Woodrow Library

Woodrow Library sits in Alcester, a market town that doesn't exactly shout about its cultural offerings, which makes this place rather easy to miss. It's a proper local library - the kind where you can actually get a sense of what a community reads, rather than some glossy showcase space. The collection spans the usual suspects: fiction, non-fiction, local history (which is worth a browse if you're interested in Warwickshire), and reference materials.

This isn't a destination in itself, to be frank. You're not coming to Alcester specifically for the library. What it does offer, though, is a quiet refuge if you're staying at one of the nearby glamping spots like Wootton Park or Island Meadow and the weather turns. It's useful if you've got teenagers who've forgotten their books, or if you fancy a bit of air-conditioned browsing on a sticky afternoon. The staff tend to be helpful and know the area well.

If you're on a park holiday within a few miles, pop in on a rainy day or when you need a break from the outdoors. Don't expect grand architecture or rare editions - this is functional community space. But there's something rather nice about supporting a proper local library, especially one this small. Call ahead about opening hours and whether admission is free - most public libraries are, but it's worth confirming before you trek over. Allow 30 minutes maximum unless you're genuinely after something specific.