A Brummie in North Warwickshire: 13 Fab Things to See and Do
My postcode may be a Birmingham one, but my dialling code says otherwise. I’m no longer an 0121 now I’m out here in the sticks. Although who uses a landline these days anyway? So it’s time to introduce you to my local area, and the delights of North Warwickshire.
Often overshadowed by the tourist attractions in the southern reaches of Warwickshire, North Warwickshire is a largely rural area. It spans from Nuneaton to Polesworth, and from Coleshill to Atherstone. There are places of historical importance, family-friendly days out, loads of water-based activities, and country strolls aplenty!
Whilst we are emerging from our third (and hopefully final) lockdown I only encourage you to visit these places when you feel comfortable doing so. Please check websites and social media for details of restrictions and opening hours.
Things to see and do in North Warwickshire
Kingsbury Water Park
A popular waterside attraction near Sutton Coldfield, there are 15 lakes located within over 600 acres of green space. Stroll along the pathways, explore hidden corners and spot the variety of wildlife that make their home here. There’s a cafe, an information centre, gift shop, bike hire – and even a miniature railway! Car Parking is £4.50 in the main car park (cashless payments only)
The Belfry Hotel & Resort
My only previous experience of this 4* resort was a loud and lairy hen night where I sneaked miniature bottles of vodka into the (now defunct) Bel Air nightclub in my bra. But rest assured, most stag and hen parties will now be partaking in golf on the prestigious fairways, or indulging in the luxurious spa rather than necking shots of something neon. To find out more about enjoying the facilities, visit TheBelfry.com
RSPB Middleton Lakes
Several kilometres of trails lead you through wetlands, woodland and meadows, all rich habitats for wildlife and birds in particular. You may spot sedge warblers, skylarks and lapwings amongst others, and the site has earned its reputations as one of the best birdwatching reserves in the area. But you don’t have to know your tufted duck from your smew to appreciate the great outdoors at Middleton Lakes. Car parking is £3; facilities are available at the adjoining Middleton Hall.
Lucky Tails Alpaca Farm
More animals, and this time ones that you can get up close and personal with. I took Ma Lee to Lucky Tails Alpaca Farm for a Mothers Day gift she’ll never forget, and they’ve recently added meerkats to their menagerie too. Sarah offers a variety of experiences, ranging from an alpaca walk to a full farmyard meet and greet. You can find more details at their website.
Cliff Lakes
If you love water activities, then Cliff Lakes is perfect. You can try your hand at wakeboarding, stand-up paddleboarding or water-skiing, open water swimming, conquering the inflatables in the Aqua Park, or just relax waterside. Food and drinks are served at the Waterfront Bar. Dogs are welcome too do it’s a great day for the whole family. Wetsuits and bouyancy aids are provided for all water activities. You can find full details here.
Shustoke Reservoir
Located just off the B4114 Coleshill-Nuneaton Road, Shustoke Reservoir is perfect for nature lovers, water enthusiast and bird watchers. It is a gentle two mile circular walk around Lower Shustoke, although it is easy to link up with public footpaths and quiet lanes for a longer walk. Perfect for popping into The Griffin Inn or The Plough Inn for a quick pit stop too. Parking at Shustoke is £1 for the day; please note that there are no facilities.
Hartshill Hayes Country Park
Located in Nuneaton, Hartshill Hayes Country Park covers 137 acres of woodland and open hilltop with magnificent panoramic views across the Anker Valley. The park is renowned for it’s springtime bluebell displays. There’s an adventure playground, a kiosk for refreshments and a visitor centre with plenty of information about the trails. Car parking is £2.50 per day (cashless payment only).
Arbury Hall
Originally built in the 16th century, this country house has been home to the Newdigate family for over 450 years. It is a beautiful example of Gothic Revival architecture and has been used as a TV filming location as well as a wedding venue. The author George Eliot was born on the estate in 1819. The hall and landscaped gardens are open to the public on Bank Holiday weekends, and there is a tea room on site.
Whitacre Hall Country Walks and Tea Room
This 380-acre farm opened up two walking trails and an excellent small tea room onsite. Open year-round, visitors can enjoy the beautiful woodland, pools and farmland before enjoying a hot drink and a homemade cake. There is a small access fee for the walks, payable in the tea room. Due to the natural pathways through wood and farmland, the trails aren’t wheelchair or pushchair-friendly, although the tea room and it’s outside terrace are accessible.
Astley Book Farm
I feel like this place is just made for me – books, coffee and cake in the Midland’s largest second-hand bookshop. And it is located in the perfect place too – Arbury Estate was the birthplace of Victorian novelist George Eliot. These converted farm buildings hold a literary treasure trove, with a children’s section hidden up in the hayloft, and a “Ten Bob Barn” with shelves and shelves of unsorted books. And the coffee shop uses local suppliers for their bread, pastries and even craft beer. Oh, and there’s chickens. Check out their website for further information.
If you want to hear about more quirky bookshops, make sure to check out my blog post on our trip to Alnwick in Northumberland where we visited the wonderful Barter Books!
Hoar Park Craft Village & Children’s Farm
Located in a courtyard of 17th barns, Hoar Park has a number of small retail outlets and independent shops selling a range of items from dolls house miniatures to bath accessories, and from hand-crafted jewellery to upcycled furniture. There’s also a farm shop and butchers, a licenced restaurant, and a children’s Paint-A-Pot shop. Hoar Park also hosts regular craft and antique fairs as well as seasonal events. Entry to the children’s farm is £6 per adult and £5 for children over the age of 2. You can find out more here.
Anker Wood & Maze World
Child- and dog-friendly, Anker Wood is an outdoor experience with farmyard animals, a Woodland Gallery, orchard and tree-top trail if you have a head for heights. Or you can get yourself lost in one of Maze World’s six continent themed mazes, created from more than 6,000 plants. It is run by the adjacent Dobbies Garden Centre so there’s great shopping available too. You can find visitor information including opening hours and ticket costs at their website.
Twycross Zoo
Twycross Zoo falls just outside the North Warwickshire border but is close enough to count in this round-up. There are over 100 species of animals here, but the zoo is best known for it’s primates. In fact, Twycross is the only place in the UK where you can see all four types of great ape – gorilla, chimpanzee, orangutan and bonobo. There are walkthrough habitats, a Penguin Parade and a number of indoor and outdoor play areas. You can find out more about the award-winning facilities at Twycross Zoo here.
Food and Drink in North Warwickshire
The Fig & Olive
Based at the Coppice Garden Centre in Middleton, The Fig & Olive is a restaurant and bar serving local and seasonal food and drink. Also onsite is the Forage Food Hall, which specialises in sourcing and selling quality products from small businesses and local suppliers.
Silver Tree Bakery
Just over the North Warwickshire border, but worth a mention is the beautiful Alpine chalet in Water Orton which houses Silver Tree Bakery. It only opened in December, but is already a roaring success with its takeaway options. We collected a Christmas Eve pork and stuffing bap from them, and plan on returning for more goodies soon. They are currently open Wednesday-Sunday for walk-in orders and collections.
The Swan at Whitacre Heath
When we moved into the area last January, we were looking forward to a summer spent exploring the local pubs. Lazy afternoons in a beer garden. Sunday roasts in front of a roaring fire. Popping in for a glass of wine after a nice long walk. COVID-19 put paid to that. But one of the places we did manage to visit was The Swan at Whitacre Heath. It received a major refurbishment in January 2020 prior to Lockdown #1 but the attraction for us was it’s spacious garden. There’s a menu of traditional pub grub favourites, and the wood-fired pizzas are excellent. You can find all the details, including menu and reservation details on their website.
Church End Brewery
I love a brewery and taproom, so can’t wait to pay these guys a visit now that outdoor drinking and dining is permitted. Based just outside Atherstone, and close to Hartshill Hayes Country Park, Church End Brewery has twice been voted Local CAMRA Pub of the Year and Warwickshire Pub of the Year. They offer a range of cask ales, often named with a slightly macabre theme harking back to their their origins in an old coffin workshop.
There are so many places to explore locally, and I look forward to bringing you more adventures from North Warwickshire!
Silver Tree Bakery looks like something out of a Hallmark movie!
A little alpine ski lodge right in the middle of the country! Considering they opened during lockdown there’s always a huge queue for their goodies 🤤
It looks fab!!
Ooh I don’t think I know any of these places! I spent so much time in Warwickshire as a kid but must have been in the south. In fact I’ve just looked at a map and I don’t think I’ve been north of Warwick / Leamington Spa lol. Also I really wanna stroke that alpaca!! It’s so fluffy!
Stratford and Warwick get all the press! To be fair, I didn’t know most of these places existed before we moved here last year… I didn’t realise we were practically in the countryside 😁