The area covered by this guide encompasses all the scenic features that are generally considered to be traditionally English. It is a landscape characterised by gently rolling hills, wide and verdant river valleys, wooded tracts, small market towns and, above all, an abundance of exceptionally attractive villages mainly timber-framed and built of brick, with most of them featuring thatched cottages, medieval churches and fine old pubs. The walks in this guide incorporate historic highlights such as Coughton Court, Wroxton Abbey and Charlecote Park landscaped by 'Capability' Brown and allegedly where Shakespeare was once caught poaching.