Places of Interest - Middle England

Places of Interest - Central England


Warwickshire, Hertfordshire, Shropshire, Leicestershire, Rutland and Nottinghamshire.	Places of Interest - Central England

WARWICKSHIRE / Coughton Court / Ragley Hall

Coughton Court nr Alcester Warwickshire B49 5JA Tel: 01789 762435	An imposing Tudor house set in beautiful gardens with a fascinating collection of Catholic treasures and fine collection of furniture, porcelain and paintings. The stunning displays of roses and herbaceous plants are described as 'breath-taking' by the RHS The interesting country estate has two churches, a lake and riverside walks. A National Trust property where charges apply. (Photo: © NTPL / Kim Oliver).



Kings Court Hotel	.. in the village of Kings Coughton, in what was originally a Tudor farmhouse	.....set in attractive gardens, this hotel offers a quiet destination
	.. or ..
Coughton Lodge	..... within a grade II listed building, in a haven of peace and tranquillity	....ideally situated with courtyard garden and a splendid water feature



Ragley Hall Alcester Warwickshire B49 5NJ	The Warwickshire home of the Marquess and Marchioness of Hertford. The House itself stands majestically in well-maintained formal gardens within beautiful ‘Capability’ Brown parkland. As well as being architecturally stunning, the Stables house an impressive collection of carriages. The Stately Home & Gardens are set in 400 acres of Capability Brown Parkland, Lakeside Play & Picnic Area, famous Adventure Wood, Maze, Woodland Walk, Stables.	Tel: 01789 762090 www.ragleyhall.com

WARWICKSHIRE / Royal Pump Rooms

Royal Pump Rooms The Parade Royal Leamington Spa Warwickshire CV32 4AA	The owners of the Royal Pump Rooms , Warwick District Council, in collaboration with Warwickshire County Council, produced proposals to relocate Leamington's Art Gallery, Museum, Library and Tourist Information Centre to the Pump Rooms, to refurbish the Assembly Rooms, and to provide a new Café, so creating a major cultural and tourist attraction. The new building opened to the public in Summer 1999, safeguarding the future of the historic Pump Rooms for the 21st century.	tel: 01926 742 700



Best Western Falstaff Hotel	.. where three magnificent Victorian mansions create the Falstaff Hotel in Royal Leamington Spa.	.....the original grace and character have been carefully preserved throughout the hotel, perfectly complemented by a traditional and friendly service by staff.
	.. or ..
Episode Hotel	.. ..in a new style of contemporary town house hotel situated in the picturesque town of Leamington Spa.	..where each one of the hotel's spacious rooms provide the maximum comfort and ease for our guests with elegant combinations of bold fabrics, clean lines, dark wood and sleek furnishings.

HERTFORDSHIRE / The Castle

The Castle Hertford SG14 1HR	The building often referred to as Hertford Castle is in fact the gatehouse. The castle itself no longer stands but occupied the enclosed area behind the gatehouse. For 300 years a Royal Palace stood within the flint walls having previously been one of a series of castles built for defence purposes. James I of Scotland was a prisoner at Hertford Castle, as were the Templars. Queen Elizabeth I spent much of her childhood at both Hatfield House and Hertford Castle.	Tel: 01992 584322



The White Horse Hotel	..in a Georgian-fronted building set in the heart of Hertingfordbury village.	..a comfortable hotel that has undergone a total refurbishment and offers all modern facilities and a very high standard.
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The Roebuck Hotel	.... in Ware, overlooking the old market town	....with 49 en-suite bedrooms, the popular Hamilton's conservatory restaurant and roof terrace garden

HERTFORDSHIRE / Welwyn Roman Baths

Welwyn Roman Baths Welwyn By Pass Welwyn Herts AL6 9NX	These Roman baths were once part of a Roman villa. You can still see the layout of the baths, the cold, warm and hot rooms, along with the hypocaust which provided the warm underfloor heating. Phone and check the museum is open before arriving.	Tel: 01707 271362



Best Western Homestead Court	....around 5 minutes from national rail links and within close proximity of the A1M (junction 4), M25 (junction 23) and M1 (junction 6) motorways	...offering excellent accommodation with 67 contemporary rooms, each with fully tiled en suite bathrooms.
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The White Hart Hotel Welwyn	.... in this beautifully refurbished 17th century coaching inn, positioned on the Great North Road between London and Cambridge	...offering luxury accommodation and dining of an exceptional quality.
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The Quality Hotel Welwyn	.. conveniently situated just off junction 6 of the A1(M), the hotel is just a short drive from Stevenage, Welwyn, St Albans, Hatfield and Watford	...offering good value accommodation in a convenient and easily accessible location.


Shaw's Corner Ayot St Lawrence nr Welwyn Hertfordshire AL6 9BX Tel: 01438 829221 (Infoline)	Home of famous Irish playwright George Bernard Shaw for more than 40 years, an Edwardian Arts & Crafts-influenced house. See the great dramatist's revolving Writing Hut and many literary and personal effects, including his Oscar and Nobel Prize. A National Trust property where charges apply. (Photo: © NTPL / Matthew Antrobus).

SHROPSHIRE / Sunnycroft

Sunnycroft 200 Holyhead Road Wellington Telford Shropshire TF1 2DR Tel: 01952 242884	A late 19th-century Edwardian gentleman's suburban villa with a rare unaltered interior and an elaborate conservatory. The mini country estate has pigsties, stables, a kitchen garden and orchards, with colourful borders and summertime flower displays. A National Trust property where charges apply. (Photo: © NTPL / Andrew Butler).



The Old Orleton Inn Wellington	....in a former coaching inn, transformed into a charming, contemporary retreat that faces the famous Wrekin Hill.	....with a 5-star Silver Award by VisitBritain, the inn offers boutique-style rooms, each with a unique design and character.
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Lord Nelson Hotel	.. in a privately run hotel offering basic accommodation at hostel prices, close to the centre of Wellington, a traditional market town.	..a converted Grade II listed house with a wealth of national charm
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Grove House Hotel	.. in a historic Grade II listed building, in the market town of Wellington.	.. offering a friendly relaxed atmosphere.

SHROPSHIRE / Ludlow Castle / Castle Lodge

Ludlow Castle Castle Square Ludlow Shropshire SY8 1AY	A vast 11th century castle with much of its masonry intact, in a spectacular setting above the river Teme. From the huge Outer Bailey a bridge across the moat leads to the Inner Bailey with the Keep,Great Chamber, Solar Wing and other interesting buildings.	Castle and Gift Shop Information Tel: 01584 873355



The Feathers Hotel	.. at 'the most handsome inn in the world' ( New York Times ) offering a high standard of accommodation and service.	..the hotel is internationally recognised for its beautiful Jacobean architecture and medieval heritage.
	.. or ..
Fishmore Hall	. in an elegant Georgian house overlooking the delightful market town of Ludlow.	....with comfortable bedrooms, a restaurant and bar.



Castle Lodge Castle Square Ludlow Shropshire SY8 1AY	Elizabethan in style, Castle Lodge has its origins in the 14th century, with oak- panelled rooms and low- beamed chambers. Now privately owned and open daily.	Tel: 01584 878098.

LEICESTERSHIRE / Staunton Harold Church

Staunton Harold Church Staunton Harold Ashby-de-la-Zouch Leicestershire LE65 1RW Tel: 01332 863822	One of the few churches built between the Civil War and Restoration, an imposing church built in 1653, with fine panelled interior. The interior retains original 18th-century cushions, carved woodwork and painted ceilings. Set in attractive parkland. A National Trust property. (Photo: © NTPL / John Bethell).



The Queens Head Hotel	.. in this 17th-century coaching inn located on Ashby's main high street	... family run and offering home-cooked English food and a lively weekend nightclub... hotel

LEICESTERSHIRE / Bosworth Battlefield

Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre and Country Park Sutton Cheney CV13 0AD	Historic site of the Battle of Bosworth Field 111485 where King Richard 111 was defeated by the future Henry V11. Award-winning interpretation of the Battle with the Visitor Centre giving a complete insight into medieval times.	Telephone 01455 290429 www.bosworthbattlefield.com



Bosworth Hall, Market Bosworth	...amid 11 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens and parkland in this Grade II listed William and Mary Mansion with some stunning views, a leisure club and a choice of dining.	...ideally situated, close to the motorway networks (M69, M6, M42, M1)

RUTLAND / Oakham Castle / Normanton Church Museum

Oakham Castle Market Place Oakham LE15 6DT	The Great Hall of Oakham Castle is one of the finest examples of late 12th century domestic architecture in England. The hall is decorated with a range of 12th century sculptures, above the columns are six musicians, each playing a different instrument. They are made of local stone from Clipsham and although damaged, they are of superb quality. They are believed to have been carved by masons who had worked at Canterbury Cathedral.	Tel: 01572 758440



The Whipper-In Hotel	...in the heart of Oakham, in the town’s old market square, in a former 17th-century coaching inn.	....a traditional country hotel with real log fires, deep armchairs and ancient original oak beams.
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Old Wisteria Hotel Oakham	....in a privately owned hotel, formerly a hunting lodge, a listed property partly dating back to 1604.	...situated in the heart of Oakham, Rutland's county town.



Normanton Church Museum South Shore Rutland Water NEAR EDITH WESTON Rutland LE15 8RP	Rutland's most famous landmark, saved from the water. See the story of the reservoir from dinosaur fossils, an anglo-saxon skeleton, and a fascinating video of the reservoir's construction. The tower of this late 17th century church stands above the wavelets of Rutland Water. Formerly part of the Normanton estate, it houses a fascinating collection of ancient artefacts and illustrations of the development of the reservoir which it overlooks.	Telephone : 01572 653026

NOTTINGHAMSHIRE / Southwell Minster

Southwell Minster Bishop's Drive Southwell Nottinghamshire	A superb Minster Church and Cathedral with a history going back almost a thousand years. The Norman nave is said to be one of the finest in Europe. See the new "Angel Window", search for 10 mice carved by Robert Thompson, visit the Chapter House to see the famous "Leaves of Southwell" and carvings of dogs, rabbits and pigs hidden in the foliage. The Southwell Minster Centre incorporates the Minster shop and Refectory, with audio visual display and Exhibition.	Tel: 01636 812649



Saracens Head, Southwell	... in this charming 16th century coaching inn with 27 refurbished en suite bedrooms, 2 bars and a restaurant.	.....situated opposite the Norman Minster and close to the town of Newark.

NOTTINGHAMSHIRE / Newark Castle / Newark Air Museum

Newark Castle Castle Gate Newark Nottinghamshire	Newark Castle is located in the town centre, off Castle Gate. Historic ruins dating back to the early 12th century, with a fine Norman gatehouse.	Tel: 01636 655765



Saracens Head, Southwell	... in this charming 16th century coaching inn with 27 refurbished en suite bedrooms, 2 bars and a restaurant.	.....situated opposite the Norman Minster and close to the town of Newark.



Newark [Notts & Lincs] Air Museum Ltd Winthorpe Showground Newark Notts, NG24 2NY	Our diverse collection of aircraft and cockpit sections covers the history of aviation, the aircraft on display include 10 National Benchmark aircraft; 29 Significant aircraft and 18 Noteworthy aircraft as listed in the National Aviation Heritage Register. Nearly two thirds of the exhibits are now displayed inside. In addition to the aircraft the museum displays a diverse display of aviation artefacts and a collection of more than thirty aero engines.	Telephone : 01636 707170

NOTTINGHAMSHIRE / Newstead Abbey Historic House and Gardens / Papplewick Pumping Station

Newstead Abbey Historic House and Gardens Newstead Abbey Park Nottingham NG15 8NA	Magnificent former home of the romantic poet, Lord Byron. Picturesque formal gardens, water features.	Tel: 01623 455 900



Clifton Hotel, Mansfield	at the Clifton Hotel in Mansfield, a Georgian building located on a quiet tree lined road, 5 minutes away from the city centre.	...all rooms are en-suite with coffee and tea making facilities along with radio and colour tv.



Papplewick Pumping Station off Longdale Lane Ravenshead Nottinghamshire NG15 9AJ	A late Victorian waterworks with James Watt beam engine in ornate engine house with intricate brasswork and stained glass windows. Engines are steamed at Bank Holidays and other selected weekends.	Telephone : 0115 963 2938

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Places of Interest - Central England