The ancient market town of Atherstone lies on the old Roman Road, Watling Street (A5) which runs through the centre of the town between Tamworth and Nuneaton.  Situated beneath the wooded hills of the historic Merevale Estate, Atherstone dates from medieval times and since the 13th century has held the famous Atherstone Ball Game every Shrove Tuesday.

During the 18th and 19th centuries century Atherstone prospered through mining and the art of hat making which were both important local industries.  A current major employer in the town is logistics.  Atherstone offers visitors many small friendly shops including several general and specialist bookshops as a result of the reinvention of the town as a book town, and the twice-weekly market takes place in Atherstone market square on Tuesdays and Fridays.

Atherstone, Nuneaton, Tamworth and the surrounding areas offer an array of attractions and things for the visitor to do, from visiting the birthplace of Shakespeare in the south of Warwickshire to exploring the historic homes and sporting attractions of Nuneaton and Bedworth in the north.

For further details of local visitor attractions please click on the links below.