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 | An M40 journey through Warwickshire |
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Victorian Baths, Motor Museums and Famous Castles are just a few of the places you pass when you journey on the M40 within Warwickshire. Although you may not be able to see everything from your seat, this guide gives some idea of the places you'll pass near to and just just a quick stop off from the motorway |
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Burton Dassett Hills Country Park - Starting in the south of the county the M40 motorway enters from Oxfordshire and passes by one of the highest and certainly most action packed set of hills in Warwickshire. Burton Dassett Hills Country Park was created in 1971 and offers a great opportunity for a walk with great views, plus the hills are perfect for flying a kite or even mountain biking. Just off junction 12 of the M40, near Gaydon. |
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Gaydon - Heritage Motor Centre - Home to the largest collection of historic British cars in the world, the museum holds exhibitions telling the story of the British motor industry as well as holding free tours which bring the cars to life. Outside, there's the Land Rover off-road experience, plus a go-kart track and miniature roadway. These are all open at the weekends and school holidays and well worth racing if you're feeling adventurous. Off Jnc 12 of the M40. | | |
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Chesterton Windmill - Chesterton Windmill was built in 1632 for Sir Edward Peyto, the owner of Chesterton Manor, and remained in working use right up until 1910. It was Restored between 1965 and 1971. Made out of local hard limestone and with sandstone detailing, this impressive windmill stands on the hill overlooking the village and gives fine views over the local Warwickshire countryside. The perfect place for a rest on a countryside walk. |
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Warwick and Royal Leamington Spa – Warwick Castle, Royal Pump Rooms, Hatton Country Park - The motorway passes just to the west of Warwick and Royal Leamington Spa, two of Warwickshire's main towns. Both are off junction 15 of the M40. Both have lots of historic places to visit and are full of things to do for the inquisitive explorer. You can also get to Leamington using Jnc 13 from the south and Jnc 14 from the north (this is due to one-way turnings).
Warwick Castle is the finest medieval castle in England and features exhibitions on medieval life, demonstrations of warfare, and magnificent towers, ramparts and grounds.
Royal Leamington Spa has the Royal Pump Rooms on the Parade, where within the art gallery and museum you can discover the water treaments used in Victorian times. Leamington is also a fantastic town for shopping and features both large stores as well as many independant retailers. | |
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Hatton Country Park - Hatton Country World comprises of Hatton Shopping Village and Hatton Farm Village. Hatton Shopping Village is set in converted 19th century farm buildings and is full of interesting shops including an antiques centre, a clothes factory outlet, 2 restaurants and 25 craft and speciality gift shops. Next door is Hatton Farm Village which is ideal for family fun day out. This is a place where children and adults can discover their true animal instincts by cuddling up to some of the cutest inhabitants and running wild with the adventure activities! |
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Lapworth - Baddesley Clinton - Baddesley Clinton is a medieval moat house steeped in history and is looked after by the National Trust. It is situated off junction 16 of the M40, though if you are coming from the south you will have to get off at Jnc 15 due to one-way turnings. Connected with the Gunpowder Plot of 1605 (relations of the plotters stayed here during the infamous plot), the atmospheric house has no fewer than three priest holes and the interiors are decorated to reflect the house's heydey in the Elizabethan era. | |
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The M40 then passes out of Warwickshire and into Solihull to join the M42. |
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