Bearley

Step off the platform at this tiny railway halt and you're in proper Warwickshire countryside. Bearley feels more like a collection of farms than a town - which is exactly its appeal. The surrounding woods stretch for miles, making this one of the best spots in the county for forest walks without the crowds you'd find closer to Stratford.

Mary Arden's Farm sits just down the lane, Shakespeare's mother's childhood home now a working Tudor farm. It's a lovely way to spend an afternoon, especially if you've got children who fancy meeting the rare breed animals. The costumed interpreters actually know their stuff here.

Austy Wood, Bonehill Wood and Eggwell Wood form a triangle of ancient woodland around the village. Each has its own character - Austy's the wildest, Bonehill's got the clearest paths for a proper ramble, while Eggwell offers the best bluebells come spring. You could easily lose a whole day wandering between them.

Wilmcote's just up the road if you need more substantial facilities, but honestly, Bearley's remoteness is the point. This is deepest countryside, the kind where you might not see another soul for hours. The train line connects you to Birmingham and Stratford without the hassle of driving narrow lanes.

Staying at one of the nearby parks makes perfect sense here. You're far enough from main roads to enjoy proper quiet, yet the railway puts both Shakespeare country and the Cotswolds within easy reach. Rayford Caravan Park and Dodwell Park both offer decent bases for exploring this often-overlooked corner of Warwickshire.