Set in the heart of the countryside just outside Warwick, Hatton Country World is a haven for those that want to avoid the crowds in the city centre and get back to nature. Visitors can enjoy a unique Victorian shopping experience in rural surroundings, walk the nature trail to the locks forming part of the historic Grand Union Canal, or experience a fun family day out at the farm.
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Daily
Retaining its country setting in Wilmcote, this timbered Tudor farmhouse is the childhood home of Shakespeare's mother, Mary Arden, before she married John Shakespeare. It is also home to the Shakespeare Countryside Museum and the adjacent Glebe Farm, where there are displays of farm implements and daily demonstrations by Heart of England falconry.
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Daily
In recognition of an important time in the farming year, Mary Arden's House & The Shakespeare Countryside Museum present traditional country crafts, activities and entertainment during Apple Day. These include cider making, apple juicing, hog roasts and archery demonstrations.
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Oct 2013 (annual)
Since 1409, Warwickshire's majestic Coughton Court has been the home of the Throckmorton family. With close connections to the Gunpowder Plot of 1605, the house holds a special place in English history, and stands in 25 acres of splendid grounds.
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Mar - Nov 2013; not Mon or Tue (annual)
Lord Leycester Hospital in Warwick was created as a home for the charitable Guild of the Holy Trinity and St George. Take afternoon tea in the tearoom then visit the delightful Master's Garden and the Museum of the Queen's Own Hussars.
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Daily
Warwick Castle more than lives up to its billing as Britain's Greatest Medieval Experience. Bursting to the towers with tales of treachery, torture, passion and power, the castle is brought to life by costumed guides and colourful characters telling spellbinding stories.
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Daily
A trebuchet is a medieval siege machine, capable of throwing huge projectiles over castle walls. At Warwick Castle, visitors can see one in action twice a day, by the river against the South Front.
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Mar - Apr 2013 (annual)
Stratford's annual Poetry Festival is held at the Shakespeare Centre and Shakespeare Institute. Both venues host poetry evenings with RSC actors and poets reading the works of William Shakespeare and other famous British poets.
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Jul - Aug 2013 (annual)
Step into the house where William Shakespeare was born in 1564 and gain a fascinating insight into life as it was when the Bard was a child. The half-timbered house is Stratford's most-visited tourist spot.
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Daily
Warwick's St Nicholas Park has plenty of attractions. Rowing on the lake in the shadow of the magnificent castle, strolling by the river or relaxing in the shade of a willow tree are perfect ways to spend a summer's day.
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Daily
Stratford-upon-Avon's Literary Festival is a vibrant celebration of the written word. With a multitude of literary events, from lectures and poetry readings - to quizzes and creative writing workshops, this is a festival that punches above its weight.
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Apr 2013 (annual)
A stone's throw away from Warwick Castle, Warwick International School of Riding is situated in the heart of Shakespeare country and offers some of the most impressive horse riding in England. Avid riders can trot or canter through many miles of unspoilt country lanes and peaceful leafy bridleways, or gallop across expanses of open grassland and through ancient oak woods.
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Daily
Few places have as famous a son as Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of William Shakespeare (aka "the Bard"). Together with museums dedicated at his birthplace and his wife's house, this delightful Cotswold town is home to the Royal Shakespeare Company.
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Daily
Since its first appearance in 1874, Stratford-upon-Avon has held a summer regatta for over 120 years. This annual sporting event sees rowers take to the river while spectators enjoy picnics, barbeques and a fun day out.
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Jun 2013 (annual)
Whether a seasoned racegoer, or a newcomer to the sport, a day at Stratford Races provides fun for all the family. As the first race of the season, the course's Irish Day is a welcome return to form for racegoers throughout the region.
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Mar 2013; not Wed (annual)
Discover Shakespeare's world through guided walks around his hometown Stratford-upon-Avon. On the Stratford Town Walk you'll get to see timber-framed buildings and stop off at the Shakespeare Houses, Grammar School, Royal Shakespeare Theatres and Holy Trinity Church.
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Daily
Discover stories of murder and mayhem on the Stratford Town Ghost Walk guided by The Man in Black. Visitors to Stratford-upon-Avon learn about the Royal Shakespeare Theatre ghost, the 17th-century haunted teahouse and the witch that lived in a slum.
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Mon, Thu, and Fri only
Stratford-upon-Avon's Christmas Festival fills the town with festive markets and decorative lights considered to be some of the best in the UK. With the entire town bedecked in illuminations, it's one of the most atmospheric times to visit Shakespeare's birthplace.
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Nov 2013 (annual)
Stratford-upon-Avon hosts three days of classical music at the Spring Sounds International Music Festival. Featuring the compositions of Mozart, Schumann, Mendelssohn and more, the festival brings cherished classics and new commissions to the Warwickshire town.
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May 2013 (annual)
Every year, the Stratford-upon-Avon Rotary Club organises the Shakespeare Marathon and Half Marathon. Despite its name, visitors to the quaint Warwickshire town find it offers a nice change of pace for those suffering from Shakespeare fatigue.
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Apr 2013 (annual)
Funfair rides and food stalls crowd Stratford-upon-Avon's streets at the annual Mop Fair. This traditional medieval street festival sees the pretty town host a vibrant two-day party with hog roasts, fun charity events and more.
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Oct 2013 (annual)
Tradition holds that the 23 April is William Shakespeare's birthday, three days prior to the date recorded in the church records for his baptism. Every year in Stratford-upon-Avon, thousands of people celebrate the occasion with a whole host of events.
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Apr 2013 (annual)
Every October, Stratford-upon-Avon venues are filled with chamber music, early music, jazz bands and orchestral concerts for the Stratford on Avon Music Festival. There are also concerts in nearby venues including the the Guild Chapel and the Shakespeare's Birthday Trust.
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Oct 2013 (annual)
Anyone wishing for a special experience of Shakespeare's plays and the environment that inspired him can take a short break in his home town of Stratford-upon-Avon. Each year, the two Living Shakespeare courses include visits to Royal Shakespeare Company productions.
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Jul 2013 (various dates)
Warwick Folk Festival attracts an impressive line-up of singers, bands, street performers and Morris dancers to the leafy grounds of Warwick School. Always well attended, it's one of the most popular folk events in the country.
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Jul 2013 (annual)
Ragley Hall hosts the Midlands History Festival. With re-enactment battles and living history camps, falconry displays, a historic market and much, much more, it offers all comers a fun family-friendly day out.
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Aug 2013 (annual)
The Warwickshire and West Midland Game and Country Fair is held in the beautiful grounds of Ragley Hall. It features gundog events, falconry displays, archery, clay pigeon shooting, side-saddle riding and many other exhibitions and displays as well as stalls.
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Aug 2012 (annual)
Birmingham NEC's Winter Memorabilia Show is a haven for collectors and the nostalgic. With collectable TV, film, comic, music and sports items up for grabs - and celebrities signing your treasures - it offers a weekend trip down memory lane.
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Nov 2013 (annual)
The rise of celebrity chefs has led to a number of major exhibitions exploring the best in food and drink. Here at Birmingham's NEC, the BBC Summer Good Food Show is the only one that dedicates itself to summer gastronomy.
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Jun 2013 (annual)
Recreate the childhood magic of the festive season at Crafts for Christmas in Birmingham's NEC. Featuring over 200 talented artists and craftspeople, it offers both modern and traditional gifts and crafts, as well as all the festive inspiration you can handle.
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Nov 2013 (annual)
Are the joys of parenthood looming? Faced with them already? Either way, don't miss The Baby Show at Birmingham's NEC - a one-stop shop for everything you need to know about looking after your little darling. Ear-plugs might be required.
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May 2013 (annual)
Birmingham's NEC Arena hosts a top event for all motor vehicle enthusiasts. The Classic Motor Show presents a huge line-up of vintage, Edwardian, veteran, classic, prestige and rare vehicles.
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Nov 2013 (annual)
Brush up on your cake-making and decorating skills at the NEC's Cake International - The Sugarcraft & Cake Decoration Show. Suppliers offer cutters, moulds, boards, books, stencils, ribbons and more - ideal for both expert sugarcraft artists and beginners.
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Nov 2013 (annual)
Crufts is probably the greatest dog show on earth. More than 28,000 top pedigree canines compete at Birmingham's National Exhibition Centre. A celebration of the relationship between dogs and their owners, the programme again showcases the diverse roles dogs play in society.
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Mar 2013 (annual)
The Horse of the Year Show is Britain's largest indoor equestrian event. Held at Birmingham's NEC, it includes more than 120 hours of competition and entertainmentincluding show jumping and showing classes, packed into five exciting days.
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Oct 2013 (annual)
The past has never been so popular, and antiques are big business, as the three-times-a-year Antiques for Everyone fair at Birmingham's NEC proves. Up to 30,000 visitors attend each time in the hope of snapping up a bargain.
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Apr 2013 (various dates)
If you have a passion for food, you'll be in gourmet heaven when you discover the vast range of foodstuffs at the BBC Good Food Show in Birmingham's NEC. Each year the event offers both food advice and entertainment.
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Nov 2013 (annual)
BBC Gardeners' World Live returns to the NEC with displays of plants, inspirational show gardens by Britain's leading designers and top TV celebrity entertainment. Highlights include the Floristry Masterclass, which should ensure that anyone can create a beautiful bouquet.
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Jun 2013 (annual)
From choosing the venue to where to take a honeymoon, there's a lot to think about when planning one of the most important days of your life. Before you freak out, head to The National Wedding Show at Birmingham's NEC.
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Oct 2013 (annual)
The world's largest consumer fashion and beauty event hits Birmingham's NEC for a style extravaganza. The Clothes Show Live creates a heady mix of models, celebs, DJs and top British fashion brands, plus an irresistible opportunity to try and buy.
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Dec 2013 (annual)
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