Things to do in Hook Norton

Blenheim Palace is a grand country house with marvelous landscaped gardens, set amid gorgeous green parkland. Come here to admire its majestic fountains, picturesque grounds and the 18th-century palace building, which encompasses a range of architectural styles.

London’s long and tumultuous history is written upon the face of the city, and the River Thames has watched it all. A 19th-century Member of Parliament, John Burns, said it best: “The Mississippi is muddy water, but the Thames is liquid history.” In modern-day London, history comes to life on the 70 wharves, which have remained in operation after centuries. As you make your way down the river’s dark waters, you will enjoy a unique snapshot of life in this dynamic but resolutely historical city.

Visit Warwick Castle to explore towers and a dungeon dating to the 1300s, watch actors in jousting battles and spot eagles and vultures. Danish invaders first built a fortress here in 914 to protect the town of Warwick. William the Conqueror developed the castle in 1068 and it was home to British nobility until 1978, when it became a museum and tourist attraction.

Set across a plot of 160 acres (65 hectares), Cotswold Wildlife Park is one of the premier family-friendly attractions in the Cotswolds. Make your way through the park’s four distinctive sections, get up close to exotic animal species and admire the gardens.

The Royal Shakespeare Company is a celebrated acting group based in the 16th-century writer’s hometown of Stratford-upon-Avon. Although the company tours the United Kingdom and other countries, they perform around 20 productions annually in their hometown. The Royal Shakespeare Theatre and the Swan Theatre share a foyer along the River Avon in the charming town near Birmingham. The complex also includes restaurants and bars. See a Shakespearean play or take a behind-the-scenes tour of the theater.