Stratford-upon-Avon, Shakespeare's birthplace, marks the northern most tip of the Cotswolds. As well as the Royal Shakespeare Company theatres, cinema, and the many historic buildings, there are plenty of shops, restaurants and pubs to entertain visitors.
A short drive south leads us to the The National Trust's Hidcote Manor Gardens and Kiftsgate Court Gardens. The gardens and manor house are open from Easter to the October school break. One of the Autumn highlights at Hidcote is a maize maze - a real challenge for even the most experienced navigator.
A few miles further south lies the town of Chipping Campden, one of the gems of the Cotswolds. There are many architectural treasures in the main street and guided tours are available. There is also a good choice of restaurants and pubs. There is good walking in and around the town and Campden is at the northern end of the Cotswold Way.
For the more energetic there are plenty of other walking and cycling opportunities: the Stratford Greenway, the Warwickshire Centenary Way, the famous Heart of England Way are all wonderful to travel whilst on a more active holiday.
There are many Cotwold villages within easy driving distance of here. Broadway is only 9 miles away and Stanton, Snowshill, Stow-on-the-Wold, Bourton-on-the-Water, the Slaughters and Moreton-in-Marsh are all worth a visit. At Moreton is the Cotswold Falconry Centre which holds daily flying displays of many different birds of prey species and is a highly recommended destination.
Although just outside of the region, Warwick Castle to the east should not ne overlooked, as it is one of the best preserved medieval castles in England. It is open every day of the year except Christmas, there are dungeons and armories, jousting demonstrations and splendid riverside grounds to explore, plenty for young and old to enjoy.
Nesxt we come to Compton Verney Mansion, which was designed by Robert Adams in the 1760's and is set in classical parkland landscaped by Capability Brown. It has been restored and converted into an art gallery of international repute.
Over to the west stands Ragley Hall - a delightful Palladian house with exceptional interiors set in formal gardens and another Capability Brown park, which contains a large adventure play area, and a woodland walk.
Another short drive leads the Cotswold Wildlife Park, home to a fascinating and varied collection of mammals, birds, reptiles from all over the world. The park is set in extensive gardens around a listed Victorian Manor House.
One Cotswolds B&B offering a great location to visit the north Cotswolds is Winton House. Siutated in an area of outstanding natural beauty, at the bottom of Meon Hill, which is steeped in witchcraft and folklore, it is the ideal Cotswolds B&B from where to base your trip.
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