Warwickshire, home to the birthplace of the world's most famous playwright, William Shakespeare, in Stratford-upon-Avon, has excellent transport links to Birmingham and London via bus and rail. It's the home of the University of Warwick and the Coventry University, so it has a substantial student population, especially in Coventry and Royal Leamington Spa. The county also welcomes thousands of visitors, and has a number of affordable two star hotels that are perfect for budget-conscious travellers looking for easy access to its superb range of attractions.
Royal Leamington Spa and Warwick
Famous for its Royal Pump Rooms gallery and attractive Jephson Gardens, Royal Leamington Spa is home to many vibrant cafés, independent boutiques and student-oriented bars. The town celebrates its popular Beer Festival & The Royal Pug in February, and is just a short journey from the British Motor Museum, where visitors can observe a fascinating exhibition of historic British vehicles.
Best known for its iconic Norman castle, the medieval town of Warwick is also noted for its annual Folk Festival, which takes place in July and includes everything from concerts to workshops. The castle celebrated its 1,100th anniversary in 2014, and was a source of cavalry horses for conspirators of the Gunpowder Plot of 1605, who fled after realising their plot hadn't succeeded. Close to Warwick and Royal Leamington Spa is the value-for-money Days Inn Corley NEC M6, which offers free internet access, free cancellations and comfortable contemporary accommodation.
The Lunar Festival
Taking place every June in Tanworth in Arden, the Lunar Festival includes fantastic live music performances from many top acts and has plenty of camping facilities for people visiting with a weekend ticket. This event, which is popular with adults and children alike, also includes a fabulous selection of food and several lively bars, and visitors are welcome to bring their own chairs and blankets. Past performers have included jazz act Sun Ra Arkestra, The Bootleg Beatles tribute band and many other psychedelic legends. The venue has good transport links to the M42 and M40, which provide easy access to affordable two star hotels in Warwickshire.
Other Things to See and Do in Warwickshire
Featuring the very popular and affordable Green Man Pub hotel, which offers free WiFi and decent-sized modern rooms, Rugby is famed for being the birthplace of rugby, and is the location of the Webb Ellis Rugby Football Museum. It was at the Rugby School, in 1823, that William Webb Ellis allegedly created the game and manufactured the world's first rugby ball, although many historians argue that similar games were already played by the Ancient Greeks.
The picturesque riverside town of Stratford-upon-Avon is also known for its annual River Festival, where you can attend a fantastic range of free events, from live music performances to special processions and markets. A short drive away is budget friendly The Falcon Inn, which is in the charming town of Shipston on Stour and provides well-presented rooms, free breakfast, free WiFi and free parking for your convenience.
