Fawsley Gardens | Parkland Walks | Castles and Country Houses | Churches and Cathedral
Gardens Open to the Public | Shopping in the Area | Stratford-upon-Avon | Sport and Recreation
Fawsley Gardens
The gardens around the hall were largely replanted in the years before 1998, when the hotel opened. The garden is delineated by the ha-ha, which probably dates from the 19th century and runs along the east and south side of the Hall.
Notable aspects of today's garden are the pleached lime and laburnum tunnel in the south-east corner, abutting the restored formal knot garden with its clipped yew, box, purple sage, French lavender and santolina. In the centre of the lower parterre, a pleasing feature is the high, circular sorbus hedge within a yew hedge.
Beyond the beech hedge, on the other side of the knot garden, we have the most beautiful, ancient cedar of Lebanon tree. Its age is unclear, as it may well be up to five trees that were lashed together, growing up to look like one. If this is so, the tree dates back to at least 1763, at the time that Capability Brown did most of the planting in the parkland. It may well be several hundred years older than that.
Perhaps the greatest plantsman at Fawsley was a Mr Brown, praised endlessly in theJournal of Horticulture andCottage Gardener, August 1863. At that time the garden was quite extensive and comprised large, mixed borders up to 153 yards long and 9 feet wide, filled with gladioli, petunias, geraniums, hollyhocks, verbena and argentea. There were also peaches, nectarines and melons grown under glass and a fig house. This was possibly at the back of the Georgian stable block. We still have a fig that grows there today. Mr Brown grew not only figs there but also exotic orchids too.
Parkland Walks
There are many pleasing walks through the parkland; the best is to follow the 'Knightley Way'. The hotel Reception has maps for you to follow. The trail dissects the parkland from the north-east to the south-west. The trail below leads you in the north-easterly direction.
The Knightley Way
This walk will take 40 minutes on the uphill, outward journey, slightly less on the return, and is about 1.5 miles each way. Stop off at the Windmill Inn, Badby, for a good pub lunch before embarking on the return journey. Stout shoes or boots are recommended.
Walk straight across the pasture from the hotel towards the church. Bear sharp left at the church and walk down to the lane (100 metres). On the apex of the second bend in the lane almost opposite you, is the Knightley Way sign pointing up the hill. Pass through the gate and follow the signs to the brow of the hill on the edge of Badby Woods. The avenue of trees is the original route from the main road to Fawsley Hall.
Follow the signs, heading downhill into Badby Woods, which is well known locally for its bluebells in the first two weeks of May. Continue to follow the signs that keep you close to the edge of the woods. You will be walking in an anticlockwise direction around Badby Woods.
The signs will lead you across an open field, down a short hill then up through a narrow path with private gardens on either side. You will be facing Badby church at the end of this path. Bear right down the hill. At the junction turn right and the pub is a few yards along on your left. Follow your footsteps for the return journey.
Castles and Country Houses
Althorp
Telephone: +44 1604 770107
www.althorp.com
Famous more recently as the family home and final resting place of Diana, Princess of Wales, the Spencers have lived here for nearly five centuries. Charles Spencer, the 9th Earl, has carried out much restoration and redecoration, in particular the splendid stable block that now houses the Diana Exhibition. It is a handsome house with little exterior ostentation, but sits beautifully in its landscape. The Spencer family wealth was founded (as was true for the Knightleys at Fawsley) by enclosing lands and grazing sheep in the late 15th century. Among the attractions is a collection of paintings by Van Dyck, Rubens, Reynolds, Stubbs and Gainsborough.
Typical journey time by car is 25 minutes.
Blenheim Palace
Telephone: +44 8700 602080
www.blenheimpalace.com
Home of the 11th Duke of Marlborough and birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. Built in recognition of John Churchill's (the 1st Duke) great victory over the French at the Battle of Blenheim. Blenheim Palace was designed by Sir John Vanbrugh and is possibly the finest example of the English baroque style in the country. There are magnificent gilded staterooms and a large collection of tapestries, paintings, sculpture and furniture. The gardens include an arboretum, water terraces, maze and Italian garden. It works well as a stop-off for those returning home to London. There are many references to different members of the Churchill family in Louisa Knightley's (died 1913) journals. Rainald (Louisa's husband) knew Lord Randolph Churchill well, and Louisa calls the young Winston, who wrote the story of Lord Randolph's life (1906), 'equally clever and equally unprincipled'.
Typical journey time by car is 50 minutes.
Canons Ashby House
Telephone: +44 1327 861900
Relative to some of the grander houses listed on this page, Canons Ashby is built on a smaller scale and is quite atmospheric. The Dryden family home since it was first built, this Elizabethan house remains virtually unaltered since 1710. The furniture is, for the most part, 18th century, and there are fine examples of Elizabethan wall paintings and Jacobean plasterwork. There is an interesting medieval church in the grounds and a fruit orchard, with 16th-century tree varieties.
Typical journey time by car is 25 minutes.
Cottesbrooke Hall and Gardens
Telephone: +44 1604 505808
www.cottesbrookehall.co.uk
This magnificent Queen Anne house is reputed to have been the pattern for Jane Austen's Mansfield Park. Kept in immaculate order, the house contains excellent sporting and equestrian paintings and porcelain. The gardens have fine herbaceous borders, a wild garden and specimen trees including acer, cherry and magnolia. The Macdonald-Buchanans are members of the whisky-distilling dynasty. Assiduously maintained.
Typical journey time by car is 30 minutes.
Kenilworth Castle
Telephone: +44 1926 852078
Just the other side of Warwick town, the extensive ruins of Kenilworth represent a nice foil to the preserved splendour of Warwick Castle. Henry V retired here after Agincourt. The Tudor gardens have been reconstructed, and Elizabeth I stayed here in 1575, the same year that she stayed at Fawsley Hall. In all likelihood, both visits were part of the same tour.
Typical journey time by car is 50 minutes.
Stanford Hall
Telephone: +44 1788 860250
Stanford Hall, beside Shakespeare's Avon, has been home to the Cave family since 1430. The current house was built by the Smiths of Warwick in 1697, who were also attributed with building Fawsley's stable block some 40 years later. Built in a different style, Stanford Hall is a superb example of the William and Mary period. The motorcycle museum is small but interesting, and the mock flying machine, the original dating back to 1898, is a fun story.
Typical journey time by car is 30 minutes.
Sulgrave Manor
Telephone: +44 1295 760205
www.sulgravemanor.org.uk
Endowed by the National Society for the Dames of America 80 years ago, Sulgrave was home to the ancestors of George Washington, the first President of the United States of America. It is an unassuming Tudor manor house and garden but beautifully cared for. The Herb Society is based here and is busy establishing a herb garden typical of the Elizabethan period, including meadowsweet, tansy, coltsfoot and soapwort. In the window of the north aisle of the Church of St Mary the Virgin at Fawsley, you will find the famous glass shields of the Washington family. Brought from Sulgrave in 1830, they are of keen interest to American visitors as they clearly show one of the earliest quarterings from which their flag, the Stars and Stripes, evolved.
Typical journey time by car is 25 minutes.
Warwick Castle
Telephone: +44 8704 422000
www.warwick-castle.co.uk
Undoubtedly the finest medieval castle and garrison in England, it is also a good starting point to explore the town centre of Warwick too. Famous for its ramparts and towers, they stood Richard Neville, Kingmaker and Earl of Warwick, in good stead in the 15th century. The Victorian rose garden has been lovingly restored and in high summer is highly perfumed. The parkland was landscaped by Lancelot 'Capability' Brown, who also landscaped the parkland at Fawsley.
Typical journey time by car is 45 minutes.
Churches and Cathedral
Church of St Mary the Virgin, Fawsley
Although there may have been an earlier Anglo-Saxon church on this site, the present church dates from 1209. Established by John de Fawesle, the first vicar, the tower contains a ring of four bells dating from 1450. It is quite rare to find original bells from this period still hanging and in use to this day. The church contains Knightley family memorials and brasses, carved pews and some fine medieval stained glass.
Services are normally held on the first and third Sundays of the month at 11:00 am.
The Knightley Parishes
In addition to Fawsley Church, we are fortunate to include some fine ancient churches in our parish. They include:
- Badby: St Mary the Virgin (13th century).
- Charwelton: Holy Trinity. Located in field about a mile from the village down a gated road.
- Newnham: St Michael and All Angels (13th century). Notable open arches at the west end, which support the bell tower and contain six bells.
- Preston Capes: SS Peter and Paul (early 13th century).
All Saints Church, Earls Barton
Set high on a hill in the village, the church is notable for its fine Saxon tower.
Typical journey time by car is 40 minutes.
All Saints Church, Brixworth
Tucked away in the centre of the village, All Saints in Brixworth is my favourite church, much of it Saxon with some Roman brickwork.
Typical journey time by car is 40 minutes.
Coventry Cathedral
The Cathedral Church of St Michael was destroyed by incendiary bombs in November 1940 and the ruins of the former cathedral are impressive in their own right. The charred cross and Reconciliation statue are a reminder of the futility of war. Basil Spence's design for the new cathedral, consecrated in 1962, is a modern triumph. It is worth the trip just to see the stained glass by John Hutton and John Piper, and Graham Sutherland's huge tapestry,Christ in Glory. Elizabeth Frink also has work on display.
Typical journey time by car is 45 minutes.
Gardens Open to the Public
Coton Manor Gardens
Telephone: +44 1604 740219
www.cotonmanor.co.uk
Coton is frequently featured in garden magazines, national newspapers and on television. Originally laid out in 1925, it is landscaped on different levels and divided into a series of smaller gardens, with a wide range of unusual planting, affording contrasts and surprises as it gradually unfolds. There is even a five-acre bluebell wood flowering in late April / early May.
Stowe Gardens
Telephone: +44 1280 822850
www.nationaltrust.org.uk
One of the finest Georgian landscaped gardens, made up of valleys and vistas, narrow lakes and rivers, with more than 30 temples and monuments, designed by many of the leading architects of the 18th century. At the centre is Stowe House, occupied by Stowe School, and all around is Stowe Park. The creation of the Temple family, Stowe has been described as 'a work to wonder at' in its size, splendour and variety. Many of the garden buildings have now been converted in recent years. Work continues on this as well as on the house itself.
Typical journey time by car is 45 minutes.
Ryton Organic Gardens
Telephone: +44 2476 303517
An unassuming location off the A45, the ten acres of this garden are divided for the large part into many set pieces, including a rose garden, ornamental kitchen garden, wildlife garden and a cook's garden. An inspirational organic garden that is open all year round except Christmas week.
Typical journey time by car is 35 minutes.
The National Herb Centre
Telephone: +44 1295 690999
www.herbcentre.co.uk
Certainly worth a look if you like your herbs. It overlooks a charming valley and has a really good selection of over 500 herbs. It is good for planting ideas, for the cook, alternative medicine and the plantsman. The Centre regularly holds meetings for the British Herb Trade Association, Aromatherapy Trade Council and the Herb Society.
Typical journey time by car is 30 minutes.
Holdenby House and Gardens
Telephone: +44 1604 770074
www.holdenby.com
Just two miles from Althorp, Holdenby has played a pivotal part in English history. It was once the largest house in England. Built by Queen Elizabeth I's chancellor as a place to entertain the Queen, by an ironic twist of fate it was first the palace of Charles I and then his prison after his defeat in the Civil War. Rosemary Verey's Elizabethan Garden and Rupert Golby's Fragrant Border are the star attractions, alongside falconry and a working armoury.
Typical journey time by car is 30 minutes.
Shopping in the Area
Bicester Village Outlet Shopping
Telephone: +44 1869 323200
Up to 60% off retail from some of the best designers. Paul Smith, Ralph Lauren, Versace, MaxMara, Burberry, Dunhill, Calvin Klein, Karen Millen, Farhi and Zegna sell their end of season lines here. A useful stopping off point if you are heading past junction 9 of the M40. Guests of the hotel can redeem their VIP passes, available from Reception, which entitle the holder to extra discounts.
Typical journey time by car is 50 minutes.
Factory Shoe Outlets
Perhaps a curious inclusion. Northampton has a tradition of shoemaking going back to Cromwellian times. Two of the most famous shoemakers are Church's and Crockett & Jones, both of whom operate factory shoe outlets in Northampton. It is cheaper and fun to buy Goodyear welted shoes where they are made. Shoes that normally retail at £220.00 to £300.00 are on sale at £100.00 or less.
Typical journey time by car is 40 minutes.
Haddonstone Show Gardens
Telephone: +44 1604 770711
Haddonstone are makers of classic garden ornaments and classical stonework and ironwork in the walled gardens of the manor. Pieces can be ordered at the show garden. The gardens are on different levels, with shrub roses, clematis and climbers.
Typical journey time by car is 45 minutes.
Heart of the Shires
Telephone: +44 1327 349249
About 20 retailers in converted farm buildings, two miles north of Weedon. Gallery, cookware, pottery, quilts, shoes, tea rooms and gift shops make up an eclectic and somewhat charming mix, representing an enjoyable diversion for hotel guests and the keen shopper.
Typical journey time by car is 25 minutes.
Royal Leamington Spa and Milton Keynes
The two shopping towns of note in the region. As one might expect, the latter is excellent for the major stores such as John Lewis and House of Fraser. It is one of the largest undercover shopping centres in the UK. Leamington Spa is 30 minutes away and has a greater concentration of smaller, high-quality, independent retailers. Take in lunch if you visit Leamington and see the impressive Pump Room, which has been refurbished and now houses the library and art gallery.
Stratford-upon-Avon
A world-class destination. Shakespeare was born in the town in 1564 and died in the town in 1616. Theories that Shakespeare was really Marlowe, Bacon or the Earl of Oxford still do the rounds today. Personally, I do not subscribe to this nonsense. He is a unique and universal genius whose work has stood the test of time. Was he Catholic? I don't know. What I do know is the wonderful language, humour and analysis of the human condition are unsparing. The houses below are listed in the order in which they are best seen and follow a natural route through the town. It is best, however, to see Mary Arden's house and Anne Hathaway's cottage early, as they can be over-run by coach tours. We can book theatre tickets for you; ask Reception. Pre- and post-theatre suppers can also be arranged at the hotel in case you plan to leave early or return lateish. If you plan to see all the houses, it is cheaper to buy a multi-ticket.
Directions
Take the A361 to junction 11 of the M40 and head north-west, exiting at junction 15. Alternatively, a little more cross-country but a more direct route, take the A361 to Daventry, turn left a mile after Badby and follow the sign for Staverton. At the end of the lane turn left to Southam on the A425. Go round Southam in the direction of Leamington Spa. At the roundabout where the B4455 (Fosse Way) intersects the A425, turn left and cross the M40. Turn right through Wellesbourne and on to Stratford-upon-Avon.
Typical journey time by car is 50 minutes.
Shakespeare Houses
- Mary Arden's House, Wilmcote: Three miles from Stratford-upon-Avon. The girlhood home of the dramatist's mother, it is an early Tudor timber-framed house.
- Anne Hathaway's Cottage, Shottery: One mile from Stratford-upon-Avon. It was home to the Hathaways until the 19th century. William Shakespeare courted Anne Hathaway here prior to their marriage in 1582.
- Shakespeare's Birthplace and Exhibition, Henley Street: The house has been cleverly refurbished. Shakespeare was born here in 1564, son of a glove-maker.
- Harvard House, High Street: Home to the mother of John Harvard, the founder of the famous American University. Houses the Museum of British Pewter and the Neish Collection. Intricately carved exterior.
- Nash's House and New Place, Chapel Street: Exceptional early English oak furniture in the home of Shakespeare's granddaughter. William Shakespeare spent his last years in New Place just next door.
- Hall's Croft, Old Town: A very fine, half-timbered, gabled house, it was named after Dr John Hall, who married Shakespeare's daughter in 1607. Learn about medicine in the Tudor period. Good 16th- and 17th-century paintings.
- Holy Trinity Church: From Hall's Croft, it's a ten-minute walk down the river, past the theatres, to where William Shakespeare is buried.
Royal Shakespeare Company
The Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) is probably the most famous classical theatre company in the world. It operates three theatres in Stratford-upon-Avon. The 1412-seat Royal Shakespeare Theatre, the 432-seat Swan Theatre and the flexible seating studio theatre called The Other Place. A planned £100 million development has yet to be finalised and is probably some years away. The ticket hotline number is +44 8706 091110 and is open from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm, Monday to Saturday. Ask Reception for details of plays. Backstage tours are fun and can be booked on +44 1789 403492.
Sport and Recreation
Cricket
Northamptonshire Cricket Club is located in Northampton town, as you might expect. The season generally starts in mid-April and continues until the third week of September. NCL starts at 1:00 pm on Sundays when they are playing, county championship matches at 11:00 am and international fixtures at 10:45 am.
Fishing
The hotel is surrounded by three lakes, which are run by a private syndicate. Coarse fishing is possible every month except February for a small charge, and a gillie can be arranged with sufficient notice. The lakes are stocked with pike, carp, tench and roach. Heyford Fishery was Britain's first purpose-built match fishery and is well stocked with carp, roach, bream, tench, chub and golden orb. Three waters including a small lake for juniors (under 16). Coaching sessions are available.
Heyford Fishery, Weedon Road, Nether Heyford, Northamptonshire NN7 3LG
Telephone: +44 1327 340002
Motor Racing
The area is steeped in the history of motor racing. Many racing teams are located in the area, such as BAR, ProDrive, Jaguar Racing and Jordan to name but a few. The racing teams have been clearly influenced by the local presence of Silverstone Race Circuit and the Formula One Grand Prix.
- Silverstone Race Circuit: Needs no introduction, it being the home of the British Formula One Grand Prix. It is only 25 minutes away.
- Silverstone Drive: Based at Silverstone Race Circuit. Here you can be taught to race single seaters, rally cars, Lotus's, Caterhams, Porsches and indoor go-karting. There is a skid pan at Silverstone Drive too.
- Rockingham Speedway: A newer track offering Daytona-style racing (banked circuit). It is located near Corby, about 40 minutes away.
- Whilton Mill: Also offers a National Karting Circuit but on an outdoor track. There are two circuits: one short, one long. Whilton also does quad bikes, hovercrafts, clay pigeon shooting, team-building events and archery and is about 20 minutes away.
- Manor Farm: Quad bikes and clay pigeon shooting close to Adstone off the A5 near Towcester. About 25 minutes by car.
Golf
There is a good selection of courses within a 30-minute radius of Fawsley Hall. I have purposefully avoided grading them. Booking is advisable in all instances.
- Collingtree Park
| Par | 72 | |
| Yards | 6277 | |
| Number of Holes | 18 | |
| Description | On the outskirts of Northampton, this well-known championship golf course held the British Masters two years in a row. Fairly flat course. Players are required to have their handicap card with them. | |
| Address and Contact | Windingbrook Lane, Northampton NN4 OXN Telephone: +44 1604 700000 |
- Farthingstone
| Par | 70 | |
| Yards | 6299 | |
| Number of Holes | 18 | |
| Description | The course sits between two woods in a small valley deep in the Northamptonshire countryside. Quite different to Staverton Park (i.e. no American-style greens and bunkers) but enjoyable none the less. | |
| Address and Contact | Farthingstone, Towcester, Northamptonshire NN12 8HA Telephone: +44 1327 361533 |
- Hellidon Lakes
| Par | 71 / 35 | |
| Yards | 5609 / 2694 | |
| Number of Holes | 27 | |
| Description | Pretty location on an escarpment overlooking the Warwickshire countryside. The main course sits in a natural amphitheatre and runs down the hill on the first nine. | |
| Address and Contact | Hellidon, Daventry, Northamptonshire NN11 6LN Telephone: +44 1327 262551 |
- Staverton Park
| Par | 71 | |
| Yards | 6195 | |
| Number of Holes | 18 | |
| Description | PGA championship course, American-style greens and bunkers, undulating parkland, 28½ years old. | |
| Address and Contact | Staverton, Daventry, Northamptonshire NN11 6JT Telephone: +44 1327 705506 |
Polo
Royal Leamington Spa Polo Club - the season runs from May to September and there are matches with teams competing from all over the world every Saturday and Sunday during this period. Match days run from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm and it costs about £10.00 per car.
Dallas Burston Polo Ground, Stoneythorpe Estate, Southam, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire CV47 2DL
Telephone: +44 1926 812409 / 817720
Horse Racing
The nearest horse racing track is in Towcester, about 25 minutes from the hotel. Its season starts in October and ends in May when it has three evening races. National Hunt races are held two to three times a month throughout this period, weekdays and weekends. Reception have the calendar of meets.
Easton Neston, Towcester, Northamptonshire NN12 7HS
Telephone: +44 1327 353414
Horse Riding
Brampton Stables has been established for 20 years. It trains up to BHSI level and offers escorted hacking and private tuition. The stables include an indoor school, cross-country course and floodlit arena. Five miles north of Northampton and about 30 minutes from the hotel.
Mr Derick and Mrs Jenny Ward, Church Brampton, Northamptonshire NN6 8BH
Telephone: +44 1604 842051
Rugby Football
Rugby School is the birthplace of rugby football. The town is only 25 minutes away, and the museum tells the story of the game of rugby and its most famous sons. It is certainly worth a visit. The famous school was the scene forTom Brown's Schooldays, the home of the poet Rupert Brooke and was the school that educated Lewis Carroll, the author ofAlice in Wonderland.
Open:
Monday to Saturday - 10:30 am to 12:30 pm and 1.30 pm to 4:30 pm
Sunday - 1.30 pm to 4.30 pm
Guided tours of the school depart at 2:30 pm from the museum. Check beforehand as tours are sometimes cancelled on the day depending on school activities.
10 Little Church Street, Rugby, Warwickshire CV21 3AW
Telephone: +44 1788 556109
Northampton RFC
'The Saints' play in the Allied Dunbar Premiership One and are consistently one of the top English clubs, with many international players in the team.
Sturtridge Pavilion, Franklin's Gardens, Weedon Road, Northampton NN5 5BG
Telephone: +44 1604 751543 / 581000
Shooting
- Honesberie Shooting: 15 minutes away in pretty Warwickshire countryside in Priors Marston. Clay, individual and group shooting lessons. Nick Hollick, the owner, represented England and Great Britian.
The Grange, Priors Marston, Southam, Warwickshire CV47 7SG
Telephone: +44 1327 260302 / 7973 839844
- Manor Farm near Towcester: Clay pigeon shooting and quad bikes. About 25 minutes away and close to Adstone off the A5 on the way to Towcester.
- Whilton Mill: Offers clay pigeon, rifle, pistol and laser clay pigeon shooting.
Skiing
In Milton Keynes. Yes! Skiing all year round at Xscape. Lessons cost £25.00 an hour. A good place to prepare for the next season. Combine it with specialised fitness coaching from our in-house personal trainer.
Typical journey time by car is 35 minutes.
Tennis
The hotel has an all-weather surface tennis court, which residents can use gratis. It is advisable to book with Reception ahead of time. We have spare racquets and balls but players must wear appropriate footwear.
Sailing, Windsurfing and Waterskiing
There are a number of options whether you want lessons as a beginner or whether you are an experienced sailor. All are bookable via Reception.
- Willen Lake: Near Milton Keynes and offers sailing, windsurfing, waterskiing, power boating and canoeing.
Willen Lake, Brickhill Street, Milton Keynes MK15 ODS
Telephone: +44 1908 691620
- Northampton Watersports Centre: Five miles north of Northampton and 25 minutes from the hotel at Pitsford Reservoir. Sailing and windsurfing.
Pitsford Reservoir, Brixworth, Northamptonshire NN6 9DG
Telephone: +44 1604 880248