I'm assuming you'll take the M40 and then cut through the northern Costwolds. This route takes you close to Oxford, which might interest you, and just north near Woodstock is Blenheim Palace, a spectacular country house and Churchill's birthplace. The Cotswolds are a charming area if you want pretty stone villages.
Why not make time to explore the Malvern area. Drive around and/or walk on the hills--public access, multiple paths, many benches to rest on and fine views. Near the Wyche Cutting in the southern portion is a good Iron Age hill fort (British Camp). Over the hills is the picturesque town of Ledbury and lots of Herefordshire countryside.
