Warwick, England Attractions
The principal town of the county of Warwickshire is an attractive historic town on the River Avon with many old buildings, which has been dominated for 900 years by a defensive fort, Warwick Castle. On weekdays visitors can stroll among the market stalls in Old Square and Jury Street or hunt through one of the many antiques shops.
The origins of the town date back to the first Norman fort built here in 1068, although the daughter of Alfred the Great is supposed to have established a fortress here in 915. The powerful Earls of Warwick not only controlled the land surrounding their impenetrable fortress, but also intrigued in English politics, most decisively as "kingmakers". In the late Middle Ages this trading town, protected by the fort, became affluent. After a fire in 1694 destroyed most of its medieval buildings, they were carefully reconstructed using the old structures.
The origins of the town date back to the first Norman fort built here in 1068, although the daughter of Alfred the Great is supposed to have established a fortress here in 915. The powerful Earls of Warwick not only controlled the land surrounding their impenetrable fortress, but also intrigued in English politics, most decisively as "kingmakers". In the late Middle Ages this trading town, protected by the fort, became affluent. After a fire in 1694 destroyed most of its medieval buildings, they were carefully reconstructed using the old structures.
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St Mary's Collegiate Church
St Mary's Collegiate Church is particularly noteworthy for the massive Beauchamp Tower, built in the mid 15th C, and the marble sarcophagus of the church's founder, Richard de Beauchamp.
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Warwick Castle
This huge fortress, surrounded by parkland and gardens, is impressive both for the fortifications as well as the fine collections displayed inside.
Avon Bridge
The bridge across the Avon offers the most beautiful view of Warwick Castle. South of it lies Bridge End, a charming row of houses with half-timbered and stone buildings dating from the late Middle Ages.
Chesterton, England
(Near Warwick)
Chesterton has an interesting windmill said to be built by Sir Edward Peyto, Indigo Jones and Nicholas Stone in 1632. It was supposedly built to serve as an observatory but was used to grind corn. There is also a 17th century monument to Sir Edward and his wife in the Decorated and Perpendicular church.
Chesterton - Compton Verney
Compton Verney is an 18th century house near a large lake. The workmanship is by Robert Adam.
County Museum
The Market House, built in about 1670 and situated to the west of the market place, now contains the Warwick County Museum, which boasts an extensive early history department.
Lord Leycester Hospital
Situated on the High Street, Lord Leycester Hospital was established in 1571 by Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester, to accommodate 12 ordinary soldiers in a half-timbered house dating from 1383.
Hours
April 1 to September 30
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Closed | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 |
| Close | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 |
October 1 to March 31
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Closed | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 |
| Close | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 |
Always closed on:
Christmas - Christian (December 25)
Good Friday - Christian (Apr 06)
Good Friday - Christian (Apr 06)
Offchurch, England
(Near Warwick)
Offchurch is a small village featuring a 13th century church with Norman details. The River Leam runs through the village.
Oken's House Museum
Oken's House in Warwick's Castle Street is occupied by an entertaining doll and toy museum.
Old Town
Many of the streets in Warwick's old town still have attractive 17th and 18th century buildings, including the Court House (Tourist Information) with a Georgian ballroom, Landor House and the Shire Hall, with an octagonal tower lantern. The West Gate has been retained from the old town walls. Guilds have assembled in the early-Gothic St James' Chapel since 1383.
Royal Leamington Spa, England
(Near Warwick)
Royal Leamington Spa (pop. 44,300) lies only 2mi/3km to the east of Warwick. It is worth visiting its medicinal springs and the spa gardens, and taking a relaxing stroll in attractive Jephson Gardens and the Pump Room Gardens.
Royal Leamington Spa has tree lined avenues with Victorian and Georgian architecture. The town is also noted for numerous specialty shops and restaurants.
Royal Leamington Spa has tree lined avenues with Victorian and Georgian architecture. The town is also noted for numerous specialty shops and restaurants.
Leamington Spa Tourist Office
Jephson Lodge
Jephson Gardens
The Parade
Leamington Spa CV32 4AB
England
Jephson Lodge
Jephson Gardens
The Parade
Leamington Spa CV32 4AB
England
St John's House Museum
St John's House, a Jacobean manor house on the eastern outskirts of Warwick, features clothes, furniture and local customs.
Hours
May 1 to September 30
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Closed | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 14:30 |
| Close | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 |
October 1 to April 30
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Closed | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | Closed |
| Close | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 |
Warwick and Leamington Festival
This annual two-week festival takes place in early July in the towns of Warwick and Leamington.
The program features orchestral, choral, chamber and organ concerts, recitals, theatrical performances, exhibitions and children's events. Three-to-four performances are given every day in venues including the Warwick and Kenilworth castles, St Mary's Church, Shire Hall and the Unitarian Chapel.
Different themes are chosen every year, which means that the repertoire also varies.
The program features orchestral, choral, chamber and organ concerts, recitals, theatrical performances, exhibitions and children's events. Three-to-four performances are given every day in venues including the Warwick and Kenilworth castles, St Mary's Church, Shire Hall and the Unitarian Chapel.
Different themes are chosen every year, which means that the repertoire also varies.
