Exploring Warwickshire sustainably
Warwickshire is a county that rewards slow travel. Its market towns, canal towpaths, ancient woodland, open countryside and historic landscapes are best experienced at a pace that lets you notice what you're passing through - and the good news is that getting here, and getting around, without a car is straightforward.
Getting here by train
Warwickshire sits at the heart of England's rail network, with fast, frequent services connecting the county to key cities. London Marylebone is reachable in as little as 70 minutes; Birmingham in 10 to 25 minutes; Oxford in around 45 minutes; and direct services run north to Manchester and the North West via the West Coast Main Line. Arriving by train drops you directly into the centre of Warwick, Leamington Spa, Stratford-upon-Avon, Rugby or Kenilworth - all of them walkable towns with plenty to explore on foot from the station.
Getting around by bus
Stagecoach Midlands operates the main bus network across the county. The X18 between Stratford-upon-Avon and Warwick runs half-hourly and takes around 25 minutes - a useful link for visitors combining both towns. The 15 service follows a slower, more scenic route through villages between the same two towns, running hourly. Regular services also connect Leamington Spa, Kenilworth, Rugby and Nuneaton.
Exploring by bike
Pedal at your own pace and uncover Warwickshire's countryside on two wheels. Quiet lanes wind past golden fields, historic villages and tranquil canal paths. The rolling hills of the south carry Shakespeare's landscape through riverside trails and ancient hedgerows. The north opens up between Roman roads and leafy byways, with market towns and cosy pubs offering good reasons to stop.
The National Cycle Network passes through the county on several routes. Route 5 connects Oxford to Stratford-upon-Avon; Route 41 links Stratford-upon-Avon to the Offchurch Greenway through beautiful open countryside. The route north towards Cheltenham is still under development, though sections between Tewkesbury and Evesham and between Stratford and Rugby are open and offer pleasant shorter rides.
A particular highlight are the Greenways - former railway lines that are now flat surfaced footpaths and cycleways - traffic-free, accessible, easy and rewarding at a gentle pace.
Over 100 miles of canal towpath offer car-free routes connecting towns and villages throughout Warwickshire. Sustrans maintains route maps and current information at sustrans.org.uk.
Eating and drinking locally
Warwickshire has a thriving food and drink scene rooted in local produce - and many of the county's cafés, pubs and restaurants make a point of sourcing ingredients from nearby farms, vineyards and suppliers. Eating locally is one of the most straightforward ways to reduce the environmental footprint of a visit, and in Warwickshire it is also one of the most enjoyable.
Look out for menus that name their suppliers, farm shops attached to working estates, canal-side cafés that source from neighbouring producers, and the growing number of Warwickshire vineyards offering tastings and tours. Our food and drink pages have more on where to eat, drink and buy local across the county.
Sustainable places to stay
A growing number of Warwickshire's hotels and accommodation providers hold formal sustainability accreditation. Mallory Court Country House Hotel and Spa in Leamington Spa holds Gold certification from Green Tourism - operating on 100% renewable energy and converting 55% of its waste into renewable energy. The Arden Hotel in Stratford-upon-Avon holds Silver Green Tourism certification. Both are good starting points for visitors who want their accommodation to reflect the same values as their travel.