Warwickshire &amp; West Midlands


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why">WHY?</h2>



<p>Part of the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this honey-tinged village is Cotswolds living at its best – think amazing views, some pretty great drinking holes, gorgeous country gardens and a community feel (there&#8217;s a <a href="https://www.ilmingtonshop.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">community-owned village shop</a> with 120 volunteers). It&#8217;s also just eight miles out of Stratford-upon-Avon so close enough if you need a culture fix, seven miles from Shipston-on-Stour and five miles from the gorgeous market town of Chipping Camden.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eat">EAT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1188" height="1790" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2024/09/Screenshot2023-09-18at09.00.51.png" alt="The Fuzzy Duck Chef " class="wp-image-58270" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2024/09/Screenshot2023-09-18at09.00.51.png 1188w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2024/09/Screenshot2023-09-18at09.00.51-531x800.png 531w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2024/09/Screenshot2023-09-18at09.00.51-664x1000.png 664w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2024/09/Screenshot2023-09-18at09.00.51-768x1157.png 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2024/09/Screenshot2023-09-18at09.00.51-1019x1536.png 1019w" sizes="(max-width: 1188px) 100vw, 1188px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Fuzzy Duck</figcaption></figure>



<p>Michelin-rated <a href="https://fuzzyduckarmscote.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Fuzzy Duck</a> is a dead cert for a delicious meal out, courtesy of chef Andy Edwards. The Scotch eggs are outrageously good, and the&nbsp;market fish of the day&nbsp;is a must. For more gastro fare there&#8217;s <a href="https://howardarms.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Howard Arms</a>, one of two pubs in the village. It&#8217;s a gorgeous 400-year-old stone inn (voted West Midlands Pub of the Year 2023), serving beautifully-presented, locally sourced dishes, homemade bread and an excellent wine list. <a href="https://redlionilmington.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Red Lion</a>, is a little more laid-back, kid-friendly and has a range of weekly specials, plus live music every Sun, 4-5pm.</p>



<p>Slightly further afield is<a href="https://www.handpickedhotels.co.uk/ettingtonpark?msclkid=11a44812bde412d8b84420be6d011628&amp;utm_source=bing&amp;utm_medium=cpc&amp;utm_campaign=GAIN_UK_EN_Hotel-Brands&amp;utm_term=ettington%20park%20hotel&amp;utm_content=GAIN_UK_EN_Hotel-Brands_Midlands_Ettington%20Park"> </a><a href="https://www.handpickedhotels.co.uk/ettingtonpark" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ettington Park Hotel</a> Ettington, Michelin-starred <a href="https://www.theroyaloakwhatcote.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Royal Oak at Whatcote</a>, <a href="https://michaelsmediterranean.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Michael’s Mediterranean</a>, Chipping Campden, and <a href="https://bower.house/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Bower House</a>, Shipston on Stour – the latter serves a particularly good Sunday lunch. New openings include a Crowdfunded bakery by day <a href="https://www.fermentandflour.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ferment &amp; Flour</a>, Italian by night <a href="https://www.bastardostrattoria.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bastardos Trattoria</a> in Shipston-on-Stour by Richard and Solanche Craven, the husband-and-wife team behind <a href="https://www.theroyaloakwhatcote.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Whatcote&#8217;s Michelin-starred The Royal Oak</a>. Cotswolds Distillery is based just out of town and has a lovely <a href="https://www.cotswoldsdistillery.com/pages/cafe" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">café</a> onsite too. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shop">SHOP</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2024/10/6-Whichford-Pots.jpg" alt="Whichford Pottery" class="wp-image-64445" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2024/10/6-Whichford-Pots.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2024/10/6-Whichford-Pots-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2024/10/6-Whichford-Pots-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2024/10/6-Whichford-Pots-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Whichford Pottery</figcaption></figure>



<p>It&#8217;s not a shopping mecca, so be prepared to travel a little – nearby towns like Shipston-on-Stour aren’t too far away. There’s <a href="https://www.rhcollection.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Richard Harvey Collection</a>&nbsp;for interiors which is definitely worth a stop, independent wine merchant&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sheldonswines.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sheldon’s Wine Cellars</a>&nbsp;for a bottle of red, white or fizz (or all three) and Monty Don&#8217;s favourite pot plant store&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whichfordpottery.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Whichford Pottery</a>, an independent family business making handmade frost-proof British flowerpots with its rustic café,<a href="https://www.whichfordpottery.com/visit/straw-kitchen" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> The Straw Kitchen.</a> For designer gear, you&#8217;re 55 mins from doing some serious damage to your bank balance at luxury designer outlet&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tbvsc.com/bicester-village/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bicester Village</a>,&nbsp;with 160+ boutiques and restaurants. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-amp-wellbeing">HEALTH &amp; WELLBEING</h2>



<p>There&#8217;s yoga, Ayurvedic therapies and more at <a href="https://www.shipstontherapycentre.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Shipston Therapy Centre</a> and for pilates head to <a href="http://www.meonpilates.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Meon Pilates</a>. For classes like tai chi and table tennis you&#8217;ll want to visit the village hall while there&#8217;s a medical centre and pharmacy in the centre of Shipston-on-Stour.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-community">COMMUNITY</h2>



<p>What makes Ilmington extra special is its community spirit &#8211; after the local shop closed some years ago, 120 locals clubbed together to run the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ilmingtonshop.co.uk/the-shop/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ilmington Community Shop &amp; Café</a> as a locally owned co-operative which stocks all local produce, and essentials, including croissants baked daily by local volunteers. It&#8217;s now owned by more than 400 who all bought £10 shares and is full of locally-sourced meats from <a href="https://www.barrythebutcher.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Barry the Butcher</a> in Stratford, bread from <a href="http://lpcbakery.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Le Petit Croissant</a> in Lower Clopton and fruit and vegetables from <a href="https://www.vegetable-matters.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Drinkwaters</a> in nearby Ebrington.</p>



<p><a href="https://www.ilmingtonshop.co.uk/friendly-groups/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Community events</a> include a monthly&nbsp;Knit and Natter group and Book Club, weekly parent and baby group, village fairs, markets, fun dog shows, supper clubs and pop-up wine bar. There&#8217;s also a vibrant <a href="https://ilmington-villagehall.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Village Hall </a>which runs everything from pilates to film nights.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nearby-attractions">NEARBY ATTRACTIONS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2024/07/Untitled-design-13-1.jpg" alt="Joseph's Amazing Camels" class="wp-image-57433" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2024/07/Untitled-design-13-1.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2024/07/Untitled-design-13-1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2024/07/Untitled-design-13-1-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2024/07/Untitled-design-13-1-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Joseph&#8217;s Amazing Camels</figcaption></figure>



<p>Apart from touring the North Cotswolds villages and towns, we recommend National Trust’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/upton-house-and-gardens" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Upton House</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/charlecote-park" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Charlecote Park</a>, the arts and crafts inspired garden at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hidcote" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hidcote</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kiftsgate.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kiftsgate Court Gardens</a>, which celebrates three generations of female gardeners. Also worth mentioning is Warwickshire’s answer to Stonehenge – the <a href="https://www.rollrightstones.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rollright Stones,</a> a collection of neolithic monuments on the Oxon border.</p>



<p>If exotic animals are your thing then, visit <a href="https://jacamels.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Joseph&#8217;s Amazing Camels</a> for trekking and to stock up at the camel milk shop. Pop to <a href="https://www.cotswoldsdistillery.com/?gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=21711677967&amp;gbraid=0AAAAACdATlrmosbcI1HnYoHSzxS_WktLc&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQjwl5jHBhDHARIsAB0YqjwFSfEEE3ig-K7GBBhgpNW6z6qRVBwoztD_J62QZkywmACn9hCgVUMaAqFAEALw_wcB" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cotswolds Distillery </a>for a tour and tasting – make sure you&#8217;ve booked a room at <a href="https://bower.house" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Bower House</a>, so you don&#8217;t have to pick out a designated driver.  </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-culture">CULTURE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2025/09/407486_Measure-for-Measure-production-photos_-September-2025_2025.jpg" alt="Measure for Measure, RSC, Stratford-upon-Avon. Photo by Helen Murray" class="wp-image-64190" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2025/09/407486_Measure-for-Measure-production-photos_-September-2025_2025.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2025/09/407486_Measure-for-Measure-production-photos_-September-2025_2025-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2025/09/407486_Measure-for-Measure-production-photos_-September-2025_2025-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2025/09/407486_Measure-for-Measure-production-photos_-September-2025_2025-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Measure for Measure</em>, Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, until 25 Oct 2025. Photo by Helen Murray.</figcaption></figure>



<p><a href="https://www.rsc.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The RSC</a>&nbsp;is just up the road and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.warwick-castle.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Warwick Castle</a>&nbsp;is 25 mins away. There&#8217;s the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ilmingtonshow" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ilmington Show </a>held annually or head into Stratford for the <a href="https://www.transport-museum.com/events/1212/stratford_upon_avon_festival_of_motoring?gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=22673656986&amp;gbraid=0AAAAAC7uZX-h7tyG38FTUjpLAGNYMFWIW&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQjwl5jHBhDHARIsAB0YqjwPmZRPlKWj14XM5nJkbBhHXmu1yoHWpgxu4yLP1RvBEQwBgcd_1Z0aAlw_EALw_wcB" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Motoring Festival,</a> <a href="https://www.stratfordliteraryfestival.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Literary Festival </a>and annual <a href="https://www.shakespeares-england.co.uk/event/stratford-upon-avon-food-festival-2025/173270101/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Food Festival</a>. <a href="https://www.shipstonproms.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Shipston Proms</a>&nbsp;takes place just up the road each year with music of all genres taking part. Not too far away is the county’s big hitter,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.comptonverney.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Compton Verney Art Gallery and Park</a>, with its Capability Brown landscape and excellent exhibitions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-average-house-prices">AVERAGE HOUSE PRICES</h2>



<p>Average house prices come in at £732,333. The majority of properties sold in Ilmington during the last year were detached properties, selling for an average price of £790,800. Terraced properties sold for an average of £440,000. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hot-property">HOT PROPERTY</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2024/10/Ilmington-property.jpg" alt="Exterior of house for sale in Ilmington" class="wp-image-65116" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2024/10/Ilmington-property.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2024/10/Ilmington-property-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2024/10/Ilmington-property-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2024/10/Ilmington-property-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">This 5 bed period home is surrounded by stunning rural views and is located in the village of Ilmington. <a href="https://www.haymanjoyce.co.uk/property-for-sale/shipston-on-stour/sympathetically-refurbished-edge-of-village-period-house-with-beautiful-gardens-and-wonderful-countryside-views/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">On the market for offers over £1.5m. </a></figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nurseries">NURSERIES</h2>



<p>There&#8217;s <a href="https://www.shipstonpreschool.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Shipston Pre-School</a> and <a href="https://ettingtonpreschool.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ettington Pre School</a>, which have both been rated as Outstanding by Ofsted. <a href="https://www.croftschool.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Croft Prep</a> in Alveston provides care from age three and attained an Excellent ISI report.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-schools">SCHOOLS</h2>



<p>There’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ilmingtonschool.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ilmington CoE</a>&nbsp;(Good),&nbsp;<a href="https://www.shipston.warwickshire.sch.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Shipston-on-Stour Primary</a>&nbsp;(Good),&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newboldtredington.warwickshire.sch.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Newbold and Tredington C of E Primary School</a>&nbsp;(Good) and&nbsp;<a href="http://www.shipstonhigh.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Shipston on Stour High School</a>(Good).&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sggs.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stratford Girls’ Grammar</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kes.net/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">King Edward VI</a>&nbsp;(both ‘Outstanding’). </p>



<p>Independents in catchment include&nbsp;<a href="https://www.crackleyhall.co.uk/page/?pid=8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Crackley Hall School</a>, Kenilworth, <a href="https://warks.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/school-reviews/bilton-grange-prep-school-rugby/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bilton Grange Prep</a> and <a href="https://warks.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/review-rugby-school-rugby/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rugby School</a>. <a href="https://warks.muddystilettos.co.uk/national-school-reviews/warwick-prep-school-warwick-review/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Warwick Prep School</a>, <a href="https://warks.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/school-reviews/warwick-junior-school-warwick/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Warwick Junior School</a> (boys), <a href="https://warks.muddystilettos.co.uk/trending/warwick-senior-school-warwickshire-review/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Warwick Senior School</a> (boys) and <a href="https://warks.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/kings-high-warwick-2/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">King&#8217;s High</a> (girls) – offer an all-through education experience on one campus in Warwick.</p>



<p>Another independent day school <a href="https://warks.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/school-reviews/the-kingsley-school-leamington-spa-3/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Kingsley School</a>, in Leamington Spa, is also offering an all-through school experience locally from aged three up to Sixth Form. From Sept 2025 it&#8217;s extending co-education from the Prep, welcoming boys into Senior School and Sixth Form. There is also the excellent <a href="https://warks.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/school-reviews/princethorpe-college-rugby/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Princethorpe College</a>, a mixed co-ed independent secondary school in the nearby village of Princethorpe near Rugby.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-kept-secret">BEST KEPT SECRET</h2>



<p>American billionaire tycoon Les Wexner, the former owner of Victoria’s Secret, is the (secret – shush!) owner of Grade II-listed stately home, Foxford House in Ilmington. Since purchasing the 11-bed 18th-century property in 1997, he’s converted it into a £20m estate and shooting lodge. It was previously a private school before being bought in the Sixties by an heir of Boots, The Chemist.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-commute">COMMUTE</h2>



<p>A mere six miles to Moreton-in-Marsh for trains to London Paddington taking around 1 hr 40 mins.</p>



<p><em>View the full&nbsp;<a href="https://muddystilettos.co.uk/best-places-to-live/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Top 260 Best Places to Live</a></em>.</p>


Ilmington

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