Population: 9,000
Eat at… The Roebuck
(01789 762410)
Why? The Roebuck has a variety of dining areas, including a cosy bar with wood-burning fire, the sophisticated main restaurant and the light, bright conservatory.
Drink at… The Holly Bush Inn
(01789 507370)
Why? This Henley Street pub boasts an exciting range of real ales on draught, beer, ciders and wine and a packed programme of live music.
Stay at… The Throckmorton Arms Hotel.
(01789 766366)
Why? Set in countryside just outside Alcester, this traditional coaching inn is opposite the National Trust property, Coughton Court.
Nestled at the confluence of the Alne and Arrow rivers, Alcester is a fascinating town steeped in history. The Warwickshire town, which is situated just seven miles from Stratford, was established in AD 47 as a walled fort and became a thriving town for trade over the next two centuries. Today, the town boasts a compelling variety of Medieval, Tudor, Georgian and Victorian buildings, with the oldest believed to be The Old Malthouse, which is estimated to have been built at the corner of Church Street and Malt Mill Lane in around 1500. Visitors today can enjoy a thriving town with traditional pubs, independent shops, specialist retailers, a SUSTRANS cycle link to Stratford and, on its doorstep, that quintessential rolling ‘Shakespeare country’. Indeed, if you are feeling particularly energetic, you can embark upon The Arden Way, a glorious 26-mile circular route through delight-ful countryside the Forest of Arden.
Most noted for… Its ‘three treasures’. Alcester is very proud of its three historic houses, which are open to the public. Ragley Hall (home to the Marquess and Marchioness of Hertford), National Trust-owned Coughton Court, and Mary Arden’s House, the childhood home of William Shakespeare’s mother.
While you’re here… Visit the fascinating Kinwarton Dovecote. This rare 14-century circular building has 580 nesting holes, its original rotating ladder, and ogee-headed doorway.
(nationaltrust.org.uk)
But try not to… mispronounce the town’s name! ‘Olster’ or ‘Aulster’ are deemed perfectly acceptable. The poet John Leland noted in his 16th-century Itinerary that the source of the town’s name came from that of the River Alne.
Who’s who… Successful rally driver, Russel Brookes lived in Alcester, and it was also the home of Elizabethan poet, dramatist and statesman, Fulke Greville. World War 1 ‘flying ace’, Francis James Davies, was born in the town.
The Alcester Roman Museum
Free to enter, the Alcester Roman Museum celebrates the town’s rich Roman heritage. Alcester has been subject to more than 100 archaeological digs over the past 80 years and the museum has a wealth of fascinating Roman artefacts on display. (http://romanalcester.org)
St Nicholas Church
Welcoming worshippers and visitors for nearly 900 year, this church, situated on Alcester’s High Street, features an intriguing array of architectural styles, with the 18th-century Palladian-style nave, 14th-century west tower, and Victorian gothic-revival Chancel and transepts. (alcesterminster.org)
