Attractions and things to do in Warwick

Thinking about what to do in Warwick? You have come to the right place. I have put together a list of things to see and do in Warwick and I hope that it helps you to create some beautiful memories while in Warwick.

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Begin your visit to Warwick by popping into the Visitor Information Centre located in the Court House right in the centre of town. The staff at the Visitor Information Centre are very friendly and they offer advice on places to visit, local transport and even the best places to grab a meal! The centre offers a number of free maps and leaflets on Warwick and the surrounding area. Also located in the Court House building is the Warwickshire Yeomanry Museum, well worth a visit especially if you love history.

Undoubtedly one of the most visited attractions in Warwick is the Warwick Castle. The medieval castle situated on a bend of the River Avon is a very nice day out venue. The well-preserved castle has a nice collection of antiquities, a new Horrible Histories Maze, a Birds of Prey Show and a 50 minute Castle Dungeon walkthrough experience among other things. You can also stay at the castle either in themed Woodland Lodges or in Mediaeval Glamping tents. In addition to all the activities and shows, there is plenty of open space for kids to run about and have fun! So in short, a fun day for the entire family.

St Mary's Church in Warwick is a magnificent church that dominates the town's skyline. Set in the town centre, the church is as much a tourist attraction as it is a historical landmark. Entry to the church is free but there is a £3 (per adult) charge for climbing up the St Mary’s Tower. Views from the top of the 134-foot tower are said to be stunning.

Warwick also has a few local museums. I would recommend the Market Hall Museum and Lord Leycester Hospital. The Market Hall museum has some really interesting exhibits and tells the story of Warwickshire. The museum underwent a refurbishment earlier this year and now has a cafe on-site as well. Some of the popular attractions in the museum include a working beehive and a 16th Century tapestry map of the county (Sheldon Tapestry Map) and a giant Irish deer.

Lord Leycester Hospital - Located on Warwick High Street, Lord Leycester Hospital with its timber-framed buildings is like a slice of history. During the reign of Queen Elizabeth I these buildings became a place of retirement for soldiers who had fought in wars. Today ex-servicemen still reside here and you will see them during your visit. Known as the Brethren, the service veterans explain the history of the 'hospital' at the start of your visit. You are then handed an informative pamphlet and you can wander around at your own pace exploring the place. In addition to the buildings, you can explore the gardens, including the Master’s Garden and the lovely Knot Garden. Lord Leycester Hospital is quite an interesting place more so if you are a history buff.

Warwick has lots of green spaces as well. So, if you love spending time outdoors then Warwick has a number of options. St. Nicholas' Park is a great place for a family day out, whether it is for picnics or simply a lovely walk. The park has a play area, mini-golf facilities, an outdoor pool, boat hire facilities and a fun park with some amusements and games. Another lovely option is the Mill Street Garden which is located just a short walk from Warwick Castle. The setting of the garden is beautiful and it offers amazing views of the river Avon and the castle. You can easily spend a couple of hours here exploring and enjoying the wonderful variety of plants and flowers.

Located near the Warwick racecourse, is yet another lovely garden - Hill Close Gardens. There are around 16 gardens including some summer houses. Hill Close Gardens is an excellent example of beautifully reconstructed and restored Victorian pleasure gardens. Well worth a visit if you are in Warwick.

Although not in Warwick, another addition to my list is Charlecote Park. It is around 15 minutes from Warwick and one of National Trust's well presented and popular properties. There is lots to see and do ( a lovely riverside setting for picnics, deer park, wonderful gardens and a lovely building to explore) at Charlecote Park making it a fabulous place to unwind and relax.

Coming back to Warwick, other attractions include Warwick Racecourse, St John's House (houses two museums) and Saltisford Canal Centre (day boats can be hired here). Once you are done with sightseeing, you can go shopping! Warwick has a lovely mix of independent businesses and boutique shops. Go shopping around Smith Street and Swan Street and you will find pretty much everything you can imagine.

Whether you are visiting Warwick for the first time or the umpteenth time, there are lots of wonderful places to explore and so much to do in this lovely town of Warwick. I hope this guide helps you plan your visit to this historic town.

Where to stay in Warwick?

There are a number of hotels in and around Warwick including luxury hotels, boutique hotels, budget hotels, B&Bs etc.

Click here to compare prices and book your hotel stay in Warwick.

If you need more information on places to visit, eating out or accommodation options in Warwickshire, visit www.shakespeares-england.co.uk Shakespeare's England is the official destination management organisation for Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwick, Leamington Spa, Kenilworth & Warwickshire.