From Shakespeare’s Birthplace to the living history museum, Tudor World, Stratford-upon-Avon might seem like the obvious place to visit this summer for a slice of 16th-century life. But for a quiet Tudor era escape, you may consider a summer stay in the less well-known, but ever more lovely village, Welford on Avon.
Beautiful towns and villages surround Birmingham, but this Warwickshire hamlet is officially one of the prettiest in the UK to visit this summer, according to The Independent—a list that also boasts the quintessential Cotswolds village of Castle Combe; North Wales’ Italian-style Portmeirion; and the book-town of Hay-on-Wye.
But while many on the list are world-famous for a variety of reasons, the understated Welford on Avon isn’t here by mistake. “With Tudor timber-framed thatched houses on Boat Lane, waterside walks on the River Avon, and a traditional 20-metre tall Maypole, Welford on Avon is one of Warwickshire’s prettiest villages.”
The Independent says you should try to align your visit with the annual Maypole dancing festival “for a spin around one of England’s tallest Maypoles”. But fails to mention that the event has been and gone. You will have to wait until next May to visit, but in the meantime, check out “one of Welford’s three watering holes”.
A real community village, you will find a jam-packed calendar of events throughout the summer, though—from games afternoons and coffee mornings to repair cafes and bowls clubs—while there’s plenty of woodlands and golf courses to use and explore. Plus, Stratford-upon-Avon is just a stone’s throw away (15 minutes in the car).
Where to stay?
If you’re already planning a trip to Welford on Avon, The Independent suggests: “Three Ways Farmhouse is a family-run bed and breakfast on a working farm in Weston-on-Avon. Free bicycle use, a highly rated a la carte breakfast menu and an outdoor seating area are all available to guests.”
To see all the prettiest UK towns and villages to visit this summer, head here.
