Ian Jelf's Walking Tours for Groups

Shakespeare Country

Stratford-upon-Avon - In the Steps of Shakespeare

Nestling on the banks of the Avon, Stratford is renowned the world over as the birthplace of William Shakespeare. A walk around the town allows visitors to discover more about his life, as well as to admire the theatre built in his memory and the multitude of other old buildings. How did growing up in Stratford influence Shakespeare's writings and how does his story involve a cure for haemorrhoids?!

Stratford Without Shakespeare - something completely different!

Thousands of visitors from all over the world flock to Stratford to visit the sites associated with William Shakespeare. In a way, though, that's a pity because they overlook one of the most historic and picturesque towns in the Midlands.

So this walk deliberately EXCLUDES anything to do with Shakespeare and his family, allowing us to reflect on the design of the houses, the origin of the market and to find out what contribution prisoners have made to Stratford's townscape!

Warwick - More than a Castle

On the banks of the Avon, Warwick's spectacular Castle has long been one of England's premier attractions. But too many visitors miss the County Town of Warwick itself and a walk is the best way of putting that right! A wonderful church, a mediaeval "hospital", Town Gates and a devastating seventeenth century fire add to Warwick's sense of past and present.

Royal Leamington Spa - Regency Splendour in the Heart of England

Often overlooked in favour of its near-neighbour Warwick, Royal Leamington Spa is a genteel spa town with a distinctly elegant air. From its beautiful gardens to its Georgian terraces, Leamington offers a mixture of history, charm and - if you're so disposed - good shopping, eating and drinking! (You might even get the chance to sample some of the spa water!)

And how many other spa towns can boast of connections with elephants and a French Emperor?!

Oxford - The City of Dreaming Spires

"Where is the University?" they ask. The answer is "everywhere and nowhere"! Among visitors, Oxford is one of the most popular cities in the Midlands, home to England's oldest and most stately University. More than anywhere else, a walking tour is the only way to truly discover Oxford and some of its 39 Colleges. And when that's done, there's yet more to discover: England's smallest cathedral, two rivers, superb museums and of course this was the home of TV's Inspector Morse!

(College visits can sometimes be arranged too. Ask for details.)

Coventry - Phoenix City

A walk around the centre of one of England's most dramatic centres reveals the remains of its mediaeval and Georgian past, traces of which still survive within this most twentieth century of cities. Coventry, famed for its involvement in the British car industry and devastated in the Blitz of 1940 bears surprising traces of its past as well as a lively present and an optimistic future.

Nowhere is this better illustrated than with the ruined and rebuilt cathedral standing together. Plus, of course, there's the chance to discover just why Lady Godiva went topless!

Rugby - more than just a game!

Rugby is probably the only town in Britain, if not the world, to have given its name to a sport. But there's much more than this to this often overlooked part of Warwickshire. A world-famous Public School, a renowned children's author, an illustrious poet, a Prime Minister and even Good King Wenceslas have local connections! And by far the best way to see Rugby is on foot!

Nuneaton - from Legions to literature

An unusual destination, not usually on the "tourist trail" except for devotees of the authoress George Elliot, but there's an great deal here to discover!

The town's past has been graced by Queen Boudicca, Roman soldiers, Saxon millers, mediaeval monks, a Victorian philanthropist and Larry Grayson!

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© Ian Jelf. This site was last updated on 20 November 2003 .