Spa holiday cottages
Stratford-upon-Avon – the best place to stay in Warwickshire to catch a show
Sitting pretty on the banks of the River Avon, Stratford-upon-Avon in Warwickshire is famous for being Shakespeare’s birthplace. Here, you can delve into the life of the world’s most celebrated playwright, exploring the very rooms where William Shakespeare spent his formative years. Wander through the charming cobbled streets, lined with Tudor-style buildings, where echoes of centuries past mingle with the bustling energy of today’s happening town.
Beyond its Shakespearean heritage, Stratford-upon-Avon boasts a thriving cultural scene and an array of attractions where you can immerse yourself in history and the arts. A live theatre performance at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre is not to be missed, and the elegant gardens of Anne Hathaway’s Cottage are a sight to behold.
Of course, time must be spent exploring the unique shops, and save a sunny day for an easy stroll alongside the River Avon. If the tranquillity of the river proves too tempting, why not hire a rowing boat, a motor boat, or even a self-drive punt to get a new perspective on the town and its surroundings?
Stratford-upon-Avon holiday cottages
Warwick – the best place to stay in Warwickshire to visit a castle
If you’re looking for places to stay in Warwickshire where you can just stroll out and find something to do, Warwick is the place for you. Wander along the picturesque streets of the town centre, where half-timbered buildings and Georgian facades house modern shops and amenities. Steeped in history, this vibrant town boasts a stunning array of architectural treasures, including the iconic Warwick Castle, whose towering ramparts and majestic towers dominate the skyline. At Warwick Castle, the inside is equally as impressive as the outside, with opulent rooms dripping with elegant decor and collections of armour and weaponry, as well as fascinating medieval dungeons to explore.
If you were to ask, ‘What is the biggest town in Warwickshire?’, Warwick would be the answer, but its size doesn’t diminish the warmth of its welcome, and it serves as an ideal base for exploring the county’s many attractions. In addition to its historic landmarks, Warwick offers a charming mix of boutique shops, cosy cafes and quaint pubs, making it a delight to explore on foot.
At the heart of the town, the Mill Garden offers a peaceful respite from wandering the streets, while The Lord Leycester is a heritage attraction with a fascinating storied past. And when it’s time to dine, you’ll find eateries to suit all tastes, with some of the best being Tasca Dali, La Mesa and The Tilted Wig.
Highlights
- Warwick Castle – An imposing fortification with a rich history dating back over 1,000 years
- The Lord Leycester – A picturesque group of timber-framed buildings, offering visitors a fascinating glimpse into Warwick’s past
- The Mill Garden – A colourful and peaceful garden with scenic river views on the banks of the Avon
Warwick holiday cottages
Alcester – the best place to stay in Warwickshire to discover Roman archaeology
At the heart of Warwickshire lies Alcester, a thriving market town brimming with quintessential English charm. Dating back to Roman times, its rich heritage is evident in its well-preserved architecture and archaeological sites. If you’re looking for places to stay in Warwickshire for a relaxing and peaceful break, Alcester is your answer. Enjoy ambling through the pretty streets, discovering hidden gems such as the 14th-century Church of St Nicholas and the elegant Alcester Town Hall, which serves as a focal point for community events and gatherings.
Alcester’s historic market square regularly comes alive with local vendors selling fresh produce, artisanal crafts and antiques, and the independent shops within the town cater for all. Just 7 miles west of Stratford-upon-Avon, Alcester is a great place to stay in Warwickshire to remain connected yet experience the character of one of the county’s smaller towns.
Highlights:
- Alcester Food Festival – Taking place in May, this well-attended event is a hit amongst foodies
- Roman Alcester Museum – Delve into the town’s roots with the help of interesting archaeological exhibits and fun family events at this free museum
- Alcester Town Hall – A splendid Grade I-listed hall which hosts community events and heritage open days
Alcester holiday cottages
Knightcote – the best place to stay in Warwickshire for petrolheads
Tucked away in the scenic countryside, Knightcote is somewhat of a hidden gem and has made it onto our list of best places to stay in Warwickshire due to its unspoilt nature and timeless appeal. Thatched cottages, rolling green fields and a peaceful ambience are the perfect backdrop for an escape from it all, and with picturesque landscapes all around to explore, Knightcote offers the chance to unwind and reconnect with nature.
Hop on a bike or pull on your walking boots for an adventure through the winding country lanes lined with hedgerows and wildflowers. Visit the British Motor Museum in nearby Gaydon (3.5 miles) and enjoy day trips to the market towns of Southam (6.5 miles) and Royal Leamington Spa (10.5 miles). However you fill your itinerary, you can be assured of a restful break in Knightcote.
Highlights:
- British Motor Museum – Petrol heads will delight in a visit to this prestigious museum in Gaydon, home to the world’s largest collection of historic British cars
- Nemo Raceway – Take the wheel at the UK’s premier racetrack for remote control cars
- Burton Dasset Hills – A 100-acre country park with magnificent views, within 2 miles of Knightcote
Knightcote holiday cottages
Southam – the best place to stay in Warwickshire for riverside walks
Just 6.5 miles north of Knightcote (see above), is Southam, a charming and vibrant market town with a wealth of heritage sites, including the stunning 12th-century Church of St. James, and the ancient Holy Well. Having hosted a market since 1227, and sitting on a former drovers’ route, Southam is no stranger to welcoming visitors looking to fill their shopping bags with delicious local produce and artisan wares. A fantastic array of independent shops, cafes and eateries make for a pleasant day exploring.
The meandering River Stowe passes through the town, with scenic riverside pathways and leafy picnic spots providing the perfect destination to while away a sunny afternoon.
Highlights:
- Holy Well Walk – An interesting route, taking in the ancient Holy Well and bucolic fields around Southam
- Honesberie Shooting School – Clay pigeon shooting and game shooting in a wonderful countryside setting
- Southam Leisure Centre – Hit the gym or dive in for a few lengths of the 25-metre pool to keep your fitness up during your break
Southam holiday cottages
Welford-on-Avon – the best place to stay in Warwickshire for golf enthusiasts
Welford-on-Avon is well worth visiting if you like your villages bursting with charm and a laid-back atmosphere. Sitting on a curve of the River Avon, the village was mentioned in the Domesday Book and nowadays endears itself to visitors with the help of its welcoming local pubs, The Bell Inn and The Shakespeare, and its beautiful parkland golf course.
Thatched cottages and timber-framed buildings sit near the Church of St Peter, one of which, Tenpenny Cottage, is unsurprisingly one of the most photographed in the UK. Amble through the village and soak up the feeling of history which emanates from the ancient buildings and continue on down to the river to extend your scenic stroll.
Stretton-on-Fosse – the best place to stay in Warwickshire for artists
Set on the ancient Fosse Way, which stretches from Exeter in Devon to Lincoln in Lincolnshire, Stretton-on-Fosse is close to the border with Gloucestershire. As such, it is a great base for exploring Warwickshire, as well as attractions just across the county border, such as Batsford Arboretum, the attractive village of Chipping Campden, and the National Trust’s Hidcote (all within 6 miles). There are also plenty of things to do in nearby Moreton-in-Marsh.
Stretton-on-Fosse itself is as pretty as a picture, with Cotswold-stone and red-brick cottages lending it a nostalgic, old-world feel. Artists, you must not forget to pack your palette and brushes, because there’s a scene begging to be painted around every corner. However you spend your days, a meal at the local pub, The Plough Inn, will ease you into your evening with its friendly (and dog-friendly) atmosphere.
Highlights:
- The Plough Inn – A family-friendly pub, renowned for its Sunday roast and a great selection of local ales
- North Cotswold Brewery – A family-run brewery with a shop selling their fine ales
- Portobello Farm – A self-proclaimed ‘lifestyle emporium for really cool folk’ just to the northwest of Stretton-on-Fosse
Stretton-on-Fosse holiday cottages
Henley-in-Arden – the best place to stay in Warwickshire for history lovers
With historic charm exuding from every timber frame and crooked stone of its historic buildings, Henley-in-Arden is one of the most welcoming places to visit in Warwickshire. Pick a holiday cottage close to Henley-in-Arden, and you’ll be able to make the most of its plethora of eateries and pubs, and be well placed for exploring further afield, with convenient direct trains to the cosmopolitan city of Birmingham, and an array of local attractions.
If you’re interested in history, follow the Heritage Trail through Henley-in-Arden to find out more about the town’s buildings and historic sites, and don’t miss the town’s museum and heritage centre.
Ilmington – the best place to stay in Warwickshire for photography
Lauded as one of the prettiest places to visit in Warwickshire, Ilmington lies at the far south of the county – a chocolate-box village studded with honey-coloured stone buildings and steeped in inimitable charm. At the foot of the Campden Hills, it’s a great jumping-off point for a ramble, and being a village on a walking route, it boasts two fabulous pubs, The Red Lion and The Howard Arms.
Ilmington Downs, the highest point in Warwickshire, is close to the village, making for a lovely 4.5-mile circular walk with impressive views on a clear day. Nearby attractions include National Trust Hidcote (3 miles) and Kiftsgate Court Gardens (4 miles). Besides the pubs, there’s also a community shop and cafe.
Map of the best places to stay in Warwickshire
View the best places to stay in Warwickshire on our map below.
Where to stay in Warwickshire
By now we’re sure that we’re on the same page – Warwickshire is definitely worth a visit! With so many charming towns and villages to tick off your itinerary, you’ll need a cosy base.
Our cottages in Warwickshire offer just that, whether you’re looking for a quintessentially English stone cottage, or a contemporary home to accommodate friends and extended family. Have a browse of our cottages in Warwickshire below, and you’ll soon be looking forward to a stay in this attractive county.
Browse Warwickshire cottages