Stratford-upon-Avon, the heart of this small region, is neighbor to a number of villages with Shakespearean connections, and plenty more that date from his time. Complementing these humble hamlets, and often in the midst of them, are impressive country houses open to the public, each of which requires a half day to explore and is easily reachable from Stratford. To the north lie two magnificent castles, Warwick and Kenilworth. Warwick has much to offer besides its castle, and it's worth a protracted jaunt. More »