Ascott

Abbey Fields

Abbey Fields · 16 miles

A sizeable green space occupies the centre of Kenilworth in Warwickshire, offering both historic remnants and modern leisure facilities. The area was originally farmland attached to St Mary’s Abbey before the abbey’s dissolution in the mid-sixteenth century; today the ruins of a sandstone gatehouse and stonework from the former abbey’s doors and windows can be seen incorporated into the doorway of St Nicholas Church, a building whose origins date from the mid-sixteenth to seventeenth centuries. Within the park’s boundaries the natural lake and Finham Brook, a tributary of the River Sowe, provide water-side scenery alongside the town’s war memorial and a museum housed in an old barn that records the abbey’s history. Management of the site rests with Warwick District Council, which also operates a leisure-centre complex featuring indoor and outdoor swimming pools, five tennis courts and a large children’s play area. Visitors can obtain refreshments at the on-site café, and the volunteer group Friends of Abbey Fields assists with upkeep. The park regularly accommodates community events such as the Lions Club show, the town carnival, bonfire night activities and a Boxing Day charity duck race, and it serves as an orienteering venue for the Midlands club Octavian Droobers. Access is straightforward from the surrounding town, with no admission charge mentioned for the park or its main attractions.

The Pleasance

Castle Green · 16 miles

Oakley Wood Camp

Newbold Pacey · 9.3 miles

Possibly an Iron Age Fort or remains of ancient woodland management

Maintenance Barge

Hatton · 12 miles

1940s/50s maintenance craft lifted out of the canal and put on display.

Chipping Norton Castle

Chipping Norton · 14 miles

Site of Norman motte and bailey: only banks and ditches remain

Claydon Memorial Garden

Claydon · 15 miles

Memorial Garden set up by local residents to honor the memories of past locals who passed away.