A stones throw from Windmill Barns, the Heart of England Forest is an exciting and ambitious charity. They want to help reverse centuries of woodland decline and create and conserve a magnificent 30,000 acre broadleaf forest for the benefit of the environment, wildlife and people. A place of enduring natural beauty, protected and secured for generations to come.

The Forest covers a mosaic of habitats across 7,000 acres of land in Warwickshire and Worcestershire, including 4,000 acres of new woodland and 600 acres of mature and ancient woodland.

They establish and grow the Forest on land that we have purchased to ensure it is safe and protected for hundreds of years to come.

Their first fully accessible route Morgrove Coppice has been specially designed to make spending time in the Forest possible for more people, including wheelchair users. The different aged trees together with mature hedgerows and grassland provide a rich variety of habitats for wildlife in this area of the Forest.

More information can be found at https://heartofenglandforest.org/

Windmill Barns backs onto the Coughton Court Estate.

Coughton Court has been home to the Throckmorton family for 600 years, this finest of Tudor houses stands testament to a family's courage in maintaining their beliefs. From a position of high favour to one of fear and oppression post-Reformation, the Throckmortons were leaders in a dangerous age, helping to bring about Catholic emancipation in the 19th century. 

Explore this story of fascinating personalities through the 'family album' of portraits and Catholic treasures around the house. 

Coughton is still very much a family home with an intimate feel: the Throckmorton family live here, managing the stunning gardens which they have created.

More information can be found at https://www.coughtoncourt.co.uk/

Famed for its ties to William Shakespeare and its romanticised Tudor architecture, Stratford-upon-Avon is a market town packed with history and heritage. Of all the things to do in Stratford-upon-Avon, Shakespeare’s birthplace is the star attraction. The renowned poet and playwright lived in the town and you can walk in his footsteps at his childhood residence. 

In addition to the Stratford-upon-Avon Shakespeare house, you can explore Mary Arden’s Farm, once home to the great playwright’s mother or visit Anne Hathaway’s House, the home of the Bard’s wife. Browse independent shops and boutiques in the centre of the town, and sample its eclectic foodie scene while discovering more of the town that produced the world’s most famous playwright. 

More information can be found at https://www.visitstratforduponavon.co.uk/

Home to many architectural gems, the futuristic Library of Birmingham and gleaming Selfridges Bullring shopping centre are two modern triumphs not to be missed.