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A historic market town in the heart of England, Warwick is best known for its castle, a hulking fortress on the River Avon. Founded by William the Conqueror, Warwick Castle today bears little likeness to its former wooden motte-and-bailey self, having been expanded into a medieval masterpiece with thick stone fortifications, gatehouses, and dungeons. Warwick town itself also has a lot going for it: A laid-back river location, buildings from nearly every era, and a half-timbered town center are among the things to do in Warwick.
Warwick has a moderate year-round climate—it’s rarely too hot, and rarely too cold, but it is often rainy. With warmer weather in summer, the months between May and Sep. are popular months to visit. Around this time, you’ll also find more events. Look out for the Warwick Folk Festival in July and summer live music events within the Warwick Castle walls.
London-based visitors can reach Warwick easily using direct trains from London Marylebone to Warwick Station (not the further away Warwick Parkway), and the journey takes a little more than an hour. Once there, the station is a 15-minute walk to either Warwick Castle or the town center. Inside the town, all the sights are walkable, although there are buses, taxis, and ride-hailing services readily available.
While Warwick Castle is the star attraction, Warwick has other unsung landmarks that deserve a visit. Don’t miss the crowd-free Collegiate Church of St. Mary, which is one of the UK’s biggest churches and a stellar example of gothic architecture. For lovers of the great outdoors, nearby Hatton Locks is a stretch of water with 21 locks on the Grand Union Canal. Popular with narrowboats and bikes, the area is lovely for taking walks and enjoying picnics, too.
Attractions 2 | Tours 12 | Reviews 6 |
Warwick is famous as the home of Warwick Castle, a turreted wonder founded by William the Conqueror. One of England’s most impressive medieval fortresses, the castle is wrapped in acres of grounds amid a bucolic River Avon setting. It’s as famous today as a day-out destination as for its history.
...MoreNo, you can’t walk around Warwick Castle or its grounds without paying. The castle has a dominating presence though and can be seen from afar. The nearby Mill Garden offers castle views among its flowers for a small fee, while St. Nicholas Park offers boat hire for from-the-river vistas.
...MoreYes, Warwick has a town center, which is no more than a 15-minute walk from Warwick Castle or the vacation accommodation at the castle’s Knight’s Village. It’s a bustling place with the usual town facilities that serve Warwick’s residents, its sizable student population, and its history-loving tourists, too.
...MoreYes, Warwick is worth visiting. A wealthy trade hub in its medieval heyday, Warwick holds true to being a draw today. It’s still a market town with an open-air market every Saturday, and it has a mix of independent shops, tea rooms, pubs, and restaurants to entice any castled-out visitors.
...MoreMarket Square hosts the weekly Saturday market, while familiar UK high street chains and charity shops are found on Market Street and Swan Street. You’ll find more independent boutiques and shops with character around Smith Street, West Street, and Coten End—they’re all in Warwick town center.
...MoreYes, Warwick is a university town, and there are enough students around to ensure a good mix of bars and nightclubs—even if the main residential campus is outside the town center. When it comes to eating out at night, there's no shortage of restaurants or pubs to be found, either.
...More