Stratford on Avon is the birthplace of William Shakespeare and it is a beautiful, medieval town but it is the most visited city in Britain next to London so during the summer months it is jammed. If you want to see the town consider securing tickets to a Shakespeare play and arrive late in the afternoon, have dinner and enjoy an evening performance. By then, the tour buses will be gone.

Continuing north of Stratford into the county of Warwickshire stop to see the ruins of Coventry Cathedral, one of history's most magnificent structures, bombed by the Nazi's. This was one of the great architectural losses of World War II. The town of Warwick, has one of the best-preserved, most romantic castles in Britain. Originally a stronghold of the Earls of Warwick the castle is turreted, crenellated, haunted of course, with intrigue, mystery and a few bloody deaths in the dungeon! It is surrounded by a moat, now dry. Madame Tussaud's, the famous wax museum company, has taken over the castle and literally brought it to life. The figures and furnishings are of a Royal weekend in Victorian England. Open April-October 10am-6pm daily, November-March 10am-5pm daily. Closed Christmas. Tel: (0)1926 495421.

If you love Elizabethan history don't miss the eerie but fascinating ruins of Kenilworth Castle, in Kenilworth, one of Queen Elizabeth I's favorite stops Located 12 miles northeast of Stratford-on-Avon, past Warwick, on the A452. Open daily, 10 am ­ 4 pm. Tel: (0)1926 852078.

The Heritage Motor Center at Gaydon, east of Stratford has a huge collection of British cars. Tel: (0)1926 641188. Open daily, 10 am ­ 5 pm, except Dec. 24, 25 and 26th. Located just off the B4100 on the Banbury to Warwick road, within l/2 mile of Gaydon village.

Directions from Lords of the Manor to Stratford-on-Avon: Exit the Manor heading back towards Lower Slaughter. Pass through Lower Slaughter, then head north on the A429, exiting left on the A3400 to Stratford-on-Avon.

Directions from Stratford-on-Avon to Warwick: Continue north on the A3400 to Warwick.

Directions from Warwick to Lords of the Manor: Head south on the A429, exiting at the Slaughters. Go through Lower Slaughter over the stream following directional signs for Upper Slaughter. When in Upper Slaughter, pass large manor house on the right hand side and turn right into the village. The main entrance is 150 yards on the right.