Warwick town is a destination often overlooked by visitors to this part of the country.
Whilst many visit Warwick Castle, one of the most popular tourist attractions in England, few stay on to sample the delights of this historic market town.
Narrow streets crowd around the central square where a thriving market is held every Saturday. Here you will also find The Market Hall, home to the excellent Warwickshire Museum. This 17th century Market Hall hosts exhibitions downstairs on the prehistory of Warwickshire (including a huge dinosaur exhibit!). Upstairs the history of the county continues, including the famous Sheldon Tapestry map. Also upstairs is a natural history section with plenty of hands-on activities for children.
Browsing the many antique shops in Warwick is a delight. Every other shop seems to be an Aladdin's Cave of forgotten treasures! Not to mention the delicatessens, restaurants and cafes where you can choose from a tasty snack to an elegant meal.
A recommended venue for a light bite is the excellent tea-room housed within the Lord Leycester Hospital. This magnificent building, over 600 years old, is a little gem! The unique chantry chapel, galleried courtyard, superb Great Hall and Guildhall form what Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester, established as an old soldier's home in 1571. There are several reminders of Amy Robsart, wife of Robert Dudley, on the walls of the tea-rooms. She accidentally, if rather conveniently, fell downstairs and broke her neck, allowing her husband to woo Queen Elizabeth I. The location of the building, built into the ancient walls and West Gate of the town, is unique. The small garden here offers a quiet place to sit.
Another little oasis of calm, a lovely walled garden, is located next to St. Mary's Church, whose tower dominates the skyline. For just £1 for adults, 50p per child, you can climb to the top for a birds eye view of Warwick, the castle, the river and the historic town buildings.
If you have children to entertain, a favourite place is the lovely folk museum at St. John's House. This early Jacobean building houses several Victorian displays, including a schoolroom, parlour and a kitchen where you can hand-pump the water into the sink, open all the draws and take part in many activities. Dolls houses, costume displays and the museum of the Royal Warwickshire Regiment are also to be found here. The walled garden is an excellent place for a picnic, or just through the garden gate you will find Warwick's park which borders the river. Here are formal gardens, play areas and best of all, a boathouse offering rowing and motor boats for hire.
It is not very well known, but the best views of Warwick Castle are from the river. On a sunny summer's afternoon, it is particularly enjoyable to row slowly down the river, gazing up at the huge castle walls. But mind you watch out for the weir!
Selected Attractions in Warwick
Warwick Castle
Tel: + 44 (0) 1926 406 600
Over 1000 years of history! Watch the Earl of Warwick prepare for his final battle in the 'Kingmaker' attraction. Join a 'Royal weekend party, 1898'. Visit the dungeons, the Ghost Tower and the splendid 14th century Great Hall. New For 2000: medieval festival village, encamped on the Castle's River Island. Jousting, fighting knights, falconry displays on many weekends. See web site or call for details. Entrance fee.
St. John's House Tel: + 44 (0) 1926 412 132
Experience how people lived in the past. Victorian parlour, schoolroom and kitchen. Free entry.
The Market Hall Tel: + 44 (0) 1926 412 500
Warwickshire Museum - the local and natural history of Warwickshire. Free entry.
Lord Leycester Hospital Tel: + 44 (0) 1926 491 422
Superb 600 year old timber-framed buildings. Tea-rooms. Entrance fee.
The Doll Museum - Warwick Doll Museum closed on 31 August 2004, but part of the collection previously displayed there is to be redisplayed at St John's Museum in Warwick from 22 March 2005 for two years.
Related Links:History of England - Queen Elizabeth I |
