There is a wealth of National Trust Properties within easy driving distance of Sansome House Cottage as well as many other places of historical, artistic or social significance. There are many Cotswold villages in the area to explore and I have put some links below but you will also find links under other headings such as theatres, what's on etc.
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The Burford Garden Company - This wonderful, enormous shop on the outskirts of the delightful town of Burford (an interesting town to explore) is a great place to find the perfect present that you will NOT find easily on the High Street.
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The Warwickshire Centenary Way - Walking Trail - This trail of approx. 100 miles runs from Kingsbury Water Park in the North to Upper Quinton in the South connecting at both ends with the Heart of England Way. At its southern end it passes through the historic town of Shipston on Stour and on to ILMINGTON before joining the Heart of England Way at Upper Quinton.
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The Cotswold Way - The Cotswold Way which goes all the way to Bath starts at Chipping Campden (4 miles away). Two articles have appeared in Spring 2012 magazines, detailing quite long walks (11 miles) from the cottage (the journalist stayed there) and I leave these plans there for the fitter guest!
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Website for Chipping Campden
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Broadway village website
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Stow on the Wold - 12 miles from the cottage. Allegedly, the coldest place in the Cotswolds so be prepared if it is winter! But a very nice town to visit.
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Bourton on the Water - A village rich in attractions, Model Village, Birdland, Motor Museum etc. but also much visited by tourists! Get there very early or later on the day to avoid the tour buses.
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Cadbury World - 40 minutes drive from the cottage but worth it for the chocolate lovers! Note Purple Thursdays where they offer '2 for 1' deal.
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Home from Home Dublin Apartment for holiday lets - Our own holiday home in a leafy part of south central Dublin
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The Heritage Motor Centre at Gaydon - See the website for special activities.
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The Red Lion, Ilmington - Traditional pub which serves the famous Old Hooky beer. Quiz night. Darts and dominoes as well as serving lunch and dinner every day. They also have a takeaway service (collection only).
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The Howard Arms, Ilmington - A pub with a very nice atmosphere and a roaring open fire on cold days. Award winning for its food. Serves lunch and dinner and has evenings of musical entertainment from time to time. On fine days/evenings you can sit at tables in the garden.
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Armscote Manor Lecture Series - Armscote Manor is home to several fund-raising projects throughout the year in aid of Shipston Home Nursing. This local charity provides home-based palliative care for the terminally ill who wish to remain at home in their last few months. There is a lecture series, mainly with a gardening theme, in the Autumn. In 2012 there will also be workshops on garden photography and rare breed sheep and poultry. A new tulip bulb, Tulipa Armscote specially bred in Holland, producing a very attractive frill-edged white flower as well as frost-resistant planting pots made by the Whichford Pottery are also sold in aid of the charity.