Warwick holds over 1000 years of history, from its early days as a Saxo settlement fighting off the Vikings, through its years as a key location in the Wars of the Roses and to now, as a quaint market town filled with great cafes, tea rooms and shops.
But Warwick has plenty of exciting attractions and activities covering its fantastic history, that each make a day or weekend in the town a must for any lover of British history.
Find the best things to do in Warwick below.
The Lord Leycester Hospital
This incredible looking Tudor building reopened in 2023 after undergoing a long period of refurbishment, and it does not disappoint. First opened nearly 500 years ago by Robert Dudley, the Earl of Leicester, The Lord Leycester Hospital was an almshouse for ex-soldiers to rest, recuperate and live after serving in battle.
Centuries later, that is still the case. Now it is part museum, part café, part living quarters for men and women who have served in the armed forces.
As you wander round the ancient rooms and corridors, you will meet the “Brethren”, which is the name given to the people in the Lord Leycester.
The Hospital remains one of Warwick’s oldest buildings and a fantastic example of Tudor architecture, having being used as a filming location for TV & Film, including the BBC’s A Christmas Carol.
Find out more about the Lord Leycester Hospital
The Warwickshire Yeomanry Museum
The Warwickshire Yeomanry Museum in Warwick is entirely managed by volunteers through a Charitable Trust, dedicated to preserving the heritage and shared memories of those who served with the Warwickshire Yeomanry. This ensures that both present and future generations can appreciate the significance of the past through the exploration of its history. Covering the period from 1794 to 1956, the Museum houses a comprehensive collection of uniforms, weapons, medals, and memorabilia associated with the Warwickshire Yeomanry.
The Warwickshire Yeomanry, alongside the Worcestershire Yeomanry (Queen’s Own Worcestershire Hussars), played a crucial role in the Affair of Huj on November 8, 1917. This event marked the final unsupported Cavalry Charge of the Great War in Palestine, famously captured in Lady Butler’s painting, prominently displayed in the Warwickshire Yeomanry Museum. Additionally, a 75mm Krupps Gun, seized during the same day’s action, is showcased as part of the exhibition.
Having demonstrated valor in both World Wars, the Warwickshire Yeomanry Regiment has a proud history of service and distinction, all of which is meticulously preserved and presented at the museum in Warwick.
Find about more about the Warwickshire Yeomanry Museum
The Fusilier Museum, Warwick
Explore the hidden gem that is the Fusilier Museum Warwick, now located in a new building in Warwick!
Delve into the rich history of the Royal Warwickshire Regiment spanning over 350 years, from its establishment in 1674 to the present-day Fusiliers. The recently relocated museum vividly brings the past to life, recounting the personal stories of local soldiers involved in conflicts, including those in Northern Ireland, Bosnia, and Afghanistan.
With a family-friendly atmosphere, the newly curated museum features two rooms showcasing a fascinating collection of uniforms, weapons, medals, and personal items such as diaries and letters. A highlight is the brand NEW replica WW1 trench, providing an immersive experience for all visitors. The exhibits also cover diverse topics, including the regimental mascot Bobby, the remarkable story of Hannah Snell who disguised herself as a male soldier, Euan Lucie-Smith, the first officer of mixed heritage in the British Army during WW1, and renowned Field Marshals from WW2 – Montgomery and Slim.
Take a closer look at Bairnsfather cartoons, listen to veterans’ experiences of D-Day, and uncover the personal narratives behind the medals from both World Wars. The museum’s opening hours vary, so be sure to check the website for further details before planning your visit.
Find out more about the Fusilier Museum
Warwick’s Outdoor Escape Game
What if you could turn the entire town of Warwick into a live escape game? Well, with the Questo app, that’s exactly what you can do!
Dark Warwick is the name of the escape game that takes exclusively on the streets of Warwick. Players download the app to their phone, choose the game and the begin. You can play single player, in teams or compete on different devices!
The game works by getting you to visit famous locations in Warwick. At each spot, there will be a puzzle, with the answer related to your surroundings. Search high and low for clues, and once you think you have the answer, type it into your phone. Correct answers earn you points and unlock a story from history that took place on that spot.
The game can be downloaded and played any day, any time, though it’s recommended you play later in the day when things get spookier.
Find out more about Warwick’s Outdoor Escape Game
Mill Garden in Warwick
Down on Mill Street in Warwick, behind Warwick Castle, is a secret garden that’s open to the public at select times throughout the year.
This stunning garden not only contains a gorgeous array of flowers and plantlife, but it offers unique views of Warwick Castle by the River Avon.
No daytrip to Warwick in spring or summer is complete without a trip to this magnificent garden, just make sure you have your camera on you for some snaps!
Warwick Castle
The most famous landmark in the county of Warwickshire. A structure has stood in this spot for over 1000 years, changing from a wooden fort to the grand stone castle there today.
Warwick Castle has everything one might expect from a building straight from a storybook, from clever tour guides to show you round the Victorian parts of the castle, to live actors dressed as Tudor characters, including Queen Elizabeth herself. Falconry shows, archery demonstrations, live jousting, dragon slaying, scare mazes, light trails and even a dungeon; there’s s much to do as Warwick Castle throughout the year.
Our tip? Don’t make it the ONLY thing you do. Once you’ve visited the castle, you’ll need to check out everything else on this list to truly fall in love with Warwick.
Find out more about Warwick Castle
The Weird Walk of Warwick
Warwick’s newest attraction is already taking the town by storm. A 90-minute walking tour of Warwick, with a strange guide named Warrane Worthington, who reveals the ghost stories, murders, crimes and legends of Warwick with tales that are equal parts terrifying and hilarious.
This tour has received a multitude of 5-star reviews already, with tours starting outside the Lord Leycester Hospital at 7:30pm on selected dates.
If you’re visiting Warwick, this is the number 1 thing you need to do.
Find out more about the Weird Walk of Warwick
Plan your trip to Warwick, England
Looking to visit Warwick? Find out the best time to visit, how to travel here by plane train or automobile, plus lots of other useful information over on KAYAK.
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