Within Warwickshire

Warwick Castle

Warwick, CV34 4QU

Immerse yourself in 11 centuries of dramatic history, myth and adventure as you scramble around breathtaking ramparts and towers. Warwick Castle has survived attack, siege and fire, served as a power base of the Earls of Warwick, a royal prison, and favourite haunt of Victorian high society. Discover its exciting past in dungeons and lavish state rooms, see the world’s largest working siege machine and join the mighty medieval Kingmaker Richard Neville on the eve of battle. Merlin: The Dragon Tower, ghosts and a Royal Weekend Party will fill your day with fascination.

New for 2013 is Warwick Castle Unlocked, allowing you into four centuries of secret towers and passageways, and there’s always a packed calendar of special events like dragon egg hunts, re-enactments and medieval banqueting.

The National Herb Centre

Banbury Road, Warmington, Banbury, OX17 1DF

Here’s something to perk up the senses: a series of small demonstration gardens full of colour and scent where you can learn about growing herbs, and see fields of rosemary, sage, thyme and parsley. Over 500 varieties of culinary, medicinal and scented herbs are available for sale, including 25 types of rosemary, 25 of lavender and 35 of thyme. Stop for a snack and sample the tasty flavours of fresh herbs, then meander along the nature trail down the valley and through the fields to the wood.

The Lias Line from Rugby

Duration: 3 hours

This generally level section of National Route 41 uses some former railway lines and is open between Rugby and Warwick. It is known as The Lias Line after the locally quarried Blue Lias stone. The ride is a linear route that starts or ends at Rugby rail station, with stopping points at Leamington Spa or Warwick town centres and rail stations – cycle back or return by train. The trail can be extended, linking to the Warwick to Wellesbourne trail and on to Stratford-upon-Avon.

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Blue Lias and Stockton Locks

Duration: 2.5 hours

This circular route in central Warwickshire conveniently starts and finishes at the Blue Lias pub; Blue Lias is a hard stone used for building in many local villages. Depart Long Itchington at bridge number 23 on the Grand Union Canal and pass Stockton Locks. Follow the towpath and on to Napton Hill, from where you can spy seven counties on a clear day. Then it’s back, via 12th-century St Michael's Church, to beautiful Stockton Reservoir.

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