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Warwick

The town of Warwick is an ideal destination for a day out, especially if you enjoy historical places. Most people have heard of Warwick Castle; a popular tourist attraction in the south of the town, overlooking the river Avon, but there is much more to Warwick than the castle and much of it free or inexpensive.

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Because it's a small town, it's fairly easy to do a tour on foot. There are organised tours that you can book to walk round with a knowledgeable guide or you can conduct your own tour. There are numerous historical buildings and points of interest to look out for. For photographers, the old parts of Warwick are a delight with wonderful architecture and loads of character.

The local council creates a commendable display of hanging baskets and floral arrangements around the town making it a lovely place to visit on a summer's day. It's almost worth visiting for the floral arrangements themselves.

Sunday days out: be aware that much of Warwick is closed in a Sunday except the castle and places to eat and drink. This may not pose a problem if you're not interested in visiting the museums.

We recommend that you include the following on your tour :

St John's House - a fine Jacobean Mansion - now a museum

St John's House is open to the public as the County Museum with a Victorian kitchen and classroom. It also home to the history of the Royal Warwickshire Regiment. This handsome building is shown in the photograph on the left. Closed on Sunday.

Mill Street - historic cobbled street of well-preserved houses

Visit Mill Street for a street of well-preserved buildings. This is a dead end road which leads to the back of Warwick castle and some of the best views of the castle and medieval bridges. It's impossible to park there (warden patrolled) but it's worth taking a walk to admire the old cottages and cobbled street. This part of Warwick was spared in the Great Fire that engulfed the town in the 17th century. There is a cottage with a small but attractive open garden to visit at the end of the road that affords superb views of the castle.

Warwick Castle - a large and imposing fortress dating back to 914 AD.

The castle at Warwick stands on original fortifications dating back to 914 AD. It was the home of the Earls of Warwick for several centuries and its history lists numerous famous people including William the Conqueror.

There is a programme of events for all ages. It features a medieval trebuchet or giant catapult on its military zone and re-enacts the past with people in character. It offers an absorbing day out for families with children and historians of all ages.

More of an all day adventure park than a museum any trip to Warwick should ideally include the castle if you have time. Be prepared for a good deal of walking - comfortable shoes essential. Discounted tickets can be obtained online in advance of your trip.

Lord Leycester's Hospital - founded by Robert Dudley in the 16th century

The purpose of this extensive stunning rabbit warren of a building (shown on the left) adjoining the West Gate has never been a medical hospital. Its original purpose was to serve the needy or aged and was also used as a Guildhall for some 200 years. It has always been associated with the services and to this day is a charity for retired servicemen. It incorporates a cosy and atmospheric tea room with good food and a courteous service, a museum, master's house and a medieval Great Hall where weddings are held. Visitors are welcome to explore the Master's House and garden for a small fee.

St Mary's Church and others in Warwick

Warwick is blessed with churches of various denominations. There is an entrance fee to view St Mary's church which dates back to 1123 AD. It contains the tomb of Richard Beauchamp, an Earl of Warwick responsible for condemning Joan of Arc to death. Brass rubbing available. You can enjoy afternoon tea at the St Nicholas Church in St Nicholas Church Street during afternoons at the weekend.

East Gate

Look out for red postbox in the shape of a Doric pillar.

Walks along the River Avon

There is a 3.5 mile way-marked walk along the River Avon from Warwick to Leamington starting at Castle Bridge and the Boat House.

Shopping and Eating Out

The town centre has a good selection of shops and places to eat. Of notable interest are the fascinating antique shops.

Getting to Warwick

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The nearest motorway to Warwick is the M40. If you have a GPS system, the postcode CV34 4BH will get you to the centre of town.

Parking in Warwick

There are several well-signposted car parks, also the station car park is virtually empty on a Sunday and it's just a 10 minute walk from Warwick Station to the town centre.

Good places to visit near Warwick

• Kennilworth for castle ruins
• Leamington
• Stratford upon Avon for all things Shakespearean and period buildings
• The Grand Union Canal for walks by the canal, swans and ducks
• Birmingham is a mere 20 miles away for a day out shopping or nightlife
• The Cotswolds
• Oxford is accessible for a day trip

Accommodation for holidays and short breaks in and near Warwick

• self-catering cottages accommodation in Warwickshire