Warwick Castle Unlocked
Where? Warwick Castle, Warwick, Warwickshire, CV34 4QU
When? 30 July
What? You can discover the darkest and deepest secrets of Warwick Castle as the site offers you the chance to unlock four mystery rooms – Barbican Battlements, Bear Tower, Watergate Tower and Guards' Room in Guy's Tower.
One has never been open to visitors before, one boasted a bear in captivity in the fifteenth century, one is reportedly haunted by Sir Fulke Greville and one was specifically designed so it was able to fire cannons out of its windows. What a county we live in!
How much? £12 for adults, £9 for friends of Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, £10 for concessions
The Big Picnic
Where? Anne Hathaway’s Cottage & Gardens.
When? 25 July
What? Pack up a picnic basket and go along to Anne Hathaway's Cottage for the annual Big Picnic.
With free musical entertainment and activities for all the family including a teddy bear trail and best dressed teddy competition, garden games and children’s gardening activities, face painting and balloon modelling.
Stratford-upon-Avon residents (proof of address required) can enjoy free entry on the day.
How much? Free
Games through the Ages
When? Every day until 6 September
Where? Mary Arden's Farm, Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, Shakespeare's Birthplace
What? Take a trip back in time to play some of the popular games of yesteryear.
At Shakespeare’s Birthplace, mark the 600th anniversary of the battle of Agincourt and try out archery and swordplay in the garden.
Have a go at Tudor favourites like quoites and loggits at Mary Arden’s Farm. Take a swing at the tin-can alley at Anne Hathaway’s Cottage.
Enjoy games from WWI England like tiddlywinks, hopscotch and skittles at Hall’s Croft. Play Tudor parlour games like draughts and a 17th century version of Hazard at Harvard House.
Activities take place from 12pm – 4pm daily.
How much? Free
The Stratford-upon-Avon Poetry Festival 2015
Where? The Shakespeare Centre, Henley Street, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 6QW
When? 26 July
What? An evening devoted to one of the greatest Shakespeareans of them all.
John Keats was a friend of poets and artists and author of some of the most marvellously intimate and life-enhancing letters ever written.
Scott Handy performs Keats' poetry in a programme devised and presented by Paul Edmondson and Stanley Wells, and which shows how much Shakespeare meant to Keats and his circle as a personal and poetic inspiration.
How much? £12 for adults, £9 for friends of Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, £10 for concessions
Ghost Walk
Where? Swan fountain near the Royal Shakespeare Theatre
When? 25 July and 27 July
What? Magical evening Ghost Walk around the 'haunted' streets of Stratford-upon-Avon.
Join The Man in Black, Vincent, Blake Barrington, Herbert Mortimer or Jocasta Spell, for an entertaining walk around the historic streets of Stratford to hear ghostly stories. Discover the buildings where there are tales of witches, ghosts, murder and misery.
How much? £6 for adults, £4 for children
Belgrade Mela
Where? Belgrade Theatre, Belgrade Plaza, Coventry
When? July 25
What? Building upon the success of Belgrade Mela 2014, the Coventry Belgrade Mela 2015 invites you once again to celebrate South Asian Arts at the Belgrade.
There will be various stalls selling traditional South Asian products. Whether you’re looking for jewellery, handcrafted items, Mehndi designs, or the perfect wedding gift, there will be something located for you!
How much? Free until 5pm, £14 to £16 from 7pm
Great British Summer
Where? FarGo Village, Far Gosford Street, Coventry
When? July 25
What? Re-live the good ol' days of summer at the seaside - right here in Coventry!
You don't need to head miles to the beach, because FarGo Village is bringing the sea to you with its Great British Summer event.
Expect Punch and Judy, ice-cream, fish and chips, deck chairs and plenty else besides.
How much? Free
Story of Children's TV exhibition
Where? The Herbert Art Gallery and Museum, Jordan Well, Coventry
When? July 22
What? Six weeks of record-breaking family activities celebrating children’s television past and present.
Each week there will be a different kids TV themed activity, with muppets, puppets, washing up liquid bottles and toilet roll tubes!
And for toddlers and babies there’s Walking the Rainbow, an annual free drop-in Early Years Activity Space (July 22-September 6, 10am-4pm).
How much? Free
Shot Down Zed
Where? Kasbah nightclub, Primrose Hill Street, Hillfields, Coventry
When? July 25
What? Shot Down Zed is an original, four piece rock band. Inspired by a wide range of styles and musicians, the band produces a British, classic rock style with a hint of blues and southern American rock.
The band is made up of four young, ambitious and talented musicians: Gary Brittain, former singer of The Glassguns, has a unique and organic vocal tone. Lewis Concannon, session musician and also former member of The Glassguns, is a distinguished guitarist whose style and inspirations range from Randy Rhodes to Joe Bonamassa. Nathan and Ryan, the youngest members of the band, have a natural flair and passion for music which has developed their instrumental talent.
How much? £5
