English history is all around
Whatever your interest, you can be assured of a full and eventful stay within a short distance of The Smokery House:
+ take in the history from Roman times to Gunpowder Plot
and the Civil War
+ admire the scenic views from rolling Warwickshire countryside to the Vale of Evesham and beautiful Cotswolds
+ make time for idyllic walks and travelling the Heart of England Way
+ cycle down country lanes and winding byways
+ attend National Hunt meetings at the many racecourses
+ relax by fishing in the many rivers and lakes
+ seek out the sites of Family History and the way relations lived…..
.....or, it might be plain relaxation. There is something for everyone.
------ Where to start? ------
Stratford upon Avon, naturally, gets a first mention. It is about a 12 minute drive to the east. With its many Shakespearian connections, including the world renowned Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford and its
surroundings also have a wide range of other attractions, such as
National Trust houses and picturesque gardens. There
is the river to stroll by, or you can hire a boat.
The Racecourse has regular meetings throughout the year and for those
interested in antiques, why not visit Stratford Antiques and Interiors
on the road into the town from Broom. This way you'll also be close to the award winning Heart of England vineyard at Welford on Avon.
Warwick with its magnificent castle, Tussauds exhibition and Lord Leycester Hospital is about 12 minutes further away.
Worcester is a 25 minute drive to the west– site of the beautiful Cathedral and home to Royal Worcester porcelain. The town has strong connections with the English Civil War and much can be learned at the Commandery, with its numerous displays. If you have an interest in sport, there is the County Cricket Club and national league Rugby Union.
Alcester is just to the north. A small, traditional English country town, it has a museum displaying its Roman origins. It is renowned for its floral displays in summer as a previous National Winner of Britain in Bloom. Just outside the town is Ragley Hall, home to the Marquis and Marchioness of Hertford. The Hall is open to the public for much of the year and is surrounded by beautiful grounds where you can walk or have a picnic.
Coughton Court is also close to Alcester and another place not to be missed, with all its links to the Gunpowder Plot. Further north is the NEC -
about a 40 minute drive for those wishing to attend one of the many exhibitions or concerts held all year round.
Bidford on Avon is only 3 minutes drive to the south. It has an historic bridge, which is the gateway to the Vale of Evesham and the picturesque Cotswolds only a 15-20 minute drive beyond. You will delight in the beautiful scenery and many stone built villages. Why not visit Broadway, Moreton in Marsh and Stow on the Wold - to name but a few.
Evesham is a 10 minute drive, where you will find the Almonry Museum, while Cheltenham, with its Georgian architecture and Racecourse, can be reached in another 15-20 minutes.
Closer to home, The Smokery House is located on the edge of the village but is only a two minute walk to the village store, post office, pub and river. Near neighbours own a private indoor swimming pool where you can arrange time ( early booking is advised ) to relax in heated surroundings.
The Heart of England Way passes seconds away through the middle of Broom, so The Smokery House is an ideal centre for those interested in taking in the many scenic walks in the district.
The area is also popular with cyclists with many country lanes to travel. There are several angling clubs in the district for those wishing peace and quiet to while away the hours on the riverbank. Seeking out family history is now a popular pastime, so why not visit the sites of your forebears. The County Record Offices at Warwick and Worcester are quite close to help
add to your knowledge.
With so much on offer, it’s about finding enough time!
We can supply you with more details once you arrive.