A mix of 800 years of colourful history set in 690 acres of parkland and gardens with the River Avon flowing through make for a unique gem right in the heart of Warwickshire.

Other tourist attractions certainly have their charms in this area, but the chance to walk in the same footsteps as Jane Austen is surely too much to resist for any fan.

For 400 years Stoneleigh Abbey was the country seat of Jane Austen's relatives, the Leighs.

In 1806, Miss Austen herself graced the abbey with her presence. She stayed there with her mother and sister in the company of her mother's cousin, the Rev Thomas Leigh, who was to secure his inheritance of the estate.

During her stay she was clearly so inspired by the house, its parkland and its family intrigues that she wove descriptions of the interiors, views of the grounds and cameos of the family into two of her novels.

Since 1806, Stoneleigh Abbey has changed little.

The rooms and much of the furniture remain the same as in Jane's day - and anyone can view them in Jane Austen tours which take place every Sunday at 1pm.

The abbey itself was founded in 1154 by a group of Cistercian monks. The estate was the home of the Leigh family from 1561 until the late 20th century.

Many other famous people have connections with the Abbey. Charles I was entertained there when the gates of Coventry were closed against him and in 1858 Queen Victoria and Prince Albert stayed there.

The work of famous architects and artisans is on display in Stoneleigh's architecture and rooms.

In the early 19th century the abbey underwent improvements. Landscaper Humphry Repton considered the estate as one of his more important commissions and, in his Red Book for the abbey which is now on display, he declares: "I look upon Stoneleigh Abbey as a place not to be compared to any other."

The Red Book outlines the characteristic method Repton used to present his design ideas to Stoneleigh.

He chose to create a gallery of watercolour paintings - a method unique to Stoneleigh - showing views before and after his proposed improvements. These were offered in the manner of different watercolour painters, including Claude Lorraine, Ruysdael and Watteau.

For fans of the mediaeval period, the Gatehouse will be of interest. It was built in 1346 and is one of just a few in Britain still standing and complete.

In 1720 Francis Smith of Warwick began work on the Great West Wing - considered to be the masterpiece of this famous and prolific architect. The State Rooms of the West Wing are adorned with freehand three-dimensional plasterwork.