visit warwickshire

Places to visit in Warwickshire

Visit Warwickshire to revel in the heart of Shakespeare’s England. In Stratford-upon-Avon, the theatres of the Royal Shakespeare Company welcome you to witness one of the Bard’s famous plays live. See signature motte-and-bailey forts and romantic Elizabethan love nests with gatehouses and towers. Miles of canals and stairway locks beckon you for pub lunches and picnics. Or step back to the Middle Ages in Warwick with streets overhung by timber-framed houses and an imposing castle. Royal Leamington Spa is home to the Heritage Motor Centre where you can see England’s connection to the motor industry, while Coventry’s medieval cathedral and 14th-century Guildhall are definitely worth a visit. Warwickshire ticks all the boxes when it comes to history lessons.

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Murder Mystery Weekend

Elaborate plots, professional actors and the chance to play detective.

Location: Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire

Visit the hidden hedged gardens of Hill Close Gardens

See the rare survivals of Victorian gardens, which were used by townsfolk who wanted to an escape from the busy town centre.

Location: Warwick, Warwickshire

Encounter an Elizabethan legacy in Warwickshire

Discover 900 years of English history at Kenilworth Castle and Elizabethan Garden, a vast medieval fortress and spectacular castle ruins.

Location: Kenilworth, Warwickshire

Discover the secret garden of Anne Hathaway’s Cottage

Pay a visit to Anne Hathaway’s family home - the place William Shakespeare courted his future wife.

Enjoy a relaxing break at Alveston Manor Hotel

Enjoy England’s beautiful countryside at its rural best, along with great hospitality at Alveston Manor.

Take a relaxing boat ride along the River Avon

Enjoy the tranquil waters of the River Avon by boat, as many have been doing for over 100 years.

Experience life the Shakespearian way

Visit the historic attractions of Shakespeare’s England and see the places that played a role in the playwright’s life.

Discover the majestic Warwick Castle

Explore the spooky towers and frightening dungeons at Warwick Castle, and uncover its gruesome past spanning over 1100 years.

Enjoy a romantic escape in Shakespeare’s England

Shakespeare’s England, home to Romeo and Juliet - the greatest love story of all time, is the perfect place for a romantic escape.

Enjoy an indulgent weekend at The Ardencote Manor Hotel

Spend quality time together and treat yourselves to a relaxing spa weekend at the Ardencote Manor Hotel and Spa.

Have a medieval sleepover at Warwick Castle

For a family holiday with a difference, grab your sleeping bag and head to Warwick Castle to spend the night within the castle's historic grounds.

Cycle along a disused railway line in Stratford-upon-Avon

Explore the English countryside saddle side whilst cycling the 5-mile long Stratford Greenway.

Add Stratford Literary Festival to your list of things to do in April

Be in the company of celebrity authors and best-selling writers at this lively literary event in the UK.

Location: Stratford-Upon-Avon, Warwickshire

Explore the shops in the Regency town of Royal Leamington Spa

Enjoy an eclectic shopping trip where high street names meet independent boutiques.

Location: Royal Leamington Spa, Warwickshire

Rainy Day Activities: Get spooked at Tudor World

Delve into Tudor life with a series of rainy day activities at this interactive indoor museum, found in one of England's most haunted buildings.

Find your romantic side at the lovely Arden Hotel

Chill out and love in, at this rather gorgeous boutique hotel in the heart of historic Stratford.

July events: Warwick Folk Festival

For four days each summer, Warwick is awash with the sights and sounds of folk music from across the world.

Discover a hidden gem in the heart of Warwickshire

Come and visit Stoneleigh Abbey - a medieval masterpiece buried deep in the village of the same name.

Location: Stoneleigh, Warwickshire

Discover 400 years of Warwick’s great history

Explore the wonders of a Jacobean mansion, and learn about the Royal Warwickshire Fusiliers.

Get a taste for Tudor life at Charlecote Park

Join the Lucy family, at the grand home that’s been theirs since the 13th century.

Boat rides down the river from St. Nicholas Park

Float past some of Warwick’s most beautiful scenery on a relaxing boat ride through St. Nicholas Park.

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Visit Shropshire to see the golden age of steam, the industrial revolution, and areas of outstanding natural beauty. This landlocked western county has it all, with a UNESCO World Heritage Site to cap it all off.

Worcestershire

Visit Worcestershire for ornate cathedrals, glorious hills, and towns sitting on spring water wells. This western county boasts a rare architectural ensemble at Worcester Cathedral and wooded nature reserves.

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The Top 9 Places to Visit in Warwickshire, England

Visitors to the U.K. flock to Warwickshire to see Stratford-upon-Avon , the town where Shakespeare grew up, but this rural county in England's West Midlands region is more than just the birthplace of the Bard. Home to a beautifully preserved past, Warwickshire packs an extraordinary amount of historical culture within its borders, making it the perfect stop-off for history buffs, too. From regency towns to tumble-down castles and sweeping countryside, here are the top places to visit in Warwickshire.

Stratford-upon-Avon

By far the most popular spot for visitors to Warwickshire, Stratford-upon-Avon is the birthplace of William Shakespeare. A tour of the house where Shakespeare was born will be high on the list of things to do, but you would be remiss not to step inside the less-visited Anne Hathaway’s cottage ; it was here where the famous playwright once courted his wife-to-be.

Stratford’s well-preserved streets make the entire town feel like a trip back in time. Take a walk down the picturesque river to the canal basin, or wander over to the Holy Trinity Church to see Shakespeare’s burial place. The waterside Swan Theatre has been home to the Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford-Upon-Avon since the 1800s—booking a ticket to see a play is a must-do in the home of Elizabethan theatre.

Royal Leamington Spa

Royal Leamington Spa rose to prominence in the 1800s as a spa town after the spring waters were declared to have healing properties. In recent years, the town has been named one of the happiest places to live in the U.K. , and it's easy to see why.

With sweeping white-painted boulevards, stunning architecture that nods to its illustrious past, and fewer crowds than larger regency cities like Bath, Leamington Spa makes for a perfect day trip. Visit Jephson Gardens , a Victorian formal park, before getting caffeinated at The Aviary Café, a tea room and former birdhouse. Leamington Spa is also a great location for foodies, with local favorites such as Tartine and Warwick Street Kitchen making for a surprisingly impressive dining-out scene.

The county seat of Warwickshire is a tiny town dominated by its well-known castle. Although the restoration of the castle is somewhat gimmicky, with comically over-the-top actors and costumed knights wandering around the grounds, Warwick Castle remains a fun day out, particularly for families. You can climb the ramparts, see a working trebuchet in action, or even stay overnight at the Knight’s Village . Check the events schedule ahead of your visit; the castle regularly plays host to food festivals, outdoor bars, spooky Halloween-themed activities, and ice skating at Christmas.

While visitors might be tempted to spend all of their time at this historical attraction, there are plenty of other things to see and do here. Wander down winding medieval streets and marvel at the timber-framed houses hosting a range of quirky independent shops (be sure to order a cuppa at Thomas Oken Tea Rooms , located in a 500-year-old cottage). The Lord Leycester Hospital is a fascinating medieval site, and unusual churches perched above walkways throughout Warwick make for an interesting photo opportunity. Visit on a Saturday to see the town center come alive with a bustling market that has been a local tradition for over half a century.

One for the sporting fans, Rugby is home to one of the U.K.’s most popular sports. In 1823 schoolboy Webb Ellis picked up a football (the equivalent of a U.S. soccer ball) and ran with it, forming the origin of today’s games of rugby and American football.

Although Rugby is too small to warrant a particularly lengthy stay, dedicated rugby enthusiasts might like to visit the town to see sporting memorabilia at the Webb Ellis Rugby Football Museum . You can spot the statue of the schoolboy himself running with a ball beneath his arm outside Rugby School, where the famous first game took place.

Kenilworth Castle

If you’re looking for a more authentic historical experience, then Kenilworth Castle is a gorgeous toned-down alternative to its glitzy Warwick counterpart. The haunting ruins of a medieval fortress and Elizabethan palace, Kenilworth Castle is located in a small town just a stone’s throw from Leamington. Queen Elizabeth I bequeathed it to her favorite suitor and possible lover Robert Dudley—legend has it that the pair conducted their trysts here. Explore the skeletal remains of 900 years of history as you wander around the former Great Hall and Norman Keep, and take a stroll through the beautifully restored castle gardens.

Coombe Abbey Country Park

The former abbey that gives Coombe Country Park its name may have been converted into a hotel, but the historic house’s sprawling grounds are still open to the public. With 500 acres of parkland and trails to explore, play areas for families, and a tranquil lake to stroll around, Coombe Abbey Country Park is a great place relax. For thrill-seekers, there is even a Go Ape treetop obstacle course featuring heart-stopping zip lines and dizzying ropewalks. If you want to splash out, you can also book a stay in the historic country house , or try a traditional afternoon tea at Coombe Abbey’s Garden Room Restaurant .

Lunt Roman Fort

If ancient history is more your thing, consider taking a trip to Lunt Roman Fort, an archaeological site close to the bordering city of Coventry. The timber fort has been meticulously recreated to mimic how it might have looked when Roman forces first constructed the barracks, which were intended to quash the Boudican rebellion around AD 60. Reimagine Roman Britain as you marvel at ancient defenses and see where soldiers would have once trained their horses.

Charlecote Park

If you’re staying in Stratford and want to stretch your legs, then Charlecote Park is the perfect place for a stroll around the ancient countryside. Set in the grounds of a Victorian country house, Charlecote is a vast deer park, home also to birds and sheep. (Legend has it that William Shakespeare was once prosecuted for poaching here.) Although the house is still a family home, you can explore a few rooms open to the public, or warm up with tea and cake in the Wood Yard café. 

Coughton Court

Stately home enthusiasts will be spoiled for choice in Warwickshire. However, Coughton Court has a particularly fascinating history, as participants in the famous Gunpowder Plot stored ammunitions here when scheming to blow up the Houses of Parliament in 1605.

Nowadays, you can immerse yourself in hundreds of years of history with a visit to the charming Tudor manor house and grounds. Among a number of historical artifacts stored here, you'll find the chemise supposedly worn by Mary Queen of Scots during her execution and needlework by one of Henry VIII’s wives.

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26 Fascinating Places to Visit in Warwickshire

Warwickshire is a County in England that is in the West Midlands of the country. It’s also known as Shakespeare’s England as Stratford on Avon is one of the central features of the County. We were able to housesit in Warwickshire for 3 weeks and managed to see a great deal of the county. This list of 26 things to do in Warwickshire is a mere drop in the bucket of this beautiful county.

If you are in England and looking for the perfect staycation spot Warwickshire should fulfil all your wishes. There are so many hidden gems in Warwickshire it contains, castles, fabulous pubs, ruins, 1100 years of history, lovely walks by the canals, antique shops, glorious landscapes and plenty of quaint English villages.

Xyuandbeyond is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission . You can read my privacy policy here.

Thanks to Shakespeare’s England for providing complimentary entry to various locations for the purpose of this article. All opinions expressed are my own and as usual brutally honest lol.

Where is Warwickshire?

The grand union canal, stratford-upon-avon – shakespeare county.

• Mary Arden's Farm

Lord Leycester Hospital

Warwick castle.

• Guy's Cliffe House

Coughton Court

The rollright stones, charlecote park, baddesley clinton, packwood house, compton verney, visit henley-in-arden, butterfly farm, saltisford canal trust, visit alcester, kinwarton dovecote, hatton locks, wooten wawen, royal pump rooms, jephson park, lunt roman fort.

First, for all you N. Americans, it is pronounced War-ick-shire and not war-wick-shire. The name Warwickshire has come from the name Wæringscīr which means “dwellings by the weir”. In the 11th century, Warwickshire was a division of the Kingdom of Mercia. During the middle ages, Warwickshire’s most important city was Coventry because it was so important to the textile trade at the time.

What part of England is Warwickshire? Warwickshire, is in  central England, in the Midlands region about an hour west of London. The county dates from the 10th century, with the historic county town (seat) of Warwick lying roughly at its centre.

Western Warwickshire at one point was covered by the ancient Forest of Arden which is why many places end with “in-Arden”. We were housesitting in Tanworth-in-Arden which was just down the road from Henley-in-Arden. The Forest of Arden is often mentioned in Shakespeare’s works.

There are lots of quaint and pretty Warwickshire towns and villages to visit. Warwick is truly a green town with plenty of parks and gardens to explore. Pack a picnic before heading to St Nicholas Park for a stroll along the River Avon. Explore the historic gardens dotted around the heart of town. Warwick offers a huge variety of points of interest, scenic spots and fun for all the family.

Stratford on Avon is not the only draw for Warwickshire as it includes cities such as Leamington Spa, Coventry, Rugby, the Cotswolds and of course Warwick itself. There are so many attractions in Warwickshire you will be spoiled for choice.

26 Things to Do in Warwickshire

The area is also duly famous for its canals. The Grand Union Canal, which runs through Leamington and Warwick and onwards to Birmingham is a great place to find a waterside pub and enjoy a pint and watch the canal boats pass by.

The restored Saltisford Canal Arm is now a branch of the Grand Union Canal and dates back to 1799. There is a gorgeous waterside park and the narrowboats that come sailing past provide some brilliant Insta shots.

Visiting Stratford-upon-Avon is truly a pilgrimage for every Shakespeare fan. This town should be a tacky festival of Shakespearean themes and memes. But it isn’t it is a fabulous town just to wander and admire the architecture. Beautiful half-timbered houses some with thatched roofs others wattle and daub, Tudor, Georgian, Victorian and more. This is most definitely one of the best villages in Warwickshire.

At the heart of the town lies the Royal Shakespeare Company whose productions induce raptures of praise and rightly so. Take in a brilliant production and tour the theatre you will be awed by the technical side and wish you had access to their costume rental.

In Stratford, you can also visit Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, and all the places where Shakespeare lived, went to school and worked.

Mary Arden’s Farm

Take a trip to the farm where Shakespeare’s mother Mary Arden lived and worked. The Farm was the childhood home of Shakespeare’s mother. To get there you will need to either take a taxi or drive to the farm which is only 3 miles from the centre of Stratford upon Avon, another alternative is to take the Hop on Hop Off bus.

At the farm, you get to experience all the sights, sounds and smells of a working Tudor farm. The farm’s animators go about their day just as it would have been back in Shakespeare’s times. There are nature trails, falconry displays, archery, and lots of heritage animals and farming methods to be seen.

What to do Warwick

Warwick is a charming city with its green parks and fabulous architecture. Take a moment to just stroll the streets of this lovely City. If you are a history buff these are some of the best places to visit in Warwickshire.

Go and see the Lord Leycester Hospital this historic group of medieval timber-framed buildings can be found on Warwick High Street and they date to the late 14th century. They are one of the finest examples of medieval courtyard architecture.

In 1571 a hospital for disabled and old soldiers was set up. The Lord Leycester is still in use to this day. The soldiers who live here are known as the Brethern. They meet every day to pray in the chapel to pray and give tours through the buildings and the gardens. There is also a cafe called The Brethern’s Kitchen for you to rest your weary bones.

There are several gardens in Warwick that you can visit one is the beautiful garden at the Lord Leycester called The Master’s Garden. Entered through a lovely knot garden, the restoration work of the garden can be admired. It is bounded by the old town walls and includes a Norman arch, a thatched summer house, a gazebo and a pineapple pit. 

Warwick Castle is another incredibly popular destination on the outskirts of Warwick. Enjoy and revel in 1000 years of history at this beautifully restored castle. Do be prepared for a hell of a long walk from the parking to the Castle though.

Guy’s Cliffe House

Near Warwick, you will find Guy’s Cliffe House, which is a ruined old mansion dating back to the 15th century, but sadly it has been in ruins since the 20th century.

The site isn’t open to the public but guided tours are occasionally available. Another way to see the place is to find a ghost hunt as the house is supposedly very haunted and popular for paranormal evenings. 

This is where potatoes were first planted in England in Little Virginia. Originally consisting of 15 cottages dating back to the 17th century this area is named after the famous potatoes brought to England by Sir Walter Raleigh who planted them here. The cottages originally housed the masons and builders employed by Robert Dudley to work on Kenilworth Castle.

Warwickshire has a lot to offer the visitor and Kenilworth Castle is just one of the outstanding historic places you must visit. Don’t forget to go beyond the castle though and take a wander through Kenilworth Town I promise you won’t be disappointed.

Coughton Court near Alcester (pronounced co-tun) is a stunning Tudor house that is still family-owned under a 300-year lease. Built in the 15th century the family was Catholic and persecuted because of it. Coughton Court is one of the last remaining Roman Catholic houses in the country to retain its historic treasures, housing one of the very best collections of portraits and memorabilia of one family from the early Tudor times.

There are family pieces and items such as the chemise reputedly worn by Mary Queen of Scots when she was executed and a bishop’s Cope, with intricate needlework, believed to have been worked upon by Catherine of Aragon.

Coughton Court was gifted to the National Trust in 1946 by the Throckmortons, the family continue to live at Coughton Court.

The Rollright Stones are right on the border of Warwickshire and Oxfordshire a few miles from Chipping Norton. They sit on the steep ridge at the edge of the Cotswolds .

The Stones are three megalithic monuments known as the King’s Men, King Stone and the Whispering Knights.

The earliest of the Rollright Stones are the remains of a burial chamber dating back to the Early Neolithic era and it is known as the Whispering Knights. To the east of the Knights are 4 standing stones which form a chamber around a 5th stone which they guess was a capstone this is called the King’s Men, the stone on the ground between them is the King Stone.     

Charlecoate retains the original Elizabethan footprint but today it stands as a grand Victorian manor set in a beautifully landscaped deer park overlooking the Avon River.

Managed by the National Trust the manor has a Great Hall with a barrel-vaulted ceiling made of plaster painted to look like timber and showcases hundreds of years of family portraits. The original two-storey Elizabeth gatehouse still guards the approach to the Manor and remains unchanged from Elizabethan times. 

Within the house look for an original letter from Oliver Cromwell demanding the owner Richard Lucy attend sessions of Parliament. You will also spot an original Gainsborough portrait of George Lucy another family patriarch 

Set in what would have been the heart of the Forest of Arden which is now long gone Baddesley Clinton was the home of the Ferrer family for over 500 years.

The house was built by Henry Ferrers, a lawyer, diarist and antiquarian, in the late 1500s and it became a sanctuary for many persecuted Catholics who were hidden away in secret hiding places during the 1590s.

There is a nice restaurant and gift shop to end your tour and from there you can wander the amazing gardens.

A Jacobean and Edwardian mansion was originally built in the 16th century. Packwood House was extensively renovated in the 1930s to look like a Tudor Manor.

Packwood House contains an extensive collection of 16th-century textiles and furniture, some of which was purchased from Baddesley House.

The gardens have a famous collection of yew trees numbering over 100. These yews were supposed to represent the “Sermon on the Mount” with 12 huge trees representing the Apostles and the four bigger specimens are the Evangelists.

In 2004 the beautifully restored Compton Verney opened to the public as a major, nationally accredited art gallery. Compton Verney houses six permanent collections, focusing on areas currently under-represented in British museums and galleries.  

The gallery is set in 120 stunning acres of classical parkland, designed by none other than Lancelot ‘Capability Brown.

There are some architectural buildings on the land such as the Ice House and the Chapel that has now been fully restored. The first Manor House was built on the site in the 1400s and by the 1600s had passed to Sir Richard Verney whose memorial lies in the chapel.

Permanent Exhibits at Compton Verney include the Women’s Library which is a reinterpretation of the library created in 1860 by the Mistress of Compton Verney, Georgiana Verney.

The Library was one of the few rooms that survived in its nearly original condition. Today the room has its original furniture and a doorcase which has faux book spines. It was noticed that nearly all these fake book spines were from female authors. Georgiana was a believer in Women’s suffrage and a champion of women’s education and reading.

Compton Verney also has the largest collection of British folk art in the UK. Folk Art has developed from traditions that come from community and culture and has led to a range of art from the usable to the decorative using materials that are found around the home or community.

Other exhibits at Compton Verney include Naples, Northern European, Chinese and British Portraits. Admission to Compton Verney varies from £10.00 to £14.50 depending on what season you visit.

Unusual things to do in Warwickshire

Home to the best icecream in England for 80 years, as proclaimed by the Guardian newspaper. Housed in the 16th Century timbered building on the main street it serves up to 50 flavours of icecream and frozen yoghurt.

All handmade on the premises and  I have to say it is superb. From its Toffee, Apple Crumble icecream to flavours like Clotted Cream, Blackcurrant and the best chocolate icecream I have ever had and I don’t even like chocolate icecream.

This picture-postcard little village is awash with half-timbered buildings and decorated with flower baskets and colour everywhere.

We also found the best fish and chip shop in the area here in Henley the Sea Spray. Huge portions of fish and chips so much so we could have ordered one and called it a day.

Come rain or shine enjoy the unique pleasure of discovering hundreds of the world’s most beautiful butterflies flying in an exotic environment of tropical blossom with splashing waterfalls and fish-filled pools. Situated in the historic market town of Stratford-upon-Avon.

Stratford-upon-Avon Butterfly Farm is a unique rainforest environment set within a series of greenhouses. It is landscaped with tropical blossom, fish-filled pools, and splashing waterfalls and themed to the ancient Maya civilisation with replicated Maya artefacts throughout.

Attend the Tanks, Trucks and Firepower Event

The Tanks Trucks and Firepower is a living history show held in Dunchurch, Warwickshire on the August bank Holiday. Suitable for all ages, the show is packed with attractions, education and excitement for the whole family. Take the opportunity to climb a real army 8m high training wall, familiarise yourself with REME equipment used to fix tanks, operate a medical interactive display and field ambulance as well as many other displays and learn what life is like in the British Army as a regular or reserve. There’s historical re-enactments where you can experience Trench Warfare from WWI, aircraft displays, vehicle displays and much more.

 The Saltisford Canal Trust is also located in Warwick.  A short 10-minute walk from the town centre will lead you to a sensory garden, contemplation area, lock gate and tranquil moorings where you can admire the narrowboats that traverse the Canals of Warwickshire. You can even hire a day boat to cruise the canals.

Alcester is around 8 miles west of Stratford upon Avon and is known for the two stately homes nearby. The town name is pronounced like Ulster which can be confusing to the visitor.

Alcester has also started a Roman Heritage Museum that is free to visit. It is a simple one-room museum showcasing Roman artefacts found within the area of Alcester. The museum might be small but its volunteers are knowledgeable, friendly and more than happy to share their knowledge.

The Kinwarton Dovecote nearby Coughton Court you can visit a very rare 14th-century circular dovecote. This beautiful round building has over 580 nesting holes and its original rotating ladder. The 14th-century dating comes from the ‘ogee’ arch of the doorway. It is the only remaining relic of a moated grange belonging to the Abbey of Evesham, which was situated to the northwest of the Dovecote.

In those days the young pigeons were used for fresh meat. Only the Lord of the Manor was allowed by law to build a dovecote the peasants had to put up with the doves stealing their grain and feeding from their crops.

Nicknamed the “stairway to heaven” the locks are a flight of 21 individual locks on the Warwickshire portion of the Grand Union Canal that were renovated in the 1930s to fend off competition from the new horseless carriages and the railways.

These days it is a beautiful peaceful area to have a picnic and watch the colourful narrowboats navigate through this flight on the Grand Union Canal. This remarkable feat of engineering lifts or drops (depends on direction)  the Grand Union Canal 146 and a half feet. There’s plenty to see along the Grand Union Canal. From the vibrant heart of London, it leads you out into the rolling Chiltern Hills, through rural Northamptonshire and Warwickshire and into the Birmingham suburbs.

We spent a lot of time just driving around Warwickshire when we were housesitting, those sort of Sunday drives that lead you to some beautiful places. We had to stop in Wooten Wawen just for the name, apparently, it is pronounced wuten woan.

We made a stop at its parish church, St Peter, which is the oldest church in the county of Warwickshire. Founded in 730 by Aethelric of the Province of Mercia where a Benedictine Monastery was situated. Nestled on a striking hilltop in Wootton Wawen close to the River Alne the Grade I listed building is known as The Saxon Sanctuary

Although most of the current building dates to later periods parts of the tower and doorways are Saxon.  They estimate that the early parts of the church date back 1100 years. Apparently, Shakespeare used to attend services here. It really was a striking place, the effigies and an “interesting”  memorial stone on the floor of a lady who died in 1718 which says: Hodi mini Gras tibia – ‘it’s me today, you tomorrow’.

During the times of the Black Death, bodies from Coventry were transported to the churchyard for burial in an area that has become known as the “Coventry Piece”. This ground still cannot be disturbed.

On the door frames, you will see some Crusader graffiti which are crosses carved into the stone archways.

Right beside the Church, you will see a beautiful Palladian house that was built mainly in 1687 incorporating an Elizabethan house that used to stand on the site. It was horrendously run down apparently when in 1958 it was bought and restored by Allen’s Caravans who opened a mobile home park. The park is quite nice I have to say, it has some wonderful gardens and trails for walking and is very prettily landscaped with a shop and post office very nearby.

Right across the road from the Church and house is a fabulous old pub called the Bull’s Head. The pub contains a stone dating the building at 1317, which would make it one of the oldest pubs in Warwickshire at least if not in England.

Inside the pub are fabulous wide fireplaces, one with early graffiti on the lintel that says “M 1697 TH”. The buildings were probably at one point in time small workers’ cottages but today they have been combined and converted to a great British pub.

Things to do in Leamington Spa

For all you Canadians this is not pronounced the same way as the Ontario Leamington but rather Lem ing ton is the way to say it.

Well known for its beautiful outdoor parks and of course the fact that it was a spa town back in the 18th century due to its water which was reputed to have medicinal qualities.

Queen Victoria adored Leamington and was a regular visitor and she renamed the town Royal Leamington Spa in 1838. The Royal Pump Rooms attracted people to the famous spa baths up until the mid-19th century, but now they have been redeveloped into an Art Gallery and Museum, Library, Tourist Information Centre, Café and Assembly rooms.

The Regency architecture can easily be seen on The Parade a half-mile long which runs through town.  You can find the Royal Pump Rooms that were opened in 1814, the Regent Hotel in 1818 and the Jephson Gardens in 1834.

The gardens were a lovely place for the rich to stroll once they had visited the waters. They are in the centre of town on the Parade with the River Leam flowing south of them.

The Leam Boat Centre is also close by for anyone who fancies taking a trip down the river.

This ancient Roman fort is located near Coventry in Warwickshire and it was discovered in the 1930s. The excavations revealed that this was an army camp that had been occupied by the Roman Legion around 60 AD.

Changes over the years with the camp meant that subsequent occupations by the Romans involved smaller garrisons. During these times many of the buildings were demolished to make way for a horse training ring.

The horse training ring at Lunt is the only known example of its kind in Britain. The fort has been reconstructed for visitors and is open to the public.

As you can see Warwickshire is much more than Shakespeare’s Country, there are many beautiful places in Warwickshire and it is full of English history from the Neolithic to the Romans to Queen Elizabeth and more. It should be on everyone’s bucket list to visit this amazing County in England. The  best things to do in Warwickshire  often include nature, history and a lot of exploring.

How many Warwickshire places to visit did you find?

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Faith was born in Ireland raised in Canada and has lived in over 10 countries in Europe including England, Ireland, Scotland, France, Spain, Northern Ireland, Wales, along with Mexico, Antigua, the US and has slow travelled to over 40 countries around the world. Graduating with a degree in Anthropology and Women's Studies Faith is a student of history, culture, community and food and has written about these topics for over 40 years.

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Home » Travel Guides » United Kingdom » England » 10 Best Places to Visit in Warwickshire (England)

10 Best Places to Visit in Warwickshire (England)

In the West Midlands, the rural county of Warwickshire skirts around the Birmingham and Coventry conurbation to form a big hook of thinly populated countryside.

This is a place of castles, medieval towns and marvellous country estates.

Warwickshire has given us one of history’s most revered wordsmiths and playwrights, William Shakespeare, and his birthplace Stratford-upon-Avon is rightly a hotspot.

But you mustn’t rule out Warwick for its astonishing castle, or Leamington Spa for its elegant Regency townscape.

And if you’re a really committed tourist you can stay for a few days until you’ve seen every grand manor house and adorable town. Trust us, it could take a while!

Lets explore the best places to visit in Warwickshire :

1. Stratford-upon-Avon

Even four hundred years after his death, William Shakespeare is still the dominant personality in Stratford.

Many houses look almost exactly as they would have done when he was growing up in this town.

You can pay homage at Shakespeare’s birthplace and drop by the home of his wife, Anne Hathaway, both weathered timber-framed buildings.

And if that isn’t enough you can even see Mary Arden’s farm, the home of Shakespeare’s mother, and Hall’s Croft, where his daughter Susanna lived.

The presence of the Royal Shakespeare Theatre makes Stratford one of England’s cultural Meccas, a destination to watch first-rate productions of Shakespeare’s many works.

Like Stratford, the county town is one of those places in England you simply have to see.

This has much to do with Warwick Castle, which is so complete it’s almost overwhelming.

This fortress -turned-stately home is the last word in 14th-century military architecture, and its romantic tales and legends are expertly retold inside.

The town is also a joy, suffused with history and all the better to explore because of its browsable independent shops.

After the castle see half-timbered Lord Leycester Hospital, the Collegiate Church of St Mary where the Earls of Warwick are buried, and the amazing Mill Garden, which looks like a scene from a pre-Raphaelite painting.

3. Leamington Spa

The springs at Leamington Spa were harnessed by the Romans but then lay hidden to all until they were rediscovered in 1784. And in the years that followed Leamington Spa exploded out of almost nothing, becoming one of England’s most prestigious hydrotherapy resorts.

The sudden growth endowed the town with some of the most graceful Regency architecture you could hope to see.

The Parade is the main artery, while Lansdowne Crescent is a circus of stuccoed townhouses with wrought iron porches.

The Royal Pump Rooms have preserved restored the baths, and will give you insights about the spa in its heyday.

There can’t be many towns able to brag about giving birth to a sport, but Rugby is one.

When William Webb Ellis picked up the ball during a football match at Rugby School in 1823, he created a style of play that would become Rugby.

Or so the story goes! If you’re a fan of the sport you’ll have a few experiences to tick off, like a visit to the museum at the prestigious Rugby School, and the Webb Ellis Rugby Football Museum, which is housed in the shop where the boot maker James Gilbert stitched the first rugby balls in 1842.

5. Kenilworth

This presentable town is home to Kenilworth Castle, which has 900 years of riveting history to tell.

The ruins are colossal, and bring home just how ambitious the castle-cum-palace would have been in medieval and Tudor times.

And it may make you giddy to consider the amount of historical events that have happened at this very building, like Edward II’s removal from the throne, or Robert Dudley’s courtship of Elizabeth I in 1575. For another piece of aristocratic grandeur Stoneleigh Abbey is a former monastery that became a neoclassical stately home and is wrapped in almost 300 hectares of panoramic grounds.

6. Henley-in-Arden

This small town in the west of the county doesn’t resemble many places in England: The high street, which spans almost the entirety of the town is a strip a mile in length and flanked by a continuous succession of historic buildings from a range of eras.

The Heritage Centre can explain the background on this singular place, while the timber-framed Guildhall dates to the 1400s and recently underwent a restoration.

You can poke around the two medieval churches or wander off along the Stratford-upon-Avon Canal.

At Lowsonford there’s a sculpture by the water designed by Sir Anthony Gormley, the same man responsible for the iconic Angel of the North in Tyne and Wear.

7. Alcester

Founded as Alaunia in the 1st Century by the Romans, Alcester is on the Roman Road, Icknield Way that runs diagonally from Gloucestershire up to South Yorkshire.

Bring the little guys to the Alcester Roman Heritage Centre to find out a bit more about these ancient origins and dress up as legionaries.

The showpiece in the Alcester area is undoubtedly Coughton Court, a wondrous Tudor country house.

In 1605 several conspirators in the Gunpowder Plot rode to Coughton Couty to seek refuge after their plans were discovered.

The failed Throckmorton Plot to assassinate Queen Elizabeth I was also hatched right here in 1583.

8. Coleshill

An understated market town, Coleshill is without blockbuster attractions but does possess a very pretty high street.

There are a few Tudor-era timber houses along here, as well as old coaching inns that are still in use as hotels or pubs.

Allow some time to explore the Church of St Peter and St Paul, which is magnificent for a parish church.

The spire climbs to 51 metres and inside are compelling fittings like a Norman font from the 1100s and recumbent medieval tomb effigies of knights.

There’s no lack of inspiration for local days out, as Drayton Manor theme park is a minutes away, while Hoar Park is a neat shopping development set in converted barns from the 1600s.

9. Nuneaton

The county’s largest settlement is a workaday town with a large shopping precinct in the centre.

Those of a literary bent will be happy to learn that Nuneaton was the birthplace of the Victorian writer George Eliot, and she drew a lot of inspiration from Nuneaton and local towns and estates.

On set weekends of the year, Arbury Hall, her birthplace, welcomes visitors to conduct them around the house and grounds, but if you’re not around at these times there’s always the Nuneaton Museum & Art Gallery.

You have a whole gallery here devoted to Eliot’s relationship with Nuneaton.

10. Lapworth

This village a brief drive north of Warwick is a dispersed community of large houses home to some relatively famous people.

But the most exciting properties here are the historic ones, and these are open to visitors as National Trust attractions.

Baddlesey Clinton is a breathtaking manor house protected by a moat that you have to cross on an old bridge.

What’s fascinating about this one is that it sheltered Catholic priests who were being persecuted after the Reformation.

Check out the priest holes, secret passages that led underground in case the house was searched.

Packwood House is just as fine and goes back to the 1500s.

The richly furnished interiors at this property have fine tapestries, while the Yew Garden in the grounds was plotted in the 1600s and has a hidden religious theme.

10 Best Places to Visit in Warwickshire (England):

• Stratford-upon-Avon
• Leamington Spa
• Henley-in-Arden

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Historic Warwickshire Guide

Ben johnson, facts about warwickshire.

Home to Stratford-upon-Avon , the birthplace of William Shakespeare , Warwickshire is one of the most visited counties in England. Most tourists tend to head straight to Stratford-upon-Avon, an ancient market town situated on the banks of the River Avon where Shakespeare’s birthplace still stands to this day. Stratford is also home to one of the most photographed cottages in the country, Anne Hathaway’s cottage, where she lived before marrying Shakespeare in 1582.

Just to the north of Stratford lies another popular tourist attraction; Warwick Castle. Originally designed as a motte-and-bailey castle by the Normans in 1068, this is now one of the most intact and magnificent castles in the whole country having miracously escaped destruction during the English Civil War .

Within a hop, skip and jump of Warwick Castle lies Kenilworth Castle , a ruined but equally impressive fortress which was once a favourite holiday destination for Queen Elizabeth I .

The county of Warwickshire is also bisected by the Roman road of Watling Street. Running from Dover to Wroxeter via London , the path of the original Watling Street is today covered by the A2 and A5 roads. That being said, there is a small portion of the original Roman road still visible just across the Northamptonshire border near Crick.

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The most famous of all English playwrights was born in 1564 and died on St Georges Day, in 1616. His birthday is celebrated on 23rd April in Stratford-upon-Avon...

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Warwickshire

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Warwickshire (pronounced "Worrick-sher" or "Worrick-sheer") is a county in the West Midlands region of England , part of the United Kingdom . The county is noted for being located at the very heart and centre of England, as well as for its many historical and cultural attractions.

Towns and villages [ edit ]

Towns [ edit ].

• 52.28 -1.59 1 Warwick – the county town and site of Warwick Castle , one of England's finest
• 52.5787 -1.5462 2 Atherstone
• 52.475 -1.477 3 Bedworth
• 52.291 -1.778 4 Henley-in-Arden
• 52.341 -1.566 5 Kenilworth – a picturesque town and the site of the magnificently ruined Kenilworth Castle
• 52.292 -1.537 6 Leamington Spa – elegant spa town. Regency splendour of the Parade
• 52.523 -1.4683 7 Nuneaton
• 52.37 -1.26 8 Rugby – birthplace of the sport
• 52.19 -1.71 9 Stratford-upon-Avon – the town of Shakespeare's birth and one of the most visited places in Britain

Villages [ edit ]

• 52.19434 -1.59472 10 Wellesbourne – large village, known for its airfield and nearby manor house Charlecote Park

Other destinations [ edit ]

Understand [ edit ].

Warwickshire began as a division of the kingdom of Mercia in the early eleventh century, and its name was first referenced in 1001, with "Warwick" meaning "dwellings by the weir". Coventry was particularly important during the Middle Ages due to its role in the textiles trade, and it dominated Warwickshire at the time. The county played a key role in the English Civil War. During the Industrial Revolution it became one of the most important industrial counties in England due to its containing Birmingham and Coventry .

• Visit Warwickshire website

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Get around [ edit ], stay safe [ edit ].

As with the rest of the UK, in any emergency call 999 or 112 (from a land-line if you can) and ask for Ambulance, Fire or Police when connected.

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• Staffordshire
• West Midlands (county)

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Attractions

There is an attraction for everybody in Shakespeare’s England. With a variety of family-friendly places to explore, chances to delve into Warwickshire’s rich history and heritage, wonderful locations to experience Warwickshire’s captivating countryside, or places to immerse yourself in the inspiring arts and culture of the area, you will never be short of ideas and places to visit in Warwickshire.

Family Fun in Warwickshire

Warwickshire is packed with fun attractions to entertain the whole family. Get hands on with history with an action-packed day out at Warwick Castle. Unleash your inner-artist and get creative as you explore the galleries and parklands at Compton Verney. There is endless space and opportunity to get outdoors and back to nature as you enjoy a ramble and spot the grazing deer at National Trust Charlecote Park, or dip into a sensory themed fairytale with the animals at Fairytale Farm. Walk amongst butterflies and exotic mini-beasts at the Stratford Butterfly Farm, discover worlds of magic and mystery at Magic Alley, or set your mind whirring with the many machines at the MAD Museum. 

History and Heritage

Discover the people and places in and around Stratford-upon-Avon that shaped the life of world-famous playwright William Shakespeare. Visit his family homes and follow his life from cradle to grave as you explore the town where he lived and died. Explore 900 years of history and heritage at Kenilworth Castle where you can walk in the footsteps of Queen Elizabeth I and discover stories of epic sieges. Grab a slice of nostalgia amongst the world’s largest collection of British cars at the British Motor Museum where you can follow a time-road through British motoring history, and unearth a much-loved classic car or two at the same time. Visit the birthplace of Rugby in the town that bears its name, and see the hallowed turf where William Webb Ellis first took a ball and ran with it. Descend into the mediaeval walls of St Mary’s Guildhall in the heart of Coventry's historic cathedral quarter, one of the only remaining mediaeval buildings in the city.

Arts & Culture

Be inspired by Warwickshire’s rich arts and culture which embraces the modern and contemporary, as well as historical treasures. Take in the works of Shakespeare with a performance of one of his plays at one of the Royal Shakespeare Theatres in Stratford-upon-Avon, or learn more about the mysterious and exciting life of theatre behind the scenes with a backstage tour by the Royal Shakespeare Company. Peruse the galleries of Compton Verney and take in the famous parklands that were created by the legendary landscape artist Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown. Revisit the locations that inspired and were lovingly painted in words by literary legends Jane Austen at Stoneleigh Abbey, and George Elliot in North Warwickshire and Nuneaton. 

Out & About 

The warmer months present the perfect opportunity for boat trips along the River Avon with Avon Boating, where you can join a chartered cruise or hire out your own rowing boat for a leisurely trip along the waters beside the Royal Shakespeare Theatre and Holy Trinity Church. Enjoy a nostalgic steam train ride from Birmingham to Stratford-upon-Avon aboard the Shakespeare Express. Lace up your walking boots and explore the Warwickshire countryside with a wander along a choice of Kenilworth Trails with themed options for all tastes from nature to history and even romance. If you prefer a guided commentary, join a walking tour around the historic streets of Stratford-upon-Avon with Stratford Town Walk or discover the beautiful honey-coloured towns and villages of the Cotswolds on a guided minibus tour with family-run Go Cotswolds.

Food & Drink

Discover how to craft the perfect gin with a tour of the Shakespeare Distillery on the outskirts of Stratford-upon-Avon. Join a gin tasting experience, or attend a rum workshop at their town centre tasting room Judith’s (named after Shakespeare’s daughter who married a wine merchant in the town). Just along the road in Leamington Spa is the Warwickshire Gin Company where you can join a gin tasting experience and learn the story of their artisan gins which are named after local legends and points of interest. If ale is more to your taste, pay a visit to Purity, a Warwickshire based micro-brewery with a big following where tours and tastings are available on selected dates. 

With an outstanding attraction to suit everyone, Warwickshire is the perfect destination for a day visit or a short break. Use our attraction guide below and What’s On pages to start planning your adventures today.

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Famous for its magnificent castle, superb specialist and independent shops, historic charm and a fantastic range of places to eat & drink.

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Collegiate Church of St Mary

St Mary’s is a beautiful church that dominates Warwick’s skyline. Not to be missed during your visit, take in the Church’s rich history and marvel at the magnificent 15th century Beauchamp Chapel.

Hill Close Gardens

A delightful network of individual Victorian gardens separated by high hedges. Summerhouses, gnarled old fruit trees, heritage flowers and vegetables welcome the visitor to this tranquil spot.

Lord Leycester Hospital and Master’s Garden

Beautiful 14th and 15th century timber-framed buildings clustered around the Norman gateway into Warwick.

Market Hall Museum

Market Hall Museum is located in the Market Hall, a 17th-century landmark in the heart of Warwick. Here you’ll find displays on the geology, natural history and early history of the county.

Saltisford Canal Trust

Colourful canal urban fringe park, run by local charity on the Saltisford Arm of the Grand Union Canal. A tranquil green oasis with a contemplation area and sensory garden.

The Fusilier Museum Warwick

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What to do in Warwick: A One Day Itinerary

Last Updated on 25/04/2023

Warwickshire’s county town, Warwick, is a place with a fascinating history. With 15 centuries of history to take in, we’ve highlighted the key attractions you must visit when you’re looking for what to do in Warwick for a day.

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Find out more  here .

Where: Warwick, Warwickshire, United Kingdom

Why go: Warwick is a town with a lot of history. First founded in the 6 th Century AD, the town has been inhabited ever since. As a result, it has some incredible sights you can visit to learn more about this market town.

How to get there: Warwick is easily accessible by car via the M1, M5, M6, M40, and M42. Leave the M40 at junction 15 and take the A429 to Warwick. Warwick town center is just a few minutes’ walk from the train station. Birmingham International Airport is the closest major airport to Warwick.

What to do in Warwick: Itinerary

Here are our top 3 recommended attractions when you’re wondering what to do in Warwick for a day.

Warwick Castle

You can’t even contemplate a visit to Warwick without visiting Warwick Castle. In fact, we’d recommend starting your visit here.

Warwick Castle is a medieval castle that was developed from a wooden fort, originally built by William the Conqueror during 1068. Today it is a grand fortress and fantastic attraction for visitors of all ages. It tells the history of the town itself, from the 6 th Century AD to the present day.

We’d recommend starting your tour by taking a stroll along the towers and battlements. From here, you are treated to some stunning views of the town. Be warned though, the walk does involve some steep, spiral steps and you are required to follow a one-way system.

Once you have completed the battlements walk, you can journey back to 1471 in the Kingmaker exhibition. This clever reconstruction of the period follows Richard Neville as he prepares for battle. You really get immersed in the display that re-created the streets and rooms of the period and used life-sized mannequins and atmospheric music.

Within the main building of the castle, you can admire the grandeur of the Great Hall and State Rooms. You can also gain a glimpse of how the other half lives by joining the aristocracy of 1898 at a lavish party.

The Time Tower exhibition is an immersive audio-visual experience that presents the full history of the town and the castle. It is a great way to gain a full picture of the history of the place through informative and interesting videos and displays.

Beyond the castle buildings, you can also explore the Conqueror’s Fortress, the oldest remaining feature in the castle. There is also the beautiful Peacock Garden where you are likely to be greeted by some feathered friends!

As well as the castle itself, there are various informative shows throughout the day. Falconry shows, archery, jousting and trebuchet demonstrations all take place at various times during the year. These shows cater to all ages and you are sure to leave having learned something new.

For an additional charge, you can visit the Castle Dungeon. This walk-through experience featuring live actors isn’t one for the faint-hearted!

Lord Leycester Hospital

For your second stop in Warwick, head to Lord Leycester Hospital. Lord Leycester Hospital is located on High Street and is one of the best-preserved examples of medieval courtyard architecture in England.

The building has never been used as a medical institution. Instead, it is a home for local retired servicemen and their wives. These brothers act as guides for guests, and upon arrival, you will be greeted by one, who will give you an introduction to the building and its history.

The first stop on your tour after the introduction is the chapel. This ancient chapel is stunning to behold. Be sure to look above the door through which you entered to see the small stained-glass window by William Morris.

After the chapel, make your way into the impressive Great Hall. The Hall has changed very little in appearance since the 1300s. It was designed to be used by the Guilds for public functions and this continues to this day.

Following the Great Hall, the tour will take you to the Guildhall, via the courtyard. The Guildhall features a display of historical items that Brethren have donated including a large collection of weaponry from various historical periods.

As you pass, we’d recommend stopping in the Brethren’s Kitchen for a spot of lunch. There is a great selection of homemade foods for lunch, including the best scones we’ve ever eaten!

After lunch, finish your visit in the gardens. The knot garden is a small garden that was designed to commemorate the millennium. This is followed by the beautiful Master’s Garden, which comprises of a lawn, summerhouse, pineapple pit, and an impressive nileometer.

There is so much to see at Lord Leycester Hospital. It is easy to pass a couple of hours at least soaking in the history. The Brethren are incredibly knowledgeable and are happy to answer all of your questions.

St Mary’s Church

St Mary’s Church is located in the center of the town and it is visible from almost everywhere, making it an icon of the town.

This stunning church was built almost 900 years ago. It was created by Roger de Beaumont, 2nd Earl of Warwick, in 1123.

The original church was almost completely destroyed by the great fire of Warwick in 1693. The church was rebuilt in 1704 in the Gothic style.

Entry to the church is free, but donations are encouraged. Upon entering you will be provided with an information sheet, which will guide you around the church and highlight points of interest.

Other ideas:

If you have some extra time and you would like to explore more of the local area, why not include day trips to the following towns on your trip:

• Stratford-Upon-Avon : visit the birthplace of the world’s most famous bard and explore what William Shakespeare’s life was like in his hometown.
• Royal Leamington Spa : this historic spa town has some beautiful parks, museums, and shops that are well worth a visit.
• Cotswolds : see the pretty villages of the Cotswolds first-hand and fall in love with the quintessential English countryside.

What to do in Warwick

So we’ve outlined all of our favorite attractions in Warwick, but which ones are on your list to visit? Let us know in the comments!

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If you like our guide of what to see in Warwick, be sure to follow Get Lost on Pinterest . That’s where we’ll be sharing all our great UK travel itineraries .

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Hello, I’m Hannah! I’m a writer and photographer who loves experiencing the wonders of Yorkshire. My guides will help you escape from your daily routine by showing you that you don’t have to go far to find an adventure.

35 thoughts on “What to do in Warwick: A One Day Itinerary”

I love touring castles, so this Warwick Castle is right up my alley. The gardens would also interest me. Are there a lot of peacocks in the Peacock Garden even in the cold weather?

Yes, there were a lot of peacocks roaming around and even a family of them with some babies! They all seemed quite at home despite the cold weather!

Now I’m sad we’re leaving England tomorrow! We can keep this for next year though, it looks amazing. My partner’s family live in Oxfordshire so we should make more effort next time to explore a bit more. The castle looks really beautiful!

Hi Jenni, we hope you’ve enjoyed your visit to the UK! Warwick is definitely worth squeezing in a trip if you get a chance when you’re next here. It’s also really close to Stratford-Upon-Avon and the Cotswolds so you can see several beautiful places in one trip.

Warwick is awesome – I visited once quite a while back but I realise I missed quite a lot now! I’ll have to go back for sure. Thanks for sharing 🙂

We were pleasantly surprised by how much Warwick had to offer! So much so we went back for an extra visit because we loved it so much. It is definitely worth a day of exploration to take it all in!

Oh this looks like such an adorable place! When I return back home to Europe, I plan on going backpacking in the UK. Definitely adding this to the list of places to visit!

Warwick is well worth a visit. It is beautiful and has so much history to take in. It’s also really close to Stratford-Upon-Avon and the Cotswolds so you can see several beautiful places on a short trip.

Great post! I’d love to explore more of the UK – I’ve only been to Belfast, London, and Edinburgh! Krystianna @ Volumes and Voyages

The UK has some wonderful little towns that are worth exploring and aren’t your typical tourist attractions. Even living here we’re constantly discovering new places to explore!

I have yet to visit Warwick, but it really seems like a classic European destination. I love the beautiful village and the warm interior of the castle. Very very cool. My husband would really love this place.

Warwick is really lovely. It has so much more to see than we first expected! The castle is a great attraction with so much to see and do!

This is such a great itinerary! I didn’t know there was so much to do here and now I really want to go see the Warwick Castle! Thanks for sharing so many great things to do and see!

Warwick has so much more to offer than we first thought! Especially the castle, you could easily spend a day in summer viewing it all and seeing all of the activities. It is well worth a visit!

Warwick seems like a really interesting destination with a lot of things to do. Thanks for all the tips, I would never know about it if I wouldn’t see your post!

We think Warwick is a great place for a day trip! The UK has so many fantastic little towns that are well worth a visit. We hope you get an opportunity to visit!

I love all of the old architecture here! I’d love to especially check out Warwick Castle as I have a thing for castles 🙂

The castle is stunning and has so many wonderful exhibitions and things to see!

While the castle is famous, I didn’t know about Lord Leycester Hospital. The building is stunning and I’d love to admire it up close! Cool itinerary!

Lord Leycester Hospital is beautiful. We nearly missed out on a visit as the BBC was wrapping up filming A Christmas Carol when we first went. We’re so glad we re-planed our schedule to go back!

I had no idea Warwick was like this? I love history and architecture so this is the kind of places I like to visit. Plus the city seems to have lots of interesting things to do. I shall add it to my UK bucket list. Thanks for sharing!

The Uk has some fantastic little towns so full of history. York is another one of our favorites! The advantage of a trip to Warwick is the location as it is so close to Stratford-Upon-Avon and the Cotswolds so you can cram a lot of places into a short visit! We hope you get a chance to see Warwick in person.

Omg! Those castles are so dreamy! How have I never heard of this place!? Thanks for sharing girl!

The castle is stunning! It is well worth a visit. We’re glad you like the post!

I LOVE Warwick Castle!! I went there a few times as a kid, as some of my family was from Stratford-upon-Avon so I spent a lot of time there. But weirdly, I don’t think I ever actually went into Warwick itself. I’ll have to check it out next time! That chapel is beautiful!

Warwick castle was amazing…there was so much to see and do! Warwick really surprised us, if you go there we’d definitely recommend a visit to Lord Leycester Hospital. It was a wonderful experience from start to finish!

I’ve only ever been to London (and very briefly), but there’s so much else I’d love to see in the UK. That castle, for starters!

The castle is stunning! We’d definitely recommend a visit if you get a chance! The UK has some beautiful places. As amazing as London is there are many other places worth exploring if you make another visit!

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Thought about going to Warwick Castle, but found that to enter on the day is £39 + £8 for dungeon pass….so for my wife and I it would cost £94…absolutley ridiculous !!!!!!!!!!!

You need to update your site with these prices.

Thanks for the heads up Gordon, it has been quite some time since I last visited. I’ve removed the prices to avoid any future confusion!

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TOP 40+ Fun Things to do in Warwickshire (The Ultimate List for 2023)

• Posted by by Elle-Rose
• Updated: October 26, 2023
• 10 minute read

Are you looking for fun things to do in Warwickshire this year? If so – this list should give you loads of ideas!

If you’re heading for a staycation or a day trip to Warwickshire this year, you’re probably on the look out for new things to do in Warwickshire or places to explore.

If that sounds like you – this list should give you plenty of inspiration!

Warwickshire is a big county and there’s a huge variety of activities and day trips there! From mini themes parks, to markets, and castles… Warwickshire has it all!

So, let’s get started on our list of the best things to do in Warwickshire!

St Nicholas Park

First up on our list of things to do in Warwickshire – it’s Warwick’s main park.

St Nicholas Park has something for everyone, so it’s a fun place to visit for the whole family!

Whether you want to set the kids up in the playground or want to walk around and enjoy nature, it’s a fun thing to do in Warwickshire that also happens to be completely free!

Stratford-upon-Avon Butterfly Farm

One of our favorite fun things to do in Warwickshire is to pay a visit to the Stratford-upon-Avon Butterfly Farm.

Home to the UK’s largest tropical butterfly population, it’s a must-visit if you’re in the area. Just don’t be surprised if a butterfly lands on you – consider it a blessing! 

Hatton Adventure World

Hatton Adventure World is an immensely fun option for things to do in Warwickshire for families.

With so many animals to meet, just be sure to leave plenty of time in the day to enjoy this place!

Young children absolutely adore the tractor safari, and older kids can even bet on the Grand National sheep race. Gamble responsibly kids. 

Rush Trampoline Park

Trampolining isn’t just for little ones – Rush Trampoline Park knows that trampolining is a fun thing to in Warwickshire for those big kids too!

This 35,000 square foot trampoline has it all, with everything from jumping sessions to intense dodgeball on offer! This is a great option for things to do in Warwickshire, especially on a rainy day!

Warwick Castle

Warwick Castle is one of the top fun things to do in Warwickshire.

Not only does the castle offer a great deal of historical information to its visitors, but it also hosts cool seasonal events and ghost tours that really take that fun (and fear) factor to the next level!

It’s a perfect day out for families with kids, and it’s well worth the ticket price too! Don’t miss out on this – it’s something everyone in your group will enjoy!

Read more: The best castles in England to visit

Hatton Locks

Hatton Locks is a gorgeous option for things to do in Warwickshire.

It’s basically a beautiful walkway alongside some of Warwickshire’s canals… there are so many canal locks along the waterway, and it makes for a gorgeous stroll, and perfect picnic spot.

Warwick Mini Golf

Warwick mini golf is next on my list of things to do in Warwickshire! Mini golf is always a fun thing to do, and this awesome 18-hole course varies in difficulty the whole way round.

So, whether you’re a total beginner or a seasoned golf pro, this place is well worth a visit! Just be careful not to get too competitive. 

Tenpin Leamington Spa

Bowling is another activity that is always a great idea, and it’s next on my list of things to do in Warwickshire.

At Tenpin Leamington Spa, you’ll find 26 lanes open to bowl in, so you certainly won’t find yourself struggling to book a spot!

Both cheap and entertaining, this is a great fun thing to do in Warwickshire that will be a treat for the whole family. 

Visit Warwick

Next on my list of the best things to do in Warwickshire, it’s Warwick! Warwick is the town that Warwickshire is named for – and it’s a pretty lovely little town to explore and stroll around.

Take a stroll up to the church, look around the shops, and enjoy a pint in one of the many pub’s beer gardens.

Jephson Gardens

Jephson Gardens are next on my list of the best things to do in Warwickshire. Jephson Gardens are a really beautifully landscaped park in the heart of Leamington Spa.

There’s a sensory Garden for the kids to enjoy, and a great little cafe that do the best cakes and brownies!

Stratford-Upon-Avon

Stratford-Upon-Avon is one of the most gorgeous towns in Warwickshire. As far as things to do in Warwickshire go… this is one of the best ways to spend a day.

There’s so much to do… From shopping, to history tours, and theatres – it’s jam packed with activities.

Children’s Play Village

When it comes to fun things to do in Warwickshire, this is a great choice for kids. Children’s Play Village is one of the best indoor play centers in Warwick, and it features 12 different areas that kids can get stuck into.

Whether they fancy dressing up as an aspiring superstar or want to try out being a make-believe vet, this play village is the perfect way to encourage imaginative play in little ones. 

TeamSport Indoor Karting Coventry

Go Karting is always a good idea, and it’s one of the most fun things to do in Warwickshire! So why not head down to TeamSport for a heart-stopping good time?

Even if you’ve never raced before, you’ll be able to pick things up with guidance from the karting pros. 

Chesterton Windmill

There’s not much to see at Chesterton Windmill, other than the windmill itself. But if you’re looking for a nice walk in Warwickshire, then this ticks the boxes!

There are also beautiful panoramic views across Warwickshire from up here too!

Shopping in Leamington Spa

If you’re looking for a bit of retail therapy, then have a stroll around Leamington Spa! Leamington has all the best high street stores; such as M&S, Flying Tiger, Oliver Bonas, Boots, Matalan, etc – and lots of independent stores too.

If you fancy a nice laid back day, this is a good choice for things to do in Warwickshire. If you fancy spending longer in Leamington Spa, here are 22 things to do in Leamington Spa .

Abbey Fields (in Kenilworth)

Next on my list of things to do in Warwickshire, it’s another beautiful park. Abbey Fields in Kenilworth is a beautiful park with loads of offer for things to do.

Aside from the obvious (walking around and enjoying the scenery) there’s also a leisure centre and a big play park for kids.

It’s a lovely park and one of the best in the county – so definitely pay it a visit if you can. It’s one of the nicest things to do in Warwickshire.

Planet Ice Coventry

Planet Ice Coventry is next on my list of things to do in Warwickshire. It is a great skating rink (if you hadn’t guessed!) that’s great for both beginner skaters and more advanced skaters.

If you’re coming with the kids, consider renting them a penguin buddy to prevent any nasty bumps and bruises from the inevitable falls! 

Next on my list of things to do in Warwickshire, it’s Go Ape. If you’re after some action and adventure, then Go Ape is the place to be.

Covering 500 acres of parkland, Go Ape is an amazing obstacle course with wobbly bridges, crossings, and a zip wire to finish things off! So, if you’re travelling with adventurous tykes, then be sure to book in! 

Stratford Armouries

If you’re interested in World War Two, then be sure to head down to Stratford Armouries to learn more. Located on the outskirts of Stratford-upon-Avon, this museum contains a world-class collection of Arms and Armour for you to check out!

Mallory Court Spa

Mallory Court is a spa hotel on the outskirts of Leamington Spa and Warwick – and it’s a lovely place for some TLC and pampering. Book yourself in for a treatment and enjoy some time to yourself.

It’s a great choice for things to do in Warwickshire if you’re a couple or solo, and want some time to relax and unwind.

Shakespeare’s Birthplace

How could I write a list of things to do in Warwickshire, without mentioning Shakespeare’s birthplace.

If you want to do something both fun and historical while in Warwickshire, then you absolutely need to visit Shakespeare’s birthplace in Stratford Upon Avon.

I mean, who doesn’t want to see where the Bard himself was brought up?! Stratford is a great place to visit in general – so make sure you take time to visit the entire town.

The Bear Grylls Adventure

If you’re wanting to take a walk on the wild side but you don’t want to get too outlandish, then you should check out The Bear Grylls Adventure.

Offering everything from climbing to high ropes, this adrenaline-filled spot absolutely deserves a place on our list of 30 fun things to do in Warwickshire. 

Anne Hathaway’s Cottage

Located about a mile and a half from Stratford-upon-Avon, Anne Hathaway’s Cottage is next on my list of things to do in Warwickshire. It is a must-visit spot for all literature lovers heading to Warwickshire.

The cottage has become famous for its romantic connection to Shakespeare (Anne Hathaway was his wife after all!), and it’s also just a gorgeous little spot to visit if nothing else!

Boating in Stratford-Upon-Avon

One of the most fun things to do in Warwickshire is to take a boat out on the River Avon. Whether you want to hire a canoe, a rowboat or even an outboard motorboat, you’ll be able to do so from The Boathouse at Swans Nest Lane. Just don’t fall in!

Packwood House

Packwood House is next on my list of things to do in Warwickshire. It is the place to be if you love vegetables, herbs, fruit, and flowers. With over 100 topiary trees and a mix of wonderful garden flowers and vegetables, this is a horticultural wonderland. 

Compton Verney

Compton Verney is an excellent place to visit for the whole family and a great option for things to do in Warwickshire. With an adventure playground, nature trails, arty activities, and discovery rooms on offer, you’ll have no issue spending a whole afternoon here! There’s no pre-booking required, so just turn up and enjoy the fun. 

Draycote Water Country Park

Next on my list of things to do in Warwickshire, it’s Draycote Water Country Park. If you fancy a day out by the water, it’s a great place for a picnic and a lovely place for a stroll!

Wacky Warehouse Solihull

If you’re looking for things to do in Warwickshire with kids, then you’ll want to head to the Wacky Warehouse in Solihull. This place is absolutely packed with colorful play equipment, and it’s sure to keep kids aged 6 months to 10 years occupied for hours. Bliss. 

The MAD Museum

Interactive exhibits are always fun, and the MAD Museum takes that to the next level! Located on Henley Street, this mechanical art venue that promotes science, technology, engineering, art, maths, and design will entertain both adults and kids for hours on end. It’s a really cool choice for things to do in Warwickshire.

British Motor Museum

Next on my list of things to do in Warwickshire, it’s the British Motor Museum . If you’re a fan of cars, then you absolutely need to add the British Motor Museum to your itinerary.

Home to over 300 classic cars, the British Motor Museum is the place to visit if you want to pick out your dream ride. As the museum also offers free tours and family activities, it’s absolutely worth the price of admission. 

Mary Arden’s Farm

Another Shakespeare-themed spot that we highly recommend adding to your list of things to do in Warwickshire is Mary Arden’s Farm.

Though this place does have historical significance (it was the farmhouse of Shakespeare’s mother), it’s main draw is the awesome farmyard that showcases century-old architecture. Trust us, it’s awesome to see and a great option for things to do in Warwickshire.

Charlecote Park

Another amazing National Trust property that we think is well worth a visit in the Warwickshire area is Charlecote Park . Though it’s essentially just a country house, it’s SO enormous and grand that it genuinely needs to be seen to be believed.

Get ready to feel as though you’re on the set of a period drama, so if you’re into Bridgerton or Downton Abbey, then visiting here should certainly be on your list of things to do in Warwickshire.

Henly-in-Arden

Next on my list of things to do in Warwickshire, it’s Henly-in-Arden. Henly-in-Arden is a gorgeous little village, and whilst there’s not much to do there other than stroll around and enjoy the scenery – if that’s the kind of thing you love, then you’ll love visiting Henly-in-Arden. Grab a drink at a local cafe, and sit back people watching!

Coventry Cathedral

Coventry Cathedral is absolutely stunning. So, we think that paying it a visit is one of the most fun things to do in Warwickshire (we’re totally serious!). What we love about Coventry Cathedral is that you can see both the dramatic ruins and the New Cathedral that was built following its destruction during the WWII. It really is a sight to behold. Things to do in Warwickshire.

Kenilworth Castle

Another castle on our list of things to do in Warwickshire! Kenilworth Castle might not be as well-preserved as Warwick Castle, but it’s equal in character, charm and history. Team your visit to Kenilworth Castle with a trip to Abbey Fields (mentioned earlier on this list) as they’re really close together!

Warwick Market

Next on my list of things to do in Warwickshire, it’s the Warwick Market. It takes place every Saturday morning, and it’s a great place to pick up local food and drinks and produce.

Compton Verney Art Gallery

If you love art, then you’ll want to visit the Compton Verney Art Gallery . Featuring world-class art exhibitions (and even an outdoor playground for restless kids), this is a cultural spot that we feel is more than worth a look-in. 

Afternoon tea at the Woodside Hotel

There’s nothing better than a great afternoon tea, so we decided to include a place on our list of things to do in Warwickshire. One of the most fun and sophisticated things that you can do in Warwickshire is to indulge in afternoon tea at the Woodside Hotel. The tea features scones, sandwiches, and delectable patisserie, so we can pretty much guarantee that you won’t be disappointed. 

Maize Maze at The Cotswold Farm Park

Mazes are awesome, and the only thing better than a hedge maze, is a maize maze. The Cotswold Farm maze is next on our list of things to do in Warwickshire! The Cotswold Farm Park hosts a great Maize Maze every summer, so if you’re in the area be sure to book in and try to work your way out!

Read more: The most scenic places to visit in the Cotswolds

West Midlands Safari Park 

If you can’t make it on an African Safari, then the West Midlands Safari Park is a great substitute. This Safari Park is home to some of the world’s most beautiful and endangered animals. Not only does it give kids and adults alike a great day out, but it will give you greater appreciation for endangered species too. 

The Warwick Market Hall Museum

The Warwick Market Hall Museum is a great choice for kids in Warwick, so it had to make our list of things to do in Warwickshire. It’s a fun museum, but it’s not huge – so it’ll only take an hour or so to explore!

Baddesley Clinton

Last on my list of things to do in Warwickshire, it’s Baddesley Clinton . A beautiful stately home with grounds – this is a perfect place to explore on a sunny day with your walking boots on!

Hopefully this list of things to do in Warwickshire has given you lots of suggestions and inspiration!

Warwickshire is really huge, so finding fun things to do in Warwickshire isn’t difficult. These 40 things to do in Warwickshire are only a snippet of what’s on offer! Have fun!

If you’re visiting the UK this year and want more ideas and inspiration, take a read of these other blog posts too!

• Amazing things to do and see in Bourton-on-the-Water
• What is the nicest town in Cornwall? Here are my top 10 locations
• How to spend a weekend in Bath (and why I love it so much!)
• What is the best way to see the Scottish Highlands?
• 35 fun things do in Somerset
• 35 things to do in Windsor
• Is West Wittering Beach the best beach in the UK?

Elle-Rose is the owner and editor of The World and Then Some! She has been a professional travel writer for over 12 years, writing for many different publications, including this one. Elle-Rose is a city break expert, and she specializes in popular locations such as NYC, London, Las Vegas and Dubai, regularly visiting to stay on top of new attractions, restaurants and hotels. Elle-Rose is super active on TikTok (@theworldandthensome), and loves filming video content in the cities she visits - so go and say hello!

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• Top 10 reasons to visit Coventry and Warwickshire
• Destinations
• Coventry and Warwickshire

By John Siddle

There are many reasons to visit Coventry and Warwickshire, but here are the top 10. 

There is plenty to attract families and kids of all ages here. Who wouldn’t want to have a butterfly land on you at Stratford Butterfly Farm or pet a guinea pig at Hatton Country World ?

Nature lovers won’t be short of activities in Coventry and Warwickshire!

City of culture

Coventry is the winner of the 2021 UK City of Culture and is getting ready to gear up for its moment in the spotlight. Best to visit now before the crowds arrive. England’s ninth largest city is only an hour away by train to London.

The story of Lady Godiva parading through the streets of Coventry in only her birthday suit and the mischievous Peeping Tom has been passed down through the generations. So much so there’s a statue and kitsch – but much-loved – moving clock in the town centre that depicts the scene on the hour, every hour.

More than a few musicians have been born and bred in this region. The Specials, The Enemy, and even Pete Waterman, a Coventry native himself, launched the careers of household names such as Kylie Minogue. Music is still at the heart of the Coventry Godiva Festival, held every year.

An automobile heritage

Once upon a time Coventry was the car manufacturing capital of the world. This automobile theme still continues with two impressive museums (The Transport Museum in Coventry and the British Motor Museum in Gaydon) dedicated to the two, three and four-wheeled vehicles produced here.

History galore

In Warwick Castle – built in 1068 – Warwickshire boasts one of the most impressive medieval structures in the country. In Coventry’s medieval Spon Street, Kenilworth’s incredible castle and the Lunt Roman Fort there’s plenty for history buffs to soak up.

Literary greats

William Shakespeare’s birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon brings in 10 million visitors each year and supports 11,000 jobs in the area. Wandering around the thatched roofs and timber clad buildings you could be in the middle of one of his sonnets. The literary theme continues with Poet Laureate Phillip Larkin, who was born in Radford, Coventry.

The historic rugby team Wasps date back to 1867 but their move from London to Coventry in 2014 means the locals claim them as their own. They regularly offer top-class sporting entertainment at their home in the Ricoh Arena , fitting as the sport originated from Rugby, the second largest town in Warwickshire.

The sport of Rugby was invented in its namesake, Rugby, Warwickshire

The white regency buildings of The Parade in Leamington Spa or the buzzing Lower Precinct in Coventry have all the high street and boutique stores you will need. If you’re after something a little more homegrown then visit one of the many of the historic market towns to pick up a bargain.

Wander around the large War Memorial Park in Coventry, have a paddle in the outside paddling pool of St Nicholas’ Park, Warwick, or soak up the flora and fauna of Jephson Gardens. Tree hugging optional.

Read more about Coventry and Warwickshire

Image credits: ©British Motor Museum; Coventry Transport Museum; Mischa Haller/ScottDavis2/stock.adobe.com; Stratford Butterfly Farm

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