10 Things to do in Warwickshire this Half-Term

With half-term fast approaching, although the kids might be excited to have some time off it can often leave parents feeling stressed and overwhelmed unsure of how to keep the kids entertained. We have a solution for you and your family – our Family Leisure Breaks.

The Ardencote is situated within Warwickshire; the heart of England and our county is famous for its magnificent castle and historic charm. Visiting Warwickshire will provide you with an array of diverse and exciting events from watching a Shakespearean play in Shakespeare’s very own Stratford Upon Avon to walking along the miles of canals where you can either boat or stop for a pub lunch or get your adrenaline pumping and visit a theme park.

To celebrate Ardencote’s wonderful county, we have complied a list of family activities you simply must do this February half-term. Some you may have seen before but we hope that you stumble upon a few surprises too.

1. Warwick Castle

This is of course, number one and potentially the most glorious as it is one of the region’s most loved attractions. The medieval fort is steeped in history and a visit this half-term will make it the most perfect day out for the whole family.

This half-term you will have access to the Medieval Festival of Archery – access to the centuries-old archery, this half-term there will be a brand-new live action show at a real medieval castle. You can also experience a spectacular birds of prey display (the largest show in the UK) showcasing beautiful and powerful creatures – including vultures and owls flying from the castle ramparts.

If you are feeling brave you may want to enter the Castle’s Dungeon – a uniquely thrilling attraction that will whisk you back to Warwick’s most perilous past at the time of the plague, that spread across Europe bringing both death and destruction.

If you book onto our half-term family break, you will receive four free Warwick Castle tickets!

2. Stratford Upon Avon and the Royal Shakespeare Company

If you have a passion for history, you may want to visit Shakespeare’s birth place and where he spent the first five years of his marriage to Anne Hathaway. By purchasing a visitor ticket, you will have access to live performances and exhibitions letting you step back to Shakespeare’s life.

If your family is a lover for theatre, you could visit the Royal Shakespeare’s Company. You can visit for the day, explore their buildings, enjoy a free exhibition, perhaps book the kids into a theatre workshop or watch a theatre performance as a family. This half-term you can see The Boy in the Dress, a novel by David Walliams and lyrics by Robbie Williams and Guy Chambers.

Ardencote top tip – there is a beautiful view of Stratford upon Avon from the roof top restaurant and at the top of the theatre.

3. Stratford upon Avon Butterfly Farm

If you are looking for something other than Shakespeare for your half-term stay, you may want to consider visiting the Butterfly Farm. You will experience a unique rainforest environment within a series of greenhouses. The farm is landscaped with tropical blossom, fish-filled pools and beautiful waterfalls. The Farm just not just offer sightings of butterflies, you will find free roaming green iguanas and a variety of seed eating birds.

Perfect to keep the kids engaged and inquisitive.

4. British Motor Museum

If your family is a lover of cars, you should definitely take a trip to the British Motor Museum – the world’s largest collection of historic British cars: celebrating the past, present and future of British motoring. The museum holds over 300 British classic cars for you to explore on their Motor Industry Heritage Trust and the Jaguar Heritage Trust.  The free tours and interaction family activities will inspire and bring the stories to life – there will be plenty to keep everyone entertained.

5. Drayton Manor

Drayton Manor Park, home of Thomas Land will provide you with family favourites such as The Carousel or The Bounty Pirate Ship, you may love roller coasters or you may want to have a wander around their 15-acre zoo from seeing creatures from Africa, South America and Asia.

The Park does not just offer family-fun entertainment, you can also access educational talks, workshops, events and activity days for all ages.

6. Museums

Did you know that there are over 103 galleries in Warwickshire?

Some of our favourites are the Rugby Art Gallery where they offer a Social History Collection and an archaeological collection. Or you could perhaps visit the St. John’s Museum where they share a typical Victorian Kitchen and school room. Lastly, we invite you to visit Leamington Spa Art Gallery where the kids can do hands-on activities, where they can touch, see and explore.

7. Cadbury’s World

Although based slightly afield, we had to share the amazing Cadbury’s World situated in the historic Bournville village in the original ‘Factory in a Garden’. Cadbury’s World provides a mix of amazing shopping experiences to a world-class arts scene and a variety of family attractions. You can dine with Cadbury’s characters or have a hands-on lesson in the art of chocolate making, from the history to the science behind it.

8. Country Parks

Warwickshire county has over 20 country parks – perfect to help the children burn off that extra energy. Our favourites are Jephson Gardens, in Leamington, it is home to incredible flower displays, sensory gardens, fountains, ducks and swans, a boating pond and if you cross the suspension bridge to Mill Gardens there is a ship themed play area for the children to enjoy.

Our Second favourite is Ryton Pools Country Park where you explore the picturesque grounds on foot or bike, play games on the picnic meadow or let the kids go crazy in the two play areas. If the kids are feeling adventurous, you can let them explore the ancient Ryton Wood, don’t forget your binoculars (and wellies if it is wet!).

9. Tours at the Guide Dogs for the Blind’s National Breeding Centre

If you are a family who loves dogs, this will be your puppy heaven! Since 2011, over 13, 500 pups have been born at the state-of-the-art National Breeding Centre (NBC). The NBC offer scheduled tours which are suitable for all ages, however, you sadly cannot pet any of the puppies.  Although these experiences will let you view the puppies, see the puppies as they socialise and grow, gain experience of every day sights and sounds which will help the puppies develop the skills needed to become a guide dog.

You can also learn more about the amazing work that they do as future guide dogs. Taking photographs is the best way remember your visit of a lifetime.

10. Half-Term Family Breaks at the Ardencote

The Ardencote is situated in 83 acres of landscaped gardens and the hotel will offer you and your family the perfect escape from every day lives. You can start your day off with a hearty English breakfast or a continental breakfast then move onto the leisure club where you will have full access to the indoor pool, steam room, sauna or perhaps play a game of tennis or squash.

Your day can then be filled with a fantastic day out within the glorious county and return for a relaxing evening allowing you to refresh and reset.

If you are interested in booking our Half-Term Family Break at the Ardencote, you can find out more information here.

To speak to our reservation team directly, please do call 01926 843111.