Jens De MaereWelcome to Warwickshire, a picturesque English county with rolling hills that will instantly bring you back to medieval times with its beautiful castles, ancient legends and historic market towns with streets overhung by timber-framed houses. William Shakespeare was born in Stratford-upon-Avon and famous castles such as the Warwick Castle haven’t changed for centuries. Warwickshire is just an hour from London and can best be discovered by car. Join me on this scenic road trip through some of England’s most beautiful countryside.
Just one more thing before you like to jump into your car. Even though 75% of the world’s drivers are used to driving on the right side of the road, people in England drive on the left-hand side! That’s a first for me, but nevertheless it is quite an experience. By taking a few precautions before you start your road trip you can easily avoid beginner mistakes with the following tips:
- Rent a car with an automatic transition: no more thinking about shifting gears and you can fully focus on the traffic.
- Plan your route and use a GPS so you will not be distracted by looking for traffic signs.
- Follow the traffic: just fixate on the driver in front of you and follow him. This will get you anywhere in no time.
- Stay focused and don’t forget to stay on the left-hand side: especially after parking your car and getting back into traffic. Your habits take over which will make you look into the wrong direction.
- Please do intervene from the passenger seat: keep an eye out for the driver and look together to all sides.
- Choose for a rental company that offers an all-in service such as Sunny Cars. If something were to happen you don’t have to think about the consequences.
Hatton Locks
Near Hatton is a flight of 21 locks where the Grand Union Canal ascends 146 feet over a couple of miles. The original locks on the Warwick and Birmingham canal were built in 1790 by the navigators or ‘navvies’ as they came to be known. The canal was renamed the Grand Union in 1929, and shortly afterward new wider locks were built of concrete by a workforce of a thousand men. The new locks were opened by the Duke of Kent in 1934; they can take two narrow boats side by side. Some of the original narrow locks can still be seen alongside the new ones.
Warwick Castle
The original medieval castle was built by William the Conqueror in 1068. It is a beautifully preserved castle that is turned into a theme park where you can witness some of the darkest, most frightening times in the Castle’s history as live actors and special effects bring to life the gruesome tales. Some of the highlights are the horrible histories maze, the time tower, castle dungeons or the beautiful interiors. This place takes you 350 years back in time and is definitely something you can’t miss if you are traveling with children!
Stratford-upon-Avon
Stratford-upon-Avon is the birthplace of William Shakespeare. It is set in the beautiful Warwickshire countryside on the banks of the river Avon. It is one of the most important tourist destinations in the UK. Wander through the small cozy streets, visit Shakespeare’s birthplace or one of the many theatres such as the Royal Shakespeare Theatre.
Afternoon tea in Coombe Abbey
The Coombe Abbey Hotel has a rich history. Originally founded as an abbey in the 12th century, the abbey was surrendered to King Henry VIII during the dissolution of the monasteries and Queen Elizabeth I lived here as a child. The Hotel is set in the tranquil Warwickshire countryside surrounded by 500 acres of parkland, formal gardens and a peaceful lake. The afternoon tea is quite copious featuring three tiers of sandwiches, cakes, pastries and freshly baked scones served with whipped clotted cream. You will not leave the Coombe Abbey empty stomached!
[edgtf_highlight background_color=”#D8D8D8″ color=”#FFFFFF”]Practical:[/edgtf_highlight]
- Warwickshire is one hour from London
- You can fly directly from Brussels to Birmingham
- Renting a car is a must, check sunnycars.be for a rental company that offers an all-inclusive service
- Don’t forget that people drive on the lefthand side!
