The Holy Well has been here for more than 1,000 years, making it a distinctive starting point for a trip to Southam. The town combines historic traces like these with local artworks, a collection on the town’s history, and trails in and around Southam. When planning your visit, you can weigh up the options of local history, art and longer routes.
History in buildings and the collection
The Holy Well is a Grade II listed building. St James Church also offers a tangible link to the past: it is dedicated to the apostle James and was built in its present form in the 14th century. The Olde Mint on Coventry Street dates from the early 16th century. Together, these places represent different chapters in Southam’s history rather than focusing on just one period.
Southam was the site of what is considered the first skirmish of the English Civil War. For those interested in the development of the town and its surroundings, the Southam Heritage Collection offers a different perspective from individual buildings. It comprises approximately 10,000 artefacts, documents, photographs and audio recordings about the history of Southam, its people and the surrounding villages. Its exhibition programme is an attraction for visitors to Southam.
Art and local memories
The oak sculpture Southam Stories stands in front of the library on Southam High Street. The name also refers to a series of artworks designed by the local community and carved in oak. The sculpture and the series give local art a tangible place in the townscape.
The Trina Trail commemorates darts player Trina Gulliver, who is from Southam. Benches along the trail mark her championship wins. This gives the trail a different focus from the historic buildings and the Heritage Collection: it centres on the memory of one athlete.
Town trail, circular walk and cycling route
The Southam Town Trail leads to some of the town’s most interesting places. The Harry Green Way covers a wider area: this 20-mile circular walk connects eight villages around Southam. The two routes therefore differ both in their stated reach and in whether they focus on places in town or several villages.
Cyclists also have a named route to follow: the cycling route between Shipston-on-Stour and Southam follows National Cycle Network Route 48. It is a separate option from the walking trails for planning a cycling route through the area. A specific route and a circular walk are therefore different travel options.
Plan your journey and accommodation search
Stagecoach Midlands operates regular bus services from Southam to Leamington Spa, Banbury, Daventry and Rugby. If you plan to travel by bus, check the services and timetables before setting off. All public car parks in Southam are free; as parking rules may change, it is advisable to check before you travel.
When searching for hotels in Southam, it helps to first decide what you want to focus on during your stay: historic buildings and the collection, local art and trails, or the cycling route between two places. If bus services are important to your plans, also consider the destinations mentioned and the relevant timetable. You can then compare specific hotel offers with the requirements of your own trip.
Discover more destinations: Ettington, Rugby, Haseley, Claverdon, Wormleighton, Kingsbury, Long Compton, Cawston.
For the wider travel overview: Warwickshire.
