(TRAVPR.COM) UK - February 4th, 2013 - The Heart of England covers Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire, Birmingham, Ironbridge, Coventry and the Black Country. That’s a pretty big area, but with two major airports and superb road and rail links, the Heart of England and all its attractions is only a few hours away from anywhere in the UK, making it perfect for weekends and short breaks as well as full-blown holidays. With so many of The Country Castle Company properties located in these beautiful counties we thought it was high time we brought you our pick of the best places to visit in the Heart of England.
Herefordshire
Country Castle Company house - 0207 - Large Manor Herefordshire
Herefordshire is one of the most sparsely populated counties in England, with an agricultural heritage and large tracts of truly stunning countryside. It’s perfect for fans of the outdoors, with plenty of opportunities for walking and mountain biking among the splendid Malvern Hills. The River Wye runs through the county town of Hereford and along the Welsh border, so there’s also plenty of canoeing or other watersports too. If you prefer the more leisurely approach, there are pleasure cruises through the breath-taking Symonds Yat Gorge with Kingfisher Cruises.
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With such a large agricultural industry in Herefordshire, it’s no surprise that there are many farms, dairies and vineyards offering locally produced food and wines, and many are open to the public so you can see the production process at work. For cheese fans, Monkland Cheese Dairy in Leominster offers the chance to see cheese being made by hand in the traditional manner. Alternatively, Weston’s Cider Mill is open seven days a week and offers guided tours, with cider tasting available for the grown-ups. There’s even a rare breeds farm park on the site which the children will love.
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For a more sedate day out, there are a multitude of stately homes, castles and formal gardens to explore in Herefordshire. Why not visit the stunning water gardens ofWestonbury Mill,perfect for a Sunday afternoon trip.
Staffordshire
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Staffordshire is probably best known for two very different things: theme parks and pottery. A visit to Alton Towers or Drayton Manor is practically essential if you have children to amuse, but there are a great many other attractions in Staffordshire which should keep everyone happy.
As the home of the pottery industry, Stoke-On-Trent has a great deal of museums, outlets and workshops to visit. Why not take a walk around the Dudson Museum and discover over 200 years of pottery history, or book a tour of the famous Moorcroft factory to see how the process of pottery-making has changed very little in the last 100 years. If you fancy owning your own piece of Staffordshire pottery, there are numerous factory outlets offering seconds or discontinued lines at reduced prices. A great option would be to spend the day at the Emma Bridgewater factory; not only is there a tour, but you also get to decorate your own piece of pottery, and then finish the day by browsing the factory shop for a bargain – perfect!
Country Castle Company property 0406 - Staffordshire boarder Stately Home
If all this sounds like too much hard work, why not treat yourself to a relaxing spa day atModdershall Oaks Health Spa. Alternatively, Halfpenny Green Vineyard offers a guided tour, tutored wine tasting and meal – ideal for an indulgent day out.
Shropshire
Country Castle Company 0406 - Shropshire boarder Stately Home
Ironbridge dominates the Shropshire tourist industry, taking visitors into Britain’s industrial past. Blists Hill Victorian Town is a unique museum experience, where staff wearing traditional Victorian costume enact the daily lives of workers of that period, and demonstrate various skills and crafts for visitors. There are many other museums in Ironbridge, each offering a unique perspective on this fascinating period.
If learning a new skill is on your holiday agenda, Brompton Cookery School offers a wide range of one day cookery courses for all ages, while Gleanings Rural Study Centre has a varied programme of craft and folk art courses throughout the year.
With a multitude of historic buildings, bustling market towns and stunning scenery, Shropshire is the perfect place for a get-away-from-it-all break; and with Birmingham and all its attractions right on the doorstep, you will never be stuck for something to do.
Worcestershire
Country Castle Company 0302 - Beautiful Castle near Worcester
As part of the Cotswolds, Worcestershire is one of the most picturesque counties in England, with a certain quaint Englishness which appeals to all ages. Worcester itself is home to the beautiful Worcester Cathedral, close to the majestic River Severn which flows through the city. There are plenty of things to see in this historic city, including pretty period buildings, stately homes and museums.
Country Castle Company 0208 - Large Party House with pool, sauna, tennis court, gamesroom
If you’re looking for something a little different yet quintessentially English, why not visit theMorgan Visitor Centre in Malvern, where you can see Morgan sports cars being hand-built on one of their guided factory tours. Alternatively, you could spend the day riding theSevern Valley Railway aboard a classic steam train – a spectacular trip into Britain’s railway heritage.
Warwickshire
Country Castle Company 0220 - Stylish Country House near London
Warwickshire has a great deal of historical significance, and it’s worth a visit to the highly popular Warwick Castle to experience a family-friendly delve into the past. Warwick itself also has a number of museums and historic houses, as well as a guided walk around places of interest.
During your special break in the Heart of England, why not treat yourself to a tour of the Cotswolds in a classic vintage sports car? The Open Road offers a superb collection of iconic 60s and 70s cars to hire for the day or the weekend, perfect for experiencing our gorgeous countryside in style.
A visit to Warwickshire is of course not complete without stopping off in Stratford-Upon-Avon, the world-famous home of William Shakespeare. With several houses associated with the Bard open to the public, there is plenty to see and do in this charming historic town. Why not finish the day with a performance of one of Shakespeare’s plays by theRoyal Shakespeare Company.
As you can see, the Heart of England offers something for absolutely everyone, from family days out to cultural experiences and outdoor pursuits. Why not take a look at our Heart of England properties and start planning your break today.
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