Just one hour's drive from Birmingham, this honey-stone village also has an award-winning pub that dates back to Shakespeare's time
06:06, 10 Jan 2026
Said to be 'one of the prettiest of Cotswold villages', Ilmington is nestled in Warwickshire, making it an easy drive from Birmingham for a day out.
Part of the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Beauty, here you'll find stunning views from the hillside walks and an award-winning pub.
But, if you're looking for a day out without spending a fortune on food and drink, why not head to the community-owned village shop and cafe?
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Volunteers bake croissants at the start of the day, sort the newspapers and welcome walkers for a hot cup of tea and a slice of cake.
Based in the old Catholic Church building on Upper Green, the cafe has views towards rooftops and Cotswold hills and the shop sells local produce.
A spokesman for the community cafe said: "Ilmington is one of the prettiest of Cotswold villages, and our community shop is at the heart of village life.
"It’s the volunteers who bake croissants at the break of day, sort out the daily newspapers and stack the shelves.
"All our staff are happy to chat and help you find what you’re looking for: we are genuinely proud of our shop, and our village too."
It is best to check opening times to avoid disappointment, especially as it tends to be closed on Sundays and Mondays.
Ilmington has been named one of the best places to live in Warwickshire in the Muddy Stilettos 2026 guide.
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Walks in Ilmington
From the cafe, walk up the hill, stopping off at the bench to enjoy the view of the honey-stone village below.
Once you've caught your breath, continue up the hill and turn left at the gates of Foxcote House to walk along the ridge. for 'stunning views' towards Darlingscott and Shipston on Stour.
This three-and-a-half mile loop takes you back down the hill via a quiet road into the village for refreshments at the community cafe, or lunch at the award-winning Howard Arms pub, which is said to have been built during the time of Shakespeare.
Alternatively, you can continue onto Compton Scorpion for a longer walk.
For a shorter walk, you can follow a mile-long route around the orchards near to St Mary's Church, which dates back to the mid-12th century but was almost entirely rebuilt in 1849.
How to get to Ilmington from Birmingham
Ilmington is around seven miles south of Stratford on Avon and is close to the borders of Gloucestershire, Worcestershire and Oxfordshire.
It takes around an hour to drive there from Birmingham, via the M42, traffic permitting.