Vined walls line the cobbled lanes of the old town, smoke rising over the thatched roofs as the morning sun begins to illuminate the outline of the ancient castle, a dominant feature of the skyline. The town of Warwick is bursting with historical sights, beautiful buildings, and more activities than anyone could hope to do in just one weekend.
Perhaps that is why Warwick is such a popular destination for those wishing to escape the big city bustle of London for a weekend break to this quaint, cultural town. With just a 2-hour train journey, you can go from the rat race of the UK’s capital city to the peaceful shire of this olden-style town.
We visited the town of Warwick as we journeyed north from Portsmouth to Scotland, stopping off here for a couple of days of exploration. This two day itinerary contains all of our top recommendations of what you can see and do in Warwickshire in just two days, perfect for any weekend break to this romantic shire.
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In this guide, we go into detail on all of the best sights that we recommend you visit during your two days in Warwick, as well as where to stay and where to eat in this beautiful town.
Sights and activities listed in this guide are –
- Warwick Boat Hire
- St Nicholas’ Park
- Warwick Castle
- Old Town
- Mill Gardens
- Kenilworth Castle
Two Days in Warwick – The Ultimate Itinerary
Make your weekend break to Warwick one to remember with this complete two-day itinerary to this beautiful shire town. Most of the activities lie right in the centre of the town, with an additional bonus sight on the last day that sits just outside of the town of Warwick, so make sure you read till the end to see what it is!
Paddle Along the River Avon
What better way is there to start your trip to the beautiful town of Warwick than with a romantic paddle along the River Avon? Set out on the tranquil water, beautiful secluded from the rest of the town, and admire the unique vantage point of the castle that you will get from the luxury of a wooden row boat.
Boat hire is available from the Warwick Boats hut in St Nicholas’ Park, as well as other modes, such as pedalos and even stand-up paddleboarding.
Wander Through St Nicholas Park
Once you have finished enjoying the peace and tranquility of the river, head back to the boat club and make your way alongside the water through St Nicholas’ park. Watch as the local wildlife, primarily ducks and swans, make their way around the shore, sorting breakfast and relaxing in the sunshine.
Explore the Ancient Warwick Castle
Finish off the day with a guided tour of the fascinating fortification that sits unmissable on the skyline of Warwick, the 800-year-old Warwick castle. This fortress was the cornerstone was the region of Warwick, being the first fortification in the region that provided protection and shelter for the surrounding villages.
The castle is open daily for guided tours and free-roaming exploration of the castle grounds and internal rooms and buildings. It is also possible to visit the Castle Dungeons (if you are brave enough), for an immersive experience that will take you through the turbulent and grisly history of medieval England.
Book your trip to Warwick Castle right here, and do it in advance as tickets sell out quickly!
Wander the Cobbled Streets of Old Town
Start the second day of your weekend in Warwick with a casual walk along the quaint and beautiful cobbled lanes of Old Town Warwick. Sitting beneath the towering silhouette of Warwick Castle, the leafy walls of the old town lane completely remove you from the rest of the busy streets of Warwick.
Take a stroll all the way to the bottom of the lane, surrounded by thatched roofs and visible beam houses, to your next stop for the day, Mill Gardens.
Admire the Beauty of Mill Gardens
Sitting on the banks of River Avon, below the beautiful fortress of Castle Warwick, sits the peaceful escape of the Mill Gardens. Originally developed as a play area for children at the beginning of the 20th century, these beautiful gardens are a tranquil retreat from the modern-day roads and town centre of Warwick.
Entrance to the Mill Gardens is a paid activity, costing just £2.50 for an adult. There is no need to book in advance, simply turn up and enjoy the beauty of the gardens on the day.
Discover the Ruins of Kenilworth Castle
If Warwick Castle impressed you then you are in for a treat with our final activity for the day. Sitting just 6-miles to the north of the town of Warwick, the ancient ruins of Kenilworth Castle lie just waiting to be explored.
Owned by English Heritage, Castle Kenilworth is a preserved ruin of the 900-year-old fortification that used to protect this region of Warwickshire. Founded originally in the 12th century, the castle was frequently expanded over the next few centuries, eventually being transformed from fortification to Elizabethian Palace.
On the grounds of Kenilworth Castle itself, there is a huge range of activities and places that can be explored and enjoyed upon your visit to the fortress. In addition to the historical sites and information boards that can be found around the castle grounds, live entertainment is put on daily for both children and adults.
If you get peckish whilst here then not to worry as there is also an onsite cafe in the castle grounds that is perfect form trying out a traditional cream tea before you say goodbye to the beautiful region of Warwick.
Where to Eat in Warwick?
There is a huge variety of cafes and restaurants available for you to enjoy during your time in the small town of Warwick. Below is a short list of the top places that we would recommend for you to try out during your weekend break.
- Giggling Squid – Try out this authentic Thai restaurant right in the heart of Warwick to add a little spice to your time in this hisorical town.
- Roebuck Inn – Dine out in style in Warwick’s oldest public house, the Roebuck Inn. With wooden beams, rustic decor and delicious food, this is pub is guaranteed to impress.
- Thomas Oken Tea Rooms – No trip to the suburban shires of England would be complete without experiencing a good old cream tea, and what better place is there to do it that in the 400-year-old tea rooms of the Thomas Oken.
- Basement Browns – One food spot that we would highly recommend sits in the nearby town of Leamington Spa. Known throughout the area for its incredible pizzas, Basement Browns is definitely a place to try.
- Wetherspoons – Always guaranteed to deliver, the local Wetherspoons pub, the Thomas Lloyd, is a cheap and reliable eatery to fuel up during your trip to Warwick.
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.
You can read what else we keep in our camera bag over here.
Photography Equipment
Main Photography Camera – Sony A7iii Mirrorless Camera
Main Lens – Sony FE 16-35 mm f/2.8 GM
Zoom Lens – Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8
Camera Stand – Neewer Portable 177cm
Vlogging Camera – Sony HX90v
Action Camera – GoPro Hero 8 Black
Drone Camera – DJI Mavic Pro 2
Camera Bag – Lowepro Flipside 300 AW
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?
No matter what type of adventure you are heading on, whether it is a mountain adventure or a relaxing beach destination, one thing we all need to be aware of is that accidents can happen. The last thing you want is for an unexpected medical emergency to ruin your trip of a lifetime. Luckily, that is what travel insurance is for.
Whenever we travel abroad, we get covered with World Nomad’s Travel Insurance, a reliable, friendly and extremely affordable method of covering yourself on any adventure. With years of experience working for backpackers around the globe, the service they provide is perfect for whatever type of trip you have planned.
Get covered for your next trip and get a quote from World Nomad’s right here.
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.
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Now Read:
- The 11 Best Things to do in Warwick, UK
- Top 9 Things to Do in Leamington Spa
- 15 Reasons to Visit London – London’s Best Activities
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