Warwick travel guide and Warwick information

Visit Warwick

The historical town of Warwick dates from 914 AD and is situated on the River Avon, between Leamington Spa and Stratford-upon-Avon in the heart of Warwickshire - often referred to as Shakespeare country.

The town is best known perhaps for the Norman Warwick Castle, but there is much to discover in the heart of Warwick itself, and some fascinating buildings and monuments, many half-timbered houses that date from the Tudor era, as well as a vibrant and modern centre with all shopping and other facilities.

The town centre in Warwick is compact and easy to explore on foot, including the castle which is almost in the centre of the town. Buildings of note include the Church of Saint Mary, rebuilt in the early 18th century following a great fire in which the church and much of the medieval town was destroyed (because of the fire many of the buildings in Warwick centre date from the years after 1694). Admire the chapel and tomb of Richard Beauchamp which escaped the fire and is the highlight in the church, before climbing the tower to admire the view across Warwick's rooftops.

Other highlights include the tudor buildings known as the Lore Leycester Hospital, adjacent to the 14th century Chapel of Saint James; the ornate half-timbered house at no. 10 Jury Street, and several other grand houses dating from the 17th-18th centuries that you will see as you explore the centre of Warwick - both black-and-white half-timbered properties, and some grand Georgian houses built in stone.

Warwick Gardens: Another notable feature of Warwick is the amount of space given over to parks and gardens. These include the delightful Hill Close Gardens, where several adjacent Victorian gardens have been restored and combined into one 'visitor experience'; the more traditional town gardens at Saint Nicholas Park; and the lovely Mill Gardens between the river and the castle (the main photo on this page was taken from Mill Gardens). Further gardens can be seen along the banks of the Grand Union Canal.

Warwick Museums: There are a few museums to visit in Warwick, including a museum dedicated to the history of the town in the old market hall; Saint Johns Museum, with a focus on children and based around a recreation of a Victorian classroom (the Saint John's Museum is in a very pretty medieval manor house), and a couple of museums based on local military history: the Queens Own Hussars Museum and the Yeomanry Museum.

Warwick Castle

One of the finest castles in England, Warwick Castle dominates the city. Originally there was a simple Norman motte and bailey castle here but during the 13th - 15th centuries the much grander castle that we see today was built. Further extensive works in the 17th century converted the medieval defensive castle into a castle more comfortable for actually living in.

The gardens around the castle were laid out by famous 18th century landscape architect Capability Brown and, along with the tranquil riverside setting, create an equally stunning backdrop for the castle. See Warwick castle for opening times, admission prices and more details.

Warwick racecourse

One of the longest established racecourses in England, horse racing has taken place here for over 200 years. Conveniently placed close to the town centre, there is also now a 9 hole golf course within the race track. For an entertaining afternoon out try and visit if there is an event on during your visit.

You can find more local travel ideas in the Warwickshire guide and the Warwickshire guide.