Things to do in Shipston on Stour

Blenheim Palace is a grand country house with marvelous landscaped gardens, set amid gorgeous green parkland. Come here to admire its majestic fountains, picturesque grounds and the 18th-century palace building, which encompasses a range of architectural styles.

Visit Warwick Castle to explore towers and a dungeon dating to the 1300s, watch actors in jousting battles and spot eagles and vultures. Danish invaders first built a fortress here in 914 to protect the town of Warwick. William the Conqueror developed the castle in 1068 and it was home to British nobility until 1978, when it became a museum and tourist attraction.

London’s long and tumultuous history is written upon the face of the city, and the River Thames has watched it all. A 19th-century Member of Parliament, John Burns, said it best: “The Mississippi is muddy water, but the Thames is liquid history.” In modern-day London, history comes to life on the 70 wharves, which have remained in operation after centuries. As you make your way down the river’s dark waters, you will enjoy a unique snapshot of life in this dynamic but resolutely historical city.

Set across a plot of 160 acres (65 hectares), Cotswold Wildlife Park is one of the premier family-friendly attractions in the Cotswolds. Make your way through the park’s four distinctive sections, get up close to exotic animal species and admire the gardens.

Visit the stately Sudeley Castle to walk in the footsteps of some of England’s most famous kings and queens. Browse displays of treasures from the Roman era to today. Explore a series of breathtakingly beautiful gardens, enjoy picturesque picnics and spot colorful birdlife. Sudeley Castle sits on a 1,200-acre (490-hectare) estate and is nestled in a valley surrounding by the rolling green landscapes of the Cotswolds.

The Royal Shakespeare Company is a celebrated acting group based in the 16th-century writer’s hometown of Stratford-upon-Avon. Although the company tours the United Kingdom and other countries, they perform around 20 productions annually in their hometown. The Royal Shakespeare Theatre and the Swan Theatre share a foyer along the River Avon in the charming town near Birmingham. The complex also includes restaurants and bars. See a Shakespearean play or take a behind-the-scenes tour of the theater.