Whether you’re taking a short break from alcohol or you’ve gone fully teetotal, finding activities that don’t involve alcohol can seem difficult. But if you’re looking to swap pitchers for pictures, consider ditching the lights of London and the madness of Manchester for the scenic county of Warwickshire.
Warwickshire is steeped in history, offers unrivalled views and has a great mixture of ruralness and countryside. No matter whether you’re visiting as a friendship group, a couple or a solo traveler, there are plenty of options for those who are looking to enjoy themselves while avoiding a hangover at the same time.
Whether you’re travelling with adults, children or dogs, Warwickshire’s diverse towns provide something for all ages too. If you are thinking of paying an alcohol-free visit to Warwickshire, here are some of the best activities.
Shakespeare’s birthplace
Where else could we start other than with the world’s most famous playwright and poet? The legendary William Shakespeare hails from Warwickshire’s Stratford-upon-Avon and as a result, you won’t be short of Shakespeare-themed activities to take in if you’re in the area.
Shakespeare spent the vast majority of his life in Stratford-upon-Avon, only lodging in London for work, and the town continues to celebrate the man who once proudly called Stratford home.
The most common tourist attraction based around the life of William Shakespeare is an engrossing visit to his childhood home. Visitors can stand in the rooms that Shakespeare once inhabited as a child, handle objects that he would’ve once held and hear tales of his life from knowledgeable guides.
If that’s not enough Shakespeare for you, you can also visit the family homes from his later life as well as Shakespeare’s schoolroom and guildhall. Many Shakespeare fans also like to take in the home of his daughter, Susanna, and the childhood home of his mother, Mary.
Stratford’s Holy Trinity Church, which would’ve been frequented regularly by Shakespeare, is another iconic landmark to explore—even sometimes referred to simply as Shakespeare’s Church.
Leamington Spa shops
The ancient, picturesque town of Leamington Spa is widely regarded as one of the best places to live in England. The iconic, Edwardian architecture gives the town a classically British feel despite being around 100 miles from the capital.
If you are paying a visit to Leamington Spa, check out its excellent array of shops. There really is something for everyone, with shopping options ranging from luxury to boutique. Speciality alcohol-free bars might be harder to come by compared to major cities, but you can grab yourself an alcohol-free beverage from the many historic pubs. Alternatively, grab yourself some alcohol-free cocktails with some sandwiches to enjoy in one of Leamington Spa’s perfect picnic spots.
For those with a sweet tooth, there are some fantastic sweet shops and dessert cafes to visit but be warned, you won’t want to leave! And as a result, they may come with the price of having to pay a visit to a Leamington Spa dentist!
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Cruise down the River Avon
Warwickshire is home to one of the most picturesque boat tours in the country. Floating down the River Avon, you’ll take in iconic landmarks like the Royal Shakespeare Theatre and the aforementioned Holy Trinity Church. Tours come with audio guides onboard to help provide a little more backstory on the sites you pass.
If you’re visiting Warwickshire as a couple, a romantic cruise down the Avon could be the perfect way to spend your alcohol-free visit. If you’re celebrating a big occasion, you could even check out their private charter options for a more intimate occasion. Who knows, for couples a bit further down the relationship line this might even be the perfect way to pop the big question!
Cruises run every 15-30 minutes, 7 days a week, between the hours of 10 am and 4 pm. If you’re looking for dog-friendly, alcohol-free activities, you’ll be glad to know that you can even take your four-legged friend onboard the cruise.
Murder Mystery
If you’re looking for an activity that requires a little more brain power, Warwickshire offers some of the best locations in the country to host a murder mystery evening. And being the home of William Shakespeare, it’s easy to see why the county can offer a sinister vibe if needed.
Murder mystery events are great for large groups and could be the perfect choice for an alcohol-free hen party. If you’re heading to Warwickshire for an evening of murder mystery, check out Stratford-upon-Avon’s Ettington Chase Hotel.
There are many companies offering murder mystery services with a range of themes for you to choose from. The Murder Mystery Company’s themes include Murder and the Mob, CSI: Murder, Hollywood Homicide and Who Killed His Lordship?
All you need to do is get your guests together and get ready to solve the mystery!
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Warwickshire offers a plethora of activities for those seeking an alcohol-free escape. From historical sites steeped in Shakespeare’s legacy to relaxing cruises down the River Avon, there’s something for everyone. Warwickshire even boasts some of the best murder mystery evenings in the country, perfect for a unique group outing. So, ditch the pub and explore the beautiful Warwickshire countryside, but remember to be kind to your teeth with all those Leamington Spa sweets—a visit to the Leamington Spa dentist might be in order afterwards!