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United Kingdom
England
West Midlands Region
Warwickshire
Stratford-On-Avon

Atherstone On Stour

Attractions and Places To See around Atherstone On Stour - Top 20

Best attractions and places to see around Atherstone On Stour offer a blend of historical sites and natural landscapes in Warwickshire, England. The village is situated along the River Stour, providing a tranquil setting with visible medieval watercourses. Visitors can explore significant cultural landmarks and enjoy scenic wooded areas with footpaths. The area provides opportunities to discover local heritage and natural beauty.

Best attractions and places to see around Atherstone On Stour

  • The most popular attractions is Colletts Wood and Pond, a lake that is part of the Heart of England Forest. This scenic wooded area features a pond and is surrounded by a network of footpaths for exploration.
  • Another must-see spot is Bancroft Basin, Stratford-upon-Avon Canal, a facilities area where the Stratford-upon-Avon Canal meets the River Avon. This location offers good mooring options and access to the towpath, suitable for wheels.
  • Visitors also love Shakespeare's Birthplace, a historical site where William Shakespeare was born and spent much of his childhood. The half-timbered house is now a museum dedicated to the playwright, offering insights into his life and works.
  • Atherstone On Stour is known for historical sites, natural features, and recreational trails. The area offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from medieval remnants to scenic woodlands and canal basins.
  • The attractions around Atherstone On Stour are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 130 upvotes and over 70 photos shared.

Last updated: May 21, 2026

Bancroft Basin, Stratford-upon-Avon Canal

Highlight • Rest Area

From here it is 'just' 185 locks to get to London ;-)

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Shakespeare's Birthplace

Highlight • Historical Site

Beautiful and well preserved half-timbered building, you will not find many in similar style and quality around. Even if you do not enter the museum it is worth a detour to have a view.

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Charlecote Park

Highlight • Historical Site

The Lucy family owned the land since 1247. Charlecote Park was built in 1558 by Sir Thomas Lucy, and Queen Elizabeth I stayed in the room that is now the drawing room. Although the general outline of the Elizabethan house remains, nowadays it is in fact mostly Victorian. Successive generations of the Lucy family had modified Charlecote Park over the centuries, but in 1823, George Hammond Lucy (High Sheriff of Warwickshire in 1831) inherited the house and set about recreating the house in its original style.
Charlecote Park covers 185 acres (75 ha), backing on to the River Avon. William Shakespeare has been alleged to have poached rabbits and deer in the park as a young man and been brought before magistrates as a result.

From 1605 to 1640 the house was organised by Sir Thomas Lucy. He had twelve children with Lady Alice Lucy who ran the house after he died. She was known for her piety and distributing alms to the poor each Christmas. Her eldest three sons inherited the house in turn and it then fell to her grandchild Sir Davenport Lucy.

In the Tudor great hall, the 1680 painting Charlecote Park by Sir Godfrey Kneller, is said to be one of the earliest depictions of a black presence in the West Midlands (excluding Roman legionnaires). The painting, of Captain Thomas Lucy, shows a black boy in the background dressed in a blue livery coat and red stockings and wearing a gleaming, metal collar around his neck. The National Trust's Charlecote brochure describes the boy as a "black page boy". In 1735 a black child called Philip Lucy was baptised at Charlecote.
The lands immediately adjoining the house were further landscaped by Capability Brown in about 1760. This resulted in Charlecote becoming a hostelry destination for notable tourists to Stratford from the late 17th to mid-18th century, including Washington Irving (1818), Sir Walter Scott (1828) and Nathaniel Hawthorn (c 1850).

Charlecote was inherited in 1823 by George Hammond Lucy (d 1845), who married Mary Elizabeth Williams of Bodelwyddan Castle, from whose extensive diaries the current "behind the scenes of Victorian Charlecote" are based upon. GH Lucy's second son Henry inherited the estate from his elder brother in 1847. After the deaths of both Mary Elizabeth and Henry in 1890, the house was rented out by Henry's eldest daughter and heiress, Ada Christina (d 1943). She had married Sir Henry Ramsay-Fairfax, (d 1944), a line of the Fairfax Baronets, who on marriage assumed the name Fairfax-Lucy.

From this point onwards, the family began selling off parts of the outlying estate to fund their extensive lifestyle, and post-World War II in 1946, Sir Montgomerie Fairfax-Lucy, who had inherited the residual estate from his mother Ada, presented Charlecote to the National Trust in-lieu of death duties. Sir Montgomerie was succeeded in 1965 by his brother, Sir Brian, whose wife, Lady Alice, researched the history of Charlecote, and assisted the National Trust with the restoration of the house.

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Colletts Wood and Pond

Highlight • Lake

Part of the Heart of England Forest, a scenic wooded area with a pond, surrounded by a network of footpaths for exploring the area.

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Stratford Greenway

Highlight • Cycleway

An 8km flat smooth gravel path. Share with runners and dog-walkers in the morning and evening. Best at crack of dawn when mist is rising over the race course and the river meadows. Can also cut down to a riverside path.

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Tips from the Community

Wendyjp
January 8, 2026, Colletts Wood and Pond

You can join the Heart of England Forest for £3.00 a month, so as well as free parking you receive an interesting little magazine all to do with things about the forest Also volunteering opportunities

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That sounds like a fun, moderately challenging hike near Long Marston! The description reminds me of that feeling of gliding down a long slope after a good climb. Anyone else getting winter vibes? It almost makes me want to try something like Snow Rider 3D to get that adrenaline rush while waiting for the snow to fall! The need for good basic fitness definitely resonates – getting prepped for those inclines is key to enjoying the views at the top. snowriderfree.com

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That sounds like a fun, moderately challenging hike near Long Marston! The description reminds me of that feeling of gliding down a long slope after a good climb. Anyone else getting winter vibes? It almost makes me want to try something like Snow Rider 3D to get that adrenaline rush while waiting for the snow to fall! The need for good basic fitness definitely resonates – getting prepped for those inclines is key to enjoying the views at the top. https://snowriderfree.com/

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This hike sounds like a great mix of challenge and scenery! The moderate difficulty and varied terrain remind me of navigating through different levels in Fnaf—except here, you’re rewarded with fresh air and nature instead of jump scares. 😄 How was the view from Bidford Bridge? Would love to hear more details! https://fnafgamefree.com

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Beautiful scenery! Reminded me of the chaos and unpredictability of https://badparentingame.com/ – a game where you juggle absurd situations and laugh at the messiness of it all. Definitely inspires some fun reflection on life’s "unexpected journeys." Thanks for sharing!

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Paul C
August 2, 2024, Stratford Greenway

A recent "renovation" has covered half the Greenway (the half closer to Stratford) in loose pea gravel. It is an uncomfortable and unstable ride and very frustrating compared to the much nicer second half, even if the second half is narrower and has a few potholes here and there. Best to come prepared for that.

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The Heart of England arboretum and other woodlands are well maintained as you would expect. Clearly marked footpaths with well placed benches at regular intervals.

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From here it is 'just' 185 locks to get to London ;-)

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Frequently Asked Questions

What natural features can I explore around Atherstone On Stour?

Atherstone On Stour offers several natural attractions. You can visit Colletts Wood and Pond, a scenic wooded area that is part of the Heart of England Forest, featuring a pond and a network of footpaths. The village is also situated along the River Stour, and you can still see earthworks of medieval watercourses and possible fishponds, offering a glimpse into the area's past landscape.

Are there historical sites to visit in Atherstone On Stour?

Yes, the area around Atherstone On Stour is rich in history. You can explore sites like Alscot Park, a country house with origins dating back to the 17th century, featuring a deer park and landscaped grounds. The site of the former Church of St. Mary, though now a private residence, incorporates 14th-century stone. Other historical remnants include Atherstone on Stour Mill (site of), Atherstone Hill Farmhouse, and remnants of RAF Atherstone from World War II, such as pillboxes and battle headquarters.

What are some family-friendly attractions near Atherstone On Stour?

Families will find several engaging options. Colletts Wood and Pond is excellent for walks and exploring nature. The Stratford Greenway offers a flat, smooth path suitable for cycling and walking with children. Further afield, Shakespeare's Birthplace provides an educational and immersive historical experience, and Charlecote Park, a National Trust property, has expansive grounds and a deer park perfect for family outings.

Are there walking trails near Atherstone On Stour?

Absolutely, there are many walking opportunities. The area around Colletts Wood and Pond has a network of footpaths. For easy hikes, you can explore routes like the "View of Alscot Park Mansion loop from Clifford Chambers" or the "Milcote Carriage Café – Old Railway Line loop from Clifford Chambers and Milcote CP." You can find more details on these and other easy hikes at Easy hikes around Atherstone On Stour.

What kind of outdoor activities can I do near these attractions?

Beyond walking, you can enjoy various outdoor activities. The Stratford Greenway is ideal for cycling. For more active pursuits, there are running trails, including the "Racetrack loop from Clifford Chambers and Milcote CP," which you can explore further at Running Trails around Atherstone On Stour. Gravel biking routes are also available, such as the "Stratford Greenway – Milcote Carriage Café loop from Quinton CP"; find more options at Gravel biking around Atherstone On Stour.

Are there any wheelchair-accessible trails or attractions?

Yes, Bancroft Basin, Stratford-upon-Avon Canal offers access to its towpath which is suitable for wheels. This area provides good mooring options and is a pleasant spot to enjoy the canal scenery.

What is <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atherstone_on_Stour" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Alscot Park</a> and can I visit it?

Alscot Park is a historic country house located about half a mile south of Atherstone on Stour. Its core dates back to the 17th century, with significant Rococo remodeling in the 18th century. The estate includes a medieval deer park, later re-designed into a landscape park. While the house itself is a private residence, the surrounding parkland and its historical significance contribute to the local heritage.

What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Atherstone On Stour?

Visitors particularly appreciate the blend of historical significance and natural beauty. The tranquil setting along the River Stour, the well-maintained footpaths in areas like Colletts Wood and Pond, and the historical insights offered by places like Shakespeare's Birthplace are frequently highlighted. The community also values the accessibility of routes like the Stratford Greenway for various outdoor activities.

Are there dog-friendly places to visit or walk around Atherstone On Stour?

Many of the natural outdoor areas are suitable for dogs. Colletts Wood and Pond, with its network of footpaths, is a great option. The Stratford Greenway is also popular with dog-walkers. When visiting, always ensure dogs are kept under control and follow local guidelines regarding leads and waste disposal.

What is the <a href="https://www.komoot.com/highlight/509609" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Stratford Greenway</a>?

The Stratford Greenway is an 8km flat, smooth gravel path that follows a former railway line. It's a popular route for cyclists, runners, and dog-walkers, offering a peaceful journey through nature, passing fields, fruit trees, and various plants. It runs from Long Marston village to Stratford-upon-Avon.

Can I find any remnants of RAF Atherstone?

Yes, the area to the north-east of the village still holds remnants of RAF Atherstone, a Second World War air station. You can find the site of the battle headquarters, an underground building used for coordinating airfield defense, and a pillbox, which was built to defend the airfield. The site of an aircraft hangar and a firing range are also present.

What is <a href="https://www.komoot.com/highlight/731354" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Charlecote Park</a>?

Charlecote Park is a historic country estate owned by the National Trust, located near Atherstone On Stour. It features a grand Elizabethan house, significantly modified in Victorian times, and extensive landscaped grounds with a deer park. It's known for its connection to the Lucy family and a local legend involving William Shakespeare.

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