Quaint houses, thatched roofs, and an 800-year-old castle, that is what awaits you upon your visit to the beautiful and historical town of Warwick. If you like delicious food, quaint town decor, fascinating history, and beautiful, tranquil views, this town is perfect for you.
With its iconic central fortification dating back to the 11th century, the town of Warwick is awash with beautiful buildings, dating back hundreds of years, that makes the perfect romantic escape to the English countryside from the nearby city of Birmingham.
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In this article, we go into detail on all of the best activities in Warwick, including sights that you just cannot miss out on. We also let you know what you need to do before you leave for Warwick, including what to pack, and where to stay.
All of the sights listed in this article:
Table of Contents
The 11 Best Things to do in Warwick, UK
The small town of Warwick has a surprising variety and depth of activities, sights, and quirky charms for such a quiet and tiny place. No matter what your taste in adventure might be, whether you are a history buff or fancy a relaxing weekend break, Warwick is sure to have the perfect place for you.
Planning Your Trip
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Cruise the River by Row Boat
What better way to start off any day out in Warwick is there than a relaxing cruise along the River Avon in a private row boat? Talk about romantic!
If row boats aren’t your scene, then why not try a kayak, pedalo, or perhaps a giant pink swan?! There are loads of options available when it comes to crusing the river beneath the splendor of Warwick Castle.
You can also try your hand at stand-up paddleboarding by either renting one from the local boat hire or even bring your own.
Our favourite part of this relaxing and tranquil activity is the unique perspective that cruising the River Avon gives you of Warwick. Take a trip along the river and admire the peaceful gardens on either side and admire the beauty of Warwick Castle towering high above the still water.
Read our complete guide to hiring a boat in Warwick so that you know exactly what to expect.
Wander Through St Nicholas Park
Once you are done enjoying the peace and tranquility of the River Avon, why not take a stroll through the adjacent St Nicholas’ park. Stretching along the northern side of the river, St Nicholas’ Park is a hugely popular spot for locals and tourists alike, offering views relaxing over the water and a huge playpark for kids to enjoy in the sunshine.
Stop off at the park and grab an ice cream from the local shop before you head into the town centre of Warwick to explore the historical sights.
Explore Warwick Castle
The most popular tourist attraction in Warwick is of course the unmissable outline of the ancient Warwick Castle. Dating back over 800 years, this castle was one of the foundations of the area of Warwickshire, creating the surrounding area from the protection of the fortress.
The castle was used as a fortress until the 17th century, when it was granted to a local statesman who converted it into a country house. This remained as its main use until the mid-20th century when it was bought by the Tussauds Group and transformed into an entertainment and education centre.
Visit the ancient castle for yourself and tour the grounds, learn about Warwick’s fascinating, and even try your nerve with a darker side to the local area in the Castle Dungeon tour.
Make sure you book in advance if you are wanting to visit the castle, as it tends to book out well in advance due to the huge popularity of the attraction.
Discover Kenilworth Castle
On the outskirts of the town centre of Warwick, just a short 15-minute drive from Warwick Castle, lies the ancient ruin of Kenilworth Castle. This is also the perfect stop for any history lovers, or families looking to be entertained and explore the local area.
Offering guided tours and immersive storytelling experiences, Kenilworth Castle is a fantastic place to learn all about the history of the surrounding area. The entire castle takes around an hour to walk around, with towering stone walls and a stunning flower garden around the back of the grounds.
Relax on the grassy hill and soak up the atmosphere of this English Heritage site and make the most of your time in Warwick.
We ended up going to Kenilworth Castle as the tours at Warwick Castle were fully booked, and as it turns out this is the perfect alternative. As a member of English Heritage, the castle is very reasonably priced and is also one of the many sights that are accessible if you have an English Heritage pass.
Have a Drink in Warwick’s Oldest Pub
Dating back to the beginning of the 15th-century, the Roebuck Inn is the oldest public house in Warwick and is a must-visit pub during your trip to Warwick.
Located right on the cobbled town centre of Warwick, this pub offers delicious pub meals, cold and refreshing drinks, and invigorating teas and coffees to energise you for a day of exploring Warwick.
Have a Day at the Races
Just outside the town centre of Warwick you will find the grassy expanse of the Warwick Racing Club. Originally built in 1808, this racing club features 25 racing meets throughout the year that are sure to add a unique twist to your time in the sleepy town of Warwick.
Enjoy a Traditional Cream Tea
If you are wanting to enjoy the true Warwick experience, then one thing you cannot miss out on is a Traditional Cream Tea in the 500-year-old cottage, Thomas Oken. There is nothing more traditionally English than sitting beneath the old wooden beams of this beautiful cafe with a cup of tea and a scone with cream and jam.
Visit the Famous Lord Leycester Hospital
The thatched roof and visible wooden beams of this 700-year-old cottage showcase the classic architecture of medieval times in England. Named after the typical Elizabethan word “hospital”, the Lord Leycester Hospital doesn’t reflect the modern-day medical centre, instead, it was traditionally being used as a place for hospitality and shelter.
Book a tour to the Lord Leycester Hospital and tour the beautiful buildings and gardens of the centre.
Read more about the fascinating Lord Leycester Hospital right here.
Stroll Along the Cobbled Street of Old Town
Thatched roofs, cobbled lanes, and winding vines coating the surrounding walls are what awaits you in Old Town of Warwick. Take a stroll down this lane and immerse yourself in the beauty of this quaint part of town.
Admire the Beauty of the Mill Gardens
At the end of the cobbled street of Old Town, sitting snuggly on the banks of River Avon, beneath the towering walls of Castle Warwick, sits the beautiful Mill Garden. Garden enthusiasts and general tourists alike will love the fresh flowers, stunning architecture and tranquil setting of the garden.
Finish off the day with a peaceful walk through the colourful flowers and snaking vines, admiring the breathtaking views of the river, old bridge, and overlooking castle.
Visit Leamington Spa for a Shopping Trip
Once you have finished turning the town of Warwick inside out and you are looking for a change of scenery, the slightly larger town of Leamington Spa sits just a brief walk away. Named after the town’s nearby river that was once thought to exhibit healing properties, Leamington Spa is another example of the olden English architecture and culture of the region.
Not far from the River Avon sits the high street of Leamington Spa which is bustling with retail shops, fancy restaurants, and quirky cafes. When you are here, we highly recommend trying the cold milkshake in Cenu Cacao and the vegan pizzas on offer in Basement Browns.
Read more about all of the best sights in Leamington Spa in our full guide over here.
Before You Leave for Warick
Before you head off on your trip to Warwick, there are certain things you will need to get organised to ensure a smooth trip. These include what to pack, where to stay and what travel insurance to book.
How Do I Get to Warwick?
Warwick is a small town that lies just to the southeast of Birmingham, about 30kms from the city centre. It is easily reachable by public transport, including train and bus, with routes that take you from Birmingham directly to the centre of Warwick.
If you are flying into the country, the closest airport will be Birmingham airport, however, you can still easily reach Warwick by bus and train from any other major airport in the country.
View all of the relevant bus and train lines that will get you to Warwick right here.
What Should I Pack for Warwick?
What you need to pack for Warwick will rely highly on when you make your trip to the capital. During the Spring and Autumn months, temperatures and weather patterns vary wildly between beautiful sunny skies and freezing rain.
The temperatures generally vary from 10 oC to 25 oC during these months, with a mixture between cold, northerly winds and warmer southerlies. There is a small amount of rain, with maybe 1 in 7 days receiving rainfall, which makes it perfect for days out exploring the beautiful city.
During the Summer months in Warwick, temperatures tend to range from 20oC to 30oC, with some days topping 35oC. Summer days in London are perfect for the beach, with many locals and travellers alike sending their day soaking up the sun and playing in the sea. When it comes to toiletries, we recommend that you don’t forget to pack sunscreen. The sun in Warwick can be strong, especially in the summer months.
If you need more inspiration on what to pack for your trip, check out our full packing guides for all-weather conditions over here.
Given the beautiful sights and scenery that you will see in Warwick, we highly recommend packing a good camera for your trip. If you want to read more about the cameras we use and why we love them, check out the link below.
Photography Equipment
Main Photography Camera – Sony A7v Mirrorless Camera and Sony A7iii Mirrorless Camera
Microphone – Sony Mic ECM-B1M
Main Lens – Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8
Zoom Lens – Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8
Camera Tripod – ZOMEI Z669C Camera Tripod
Gorilla Pod – JOBY JB01507-BWW GorillaPod
Action Camera – GoPro Hero 11 and Insta 360 One RS
Drone Camera – DJI Mavic Pro 3
Camera Bag – Wandrd PRVKE 41L and The Nest by Tropicfeel
Phone Tripod – Manfrotto MKPIXICLAMP-BK, Mini Tripod with Universal Smartphone Clamp
Sturdy Phone Tripod & Selfie Stick – ATUMTEK 61″ Selfie Stick Tripod, Sturdy Phone Tripod Stand with Wireless Remote
Hard Drives – LaCie Rugged Mini, 5TB, 2.5″, Portable External Hard Drive
SSD – SanDisk Extreme Pro 1TB Portable NVMe SSD
Travel Adapter –Worldwide Travel Adapter Universal Travel Plug with 4 USB Ports+Universal AC Socke
Where Should I Stay in Warwick?
There are many accommodation options in Warwick, however, due to how busy this small town is, we would recommend booking in advance.
Luxury – If you are wanting to make your trip to Warwick one to remember, then the best option for luxury accommodation that is also surprisingly affordable is The Globe in Warwick town centre. This beautiful, rustic and tasteful hotel features a bar and restaurant serving award-winning meat and seafood. Enjoy al fresco dining on the terrace or try the collection of local ales and wines in the onsite bar at this luxurious experience in Warwick.
Book your stay at The Globe here.
Mid-range – For those on a more mid-range budget, the Holiday Inn Express that sits just on the outskirts of Warwick is the best option for you. Just 2-miles outside of the town centre, this reliable and comfortable choice of accommodation comes with free breakfast, free wifi, an onsite bar and a guaranteed good night sleep.
Book your stay at the Holiday Inn in Warwick here.
Budget – The cheapest option that you will find in the town centre of Warwick is the Jersey Villa Guest House, situated just one mile from the famous Warwick Castle. This comfortable and affordable accommodation is perfect for any short stay in the town of Warwick, with all of the basic necessities such as free wifi, tea/coffee facilities and a large, comfy bed.
What is the Best Travel Insurance?
I know travel insurance is the least enjoyable thing to purchase and look at when you’re planning a trip, however, you wouldn’t want to be without it in the event that something happened. Accidents can happen anywhere and the extortionate medical bills will ruin your trip if you are not covered.
To ensure you have a stress-free trip with no worries about potential medical bills, make sure you cover yourself when you travel. We can recommend using SafetyWing, a backpacker-friendly and cheap insurance company that provides good coverage and support.
Get a quote for your travel insurance right here and get covered.
So there you have it, a guide to Warwick. If you have visited Warwickshire recently, let us know what you thought of the activities and beautiful buildings in the area. If you have any suggestions let us know in the comments below.
As always, sharing is caring so make sure to share this photo guide with your family and friends and inspire them to head off on their own English adventure. If you are planning the trip for yourself, make sure you have a look at the rest of our England content for more inspiration to our beautiful home country.
When you set off on your own adventure, be sure to tag us in your photos on Instagram and we will share them with the rest of our community. In the meantime, why not follow us over there to see what we are currently up to and keep up with us on our Instagram Stories.
Now Read:
- Top 9 Things to Do in Leamington Spa
- Two Days in Warwick Itinerary – The Perfect Weekend Break from London
- Best Places to Visit in Kent
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