Last updated: 06/07/2020
Check out this itinerary with the main attractions in Warwick, a city located in the north of England and full of history!
THE CITY OF WARWICK
Warwick is a town of just over 30,000 inhabitants, located in the County of Warwickshire, close to the River Avon (the same one that runs through the city of Shakespeare, Stratford-upon-Avon). Archaeological work indicates that human activity at the site dates back to the Neolithic era. In addition, the region has Roman ruins from the 2nd century. However, the city's biggest attraction is the castle that bears its name, built during the Norman Conquest of England, in the eleventh century. Warwick was chosen as the site because of its proximity to important transport routes. The medieval city remained under the control of several Earls of Warwick, mainly of the Beauchamp family, becoming a walled city.
In 1694, Warwick was ravaged by a massive fire that destroyed much of the city. For this reason, most of the buildings in the city center are of late 17th and early 18th century origin, although some medieval wooden-framed buildings survive, especially on the outskirts of the city centre.
CURRENT DAYS IN WARWICK
Due to its proximity to major highways, many companies have a head office in the region. In recent years, several high-profile national and international companies have set up large office complexes in and around Warwick, such as IBM and Volvo UK.
WHAT TO DO IN WARWICK
We put on the interactive map below some suggestions of attractions that we consider the most important to visit in the city. In addition, we add tips on restaurants, accommodation and how to get there (train and guided tours). Then check out each of our tips in detail.
1. ST JOHN'S HOUSE & THE ROYAL REGIMENT OF FUSILIERS
St John's House is a 17th century mansion in Jacobean architectural style, considered one of the most important buildings in the city. The site previously housed the medieval hospital of St John the Baptist, which was founded by the Earl of Warwick around 1154.
Currently, the building comprises a private residence, a school, and War Department administrative offices. The ground floor has an exhibition on the history of the county where the city is located, giving information about its people, culture and customs.
On the first floor is the The Royal Warwickshire Regiment of Fusiliers Museum, which tells the story of more than 300 years of history of the County Warwickshire Fusiliers Regiment, from its creation in 1674 to the present day.
- Address: St Johns, Warwick CV34 4NF, England
- Schedules: November to March Tuesday to Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm | from april to september from tuesday to saturday from 10 am to 5 pm | closed on sundays and mondays
- Entrance: £4 adults | £2 children from 5 to 16 years old
2. ST NICHOLAS CHURCH & ST NICHOLAS PARK
St Nicholas Church is situated in the heart of the city of Warwick, practically opposite one of the gates of Warwick Castle. The church underwent a major reconstruction between 1779 and 1780 with the aim of replacing an old medieval building. Next to the church is St Nicholas Park, a large public park open 24 hours a day, which has an excellent infrastructure for outdoor sports, including walking, cycling, tennis, boating, skateboarding, among others. It is a meeting place for Warwick families.
- Address: St Nicholas Church St, Warwick CV34 4JD, England
- Schedules: usually Monday to Thursday from 9:30am to 3:30pm
- Entrance: free
3. WARWICK'S CASTLE
Warwick Castle is a medieval castle built by William the Conqueror in 1068. During the Hundred Years' War (1337-1453), the facade next to the town was refortified, resulting in one of the most recognizable examples of military architecture in the world. fourteenth century. The castle was used as a fortress until the early 17th century, when King James I donated it to Sir Fulke Greville in 1604. It is surrounded by a dry moat on the north side and originally there was a drawbridge over the moat. The royal rooms include a great hall, a library, royal apartments, halls and a chapel. In 1978, the property was purchased by the Tussauds Group (the same as the famous Wax Museums) and opened to the public. Many of the environments inside the castle show wax dolls representing everyday scenes of the castle's residents, including the presence of King Henry VIII and his 6 wives.
- Address: Warwick CV34 4QU
- Schedules: daily from 10 am to 4 pm (some days up to 5 pm – check on official site) / There are daily shows and events whose times vary depending on the time of year – check here
- Entrance: from £13 | buy online in this link, print and take it through the turnstile on the day of the visit
- Observation: the ticket guarantees another day of entry (up to 60 days) if it rains on the day of your visit
Read more: Warwick Castle: medieval castle in the English countryside
4. ST MARY'S CHURCH
Located in the center of the city, St Mary's Church is a collegiate church that has a college of secular canons. Its foundations date back almost 900 years, having been created by the 2nd Earl of Warwick in 1123. The chancel and chapter house of the church were rebuilt in the 14th century in a perpendicular Gothic style by the Earl of Warwick, Thomas de Beauchamp. His descendants built the Chapel of Our Lady, commonly known as the Beauchamp Chapel. It features monuments to the 13th Earl of Warwick, and to Robert Dudley, the 1st Earl of Leicester. The church, along with much of Warwick, was ravaged by a major fire in 1693. In 1704, the church rebuilt in a Gothic design. The church tower is one of its great attractions, as it is almost 40 meters high.
- Address: Old Square, Warwick CV34 4RA, England
- Schedules: Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 4:30 pm | Sunday from 12:30 pm to 4:30 pm
- Entrance: free
5. MARKET HALL MUSEUM
The Market Hall Museum is a museum located inside the Market Hall, an indoor market where food and other items from independent vendors are sold at bars. The site is a 17th century landmark and has recently been renovated to house a museum that traces the history of County Warwickshire to the present day. Access to the museum is from the ground floor of the building and there is an elevator that takes you to the galleries located on the first floor. Museum staff offers free guided tours.
- Address: Market Hall, Market Pl, Warwick CV34 4NS, England
- Schedules: from tuesday to saturday from 10 am to 5 pm | closed on sundays and mondays
- Entrance: free
WHERE TO EAT IN WARWICK
In addition to the options available inside Warwick Castle, the city center is full of varied restaurants. For when you're hungry, here are some cool suggestions for famous restaurant chains and other interesting options to taste in Warwick:
- ASK Italian (Italian food chain)
- Pizza Express (pizzeria chain)
- Il Piccolinos (Italian food)
- Dough & Brew (pizzeria)
- La Mesa (Mediterranean, Spanish)
- micatto (Italian food)
- The Old Coffee Tavern (British, pub)
- Lobster Cafe (Seafood)
- Tilted Wig (British food, bar, pub)
- 7 Square Restaurant (French food)
- The Square Warwick (Pub)
- Thirteen (the bakery)
- Portuguese Pastry (portuguese)
WHERE TO STAY IN WARWICK
In case you decide to extend your stay in Warwick, here are some accommodation suggestions in the city:
- The Rose and Crown (4 stars)
- The Globe (4 stars)
- Tilted Wing (3 stars)
- The Warwick Arms Hotel (3 stars)
- The Old Coffee Tavern (3 stars)
- Kings Head Inn, Warwick (3 stars)
- Warwick Castle Knight's Village (It is located on the grounds of Warwick Castle and offers tents and cottages for accommodation)
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HOW TO REACH WARWICK
It's very easy to get to Warwick if you're in London. The fastest way is by train. I usually buy tickets on the website of trainline because I always find the best prices. Trains depart from the station London Marylebone and the trip takes just under 1h30. Arriving at the station, you can take a walk to the attractions mentioned in the post, as nothing is too far away. See more information in the post “Tips for traveling by train in England“.
TOURS AND EXCURSIONS IN WARWICK
For those who have little time and want to take the opportunity to get to know Warwick in combination with other tours, there are several interesting options for tours departing from London and other English cities. Check out some options below:
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See more travel tips from London:
- BRIGHTON (Londoners' favorite seaside town)
- CAMBRIDGE (University City)
- CANTERBURY (England's first Christian city)
- LIVERPOOL (Beatles town)
- MANCHESTER (industrial revolution city)
- OXFORD (University City)
- STRATFORD-UPON-AVON (Shakespeare's city)
- WINCHESTER (capital of England before London)
- WINDSOR (city of famous Windsor Castle)
