Stratford on Avon

Shakespeare's birthplace draws crowds like nowhere else in Warwickshire, and for good reason - you're walking through the streets where England's greatest writer actually grew up. The town centre itself is the real attraction: half-timbered buildings lean at impossible angles, the River Avon winds through it all, and you can visit his actual house on Henley Street if you fancy paying for the experience.

It's absolutely rammed with tourists, especially April through September. If you can handle the crowds, there's genuine character here - the old bridge is lovely for a walk, and the Holy Trinity Church where Shakespeare's buried has a proper sense of occasion. Families with young kids might find the literary significance flies over their heads, but teenagers studying the plays will find it worthwhile, and history buffs could spend a full day tracing his connections around town.

Realistically, two to three hours covers the main sights without feeling rushed. The surrounding area is good walking country, and you've got several caravan parks within striking distance - Rayford is less than a mile out, Dodwell Park just over two miles away. These make decent bases for exploring both the town and the wider Warwickshire countryside. Shakespeare tourism can feel a bit manufactured, but the town's genuine Tudor fabric and riverside setting do justify a visit if you're anywhere in the region.