Centring on Stratford-upon-Avon, the south of Warwickshire — known as Shakespeare country — offers picturesque beauty, good value homes, and excellent schools. Trains from Warwick Parkway take an hour and a half to London Marylebone, making the area an option for commuters. Housing stock is varied, from cottages dating back to the 16th century to Victorian terraces, and you can choose from small villages or larger towns like Warwick and Leamington Spa. Warwickshire offers a great deal of history and culture, including its status as the birthplace of Shakespeare, as well as many other leisure opportunities from sport to shopping. A 2013 Living in Warwickshire survey found that 89% of residents were very or fairly satisfied with their local area.
Alcester is a historic market town set in the south-western part of Warwickshire, lying close to the borders of Worcestershire. Characterised by its picturesque streets and black-and-white timbered buildings, Alcester maintains a distinctive charm and sense of heritage. The town is positioned at the meeting of the River Arrow and River Alne, surrounded by rolling countryside and scenic walks, making it a sought-after destination for those seeking a blend of rural tranquillity and rich history.
Atherstone is a historic market town in north Warwickshire, uniquely positioned between Birmingham, Coventry, and Leicester. The town is well-recognised for its rich heritage, attractive medieval streets, and the long-running annual Atherstone Ball Game, a Shrove Tuesday tradition that draws local and national attention. Atherstone’s canal-side setting, with the Coventry Canal running through it, adds to its scenic character and appeal for walkers and boating enthusiasts.
Bedworth is a market town situated in northern Warwickshire, positioned between Coventry and Nuneaton. Known historically for its role in the textile and coal mining industries, today Bedworth blends its industrial heritage with a welcoming, close-knit community. The town centre features a mix of traditional high street shops, modern amenities, and restored landmarks, such as the striking Nicholas Chamberlaine Almshouses and All Saints Church, both of which add character and a sense of local identity.
Henley in Arden is a picturesque market town located in Warwickshire, famed for its charming high street dotted with historic timber-framed buildings and a unique mile-long parade of independent shops and eateries. The town's history stretches back for over a thousand years, evident in its beautifully preserved architecture and landmarks like the 12th-century Church of St. John the Baptist. Its location, just north of Stratford-upon-Avon and south of Solihull, makes it a sought-after spot for those seeking a semi-rural lifestyle while staying well-connected to larger towns and cities.
Kenilworth is a picturesque market town in Warwickshire, located just a few miles southwest of Coventry and northeast of Warwick. Renowned for its impressive medieval Kenilworth Castle and tranquil Abbey Fields, the town blends significant historical heritage with modern amenity, making it appealing to residents of all ages. Kenilworth’s centre is defined by a mix of independent shops, cafés, and restaurants, giving the high street a uniquely local character.
Leamington Spa, often referred to as Royal Leamington Spa, is a historic spa town situated in central Warwickshire, known for its distinctive Regency architecture and beautifully landscaped gardens. The town’s origins as a fashionable health resort in the 19th century are still evident today, with its elegant crescents, wide boulevards, and the iconic Royal Pump Rooms. Leamington Spa enjoys a leafy riverside setting along the River Leam, providing a pleasant and tranquil backdrop to everyday life, and continues to appeal to those seeking a blend of period charm and modern amenities.
Nuneaton is a large market town in northern Warwickshire, situated roughly 9 miles north of Coventry and 20 miles east of Birmingham. The town is known for its rich industrial heritage, largely stemming from coal mining and textiles, as well as its strong literary connections with novelist George Eliot, who was born on the outskirts and set many of her novels in the area. Nuneaton occupies a pivotal position between the Midlands’ major cities, which makes it appealing for commuters seeking reasonable travel times combined with a calmer lifestyle.
Rugby, situated in eastern Warwickshire, is a market town with a unique place in British history and culture. Internationally renowned as the birthplace of rugby football, the town enjoys an enduring connection to the sport, celebrated through the famous Rugby School. Its central position in the Midlands makes it a popular base for commuters and families, while a strong sense of heritage is reflected in the architecture, museums, and cultural venues.
Shipston on Stour is a charming market town located in the southern tip of Warwickshire, bordering the northern Cotswolds. The town, often simply called Shipston, has grown from its origins as a sheep market in the Middle Ages to a popular setting for families, retirees, and professionals seeking the tranquillity of rural life with nearby amenities. It's well known for its attractive streets, mix of historic and Georgian architecture, bustling town centre, and welcoming community spirit.
Southam is a historic market town situated in the heart of Warwickshire, located conveniently between Leamington Spa and Daventry. The town features a blend of traditional English architecture, with many period properties and a picturesque high street at its centre, reflecting Southam’s origins as a medieval settlement. The River Stowe runs through Southam, adding to its rural charm and providing scenic walking routes along its banks.
Stratford-upon-Avon is an historic market town nestled in Warwickshire, best known worldwide as the birthplace of William Shakespeare. Set beside the picturesque River Avon, this area attracts visitors and residents for its unique blend of Elizabethan architecture, pretty riverside walks, and strong cultural identity rooted in literature and theatre. The preserved Tudor buildings and winding medieval streets create a distinctive charm, while the thriving arts scene and year-round festivals give the town a dynamic feel.
Studley, situated in the county of Warwickshire close to the Worcestershire border, is a thriving large village known for its rich heritage and historic charm. Nestled on the outskirts of Redditch and just over six miles from Stratford-upon-Avon, Studley’s ancient roots and parish identity are ever-present, most notably in its centuries-old church and preserved remains of Studley Castle and Priory. Once a centre for needle manufacturing in Victorian times, traces of its industrious past are still felt today.
Warwick is a charming market town in the West Midlands, situated on the banks of the River Avon and steeped in over a thousand years of history. As the county town of Warwickshire, it is widely renowned for its spectacular medieval Warwick Castle, which draws visitors from across the globe and stands as a dramatic reminder of the area’s rich heritage.