The Fleur De Lys in Lowsonford has introduced a bespoke festive scent blending cedar, fig and cardamom
This pretty canalside walk is just half an hour from Coventry and ends at a cosy pub with a roaring fire and award-winning pies(Image: flickr / Damien Walmsley)
Searching for somewhere to escape during the Christmas break?
Why not consider a charming village in Warwickshire, nestled in tranquil countryside alongside the Stratford canal, offering excellent opportunities for family rambles.
Even better, you can treat yourself after your walk by visiting a pub that captures the essence of Christmas.
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Situated between Henley-in-Arden, Lapworth and Stratford-upon-Avon, Lowsonford is regarded as a classic English village brimming with rustic appeal and home to an excellent pub.
The Fleur De Lys earned the title of Best Pub of the Year 2025 at the British Pie Awards, recognised for the substantial pies it has been serving for three quarters of a century, and also claimed Pub of the Year at The Coventry and Warwickshire Foodie Awards, reports Birmingham Live.
It features a welcoming wood burning fire to greet countryside ramblers with coffee and cake.
Canine companions are always permitted and there’s a play area for youngsters to use in the acre-sized beer garden.
However, proprietors Nick and Emma Woodhouse have now introduced a completely fresh dimension to enhance the welcoming atmosphere.
Collaborating with artisan candle and fragrance creator Samantha Harris at The Artibus Yard in Kenilworth, they have developed a custom scent, combining seasonal cedar, fig and cardamom to deliver warm, earthy and subtly spiced notes that complement the pub’s heritage and personality
The Fleur De Lys in Lowsonford(Image: WE ARE // THE CLARKES)
“Anyone who has stepped into The Artibus Yard shop in Kenilworth knows what an oasis of calm it is,” said Emma, who has operated the pub for the past 11 years alongside her husband Nick. “Samantha has created a deliciously scented haven amidst the hustle and bustle of modern life. We’ve been lucky to have her host a couple of her candle-making workshops here and have been blown away by her knowledge and creativity.
“We asked her to develop a fragrance that conjured up memories of long cosy afternoons by our fireside, the glorious nature of the surrounding countryside and the kind of aromatic experience that we’d be happy to be synonymous with the Fleur.
“Luckily, she’s a genius parfumier who absolutely nailed our brief, presenting us with a few options before we nailed it down to this gorgeous diffuser oil bursting with cedar, fig and cardamom.”
The signature scent is also available to purchase as a diffuser oil.
Walks in Lowsonford.
A circular walking route from Lowsonford spans approximately eight miles and can begin at The Fleur-de-Lys pub.
Cross over to the canal bridge where a gate opens onto a grassy footpath.
This dog-friendly route winds through Holywell, Claverdon, Preston Baggot before returning to Lowsonford. Walkers should note there are kissing gates, road crossings and livestock along the way.
Alternatively, for a shorter stroll, the canal towpath offers a pleasant option.
How to get to Lowsonford from Coventry
Lowsonford is under half an hour’s drive from Coventry. Take the A444 south out of the city, then the A46 Kenilworth bypass. At Warwick, take the B4429 to Hockley then go through Shrewley Common to Lowsonford.
The village sits less than five miles from Henley-in-Arden, which also makes for a delightful afternoon destination.
