Hear 1000 years of Warwick history on this 90 minute walking tour. Discover England’s history, from the Normans, to the Victorians and more!
Hilarious, historic and endlessly interesting; The Warwick History Walk reveals more
Warwick has existed for over 1000 years, starting as a Saxon “burh”, before becoming a Norman stronghold. But hints of Tudor, Georgian and Victorian history remain on its streets today, and on this tour, all that history and more is revealed.
You’ll visit historic locations, hear about famous faces from history, and learn the secrets hiding in plain sight in Warwick.
Best of all, this tour includes an opportunity to photograph Warwick Castle from its most famous position; the one you see on all the postcards and magazines!
What connection do JRR Tolkien and Frank Sinatra have with Warwick? Why were the Earls of Warwick so feared? And how did the Great Fire of Warwick actually benefit the town?
All this and more is revealed on this guided tour of Warwick.
The Route
1. West Gate – Warwick’s Medieval Entrance
We begin at West Gate, one of the original entrances to medieval Warwick. Here you’ll be introduced to the town’s Saxon origins, the role of Aethflaed (daughter of Alfred the Great), and how Warwick developed as a fortified settlement long before the castle existed.
2. St Mary’s Immaculate Church
A short walk brings us to Warwick’s Catholic church, where we explore one of the town’s most remarkable personal stories — the marriage of J.R.R. Tolkien and Edith Bratt during the First World War, and how Warwick influenced one of the world’s most famous authors.
3. Lord Leycester Hospital
Next, we visit the exterior of the Lord Leycester Hospital, one of England’s finest surviving examples of Tudor architecture. You’ll hear how this complex evolved from a medieval chapel into a charitable home for former soldiers — a role it still fulfils today.
4. Warwick Arms Hotel
We continue to the Warwick Arms Hotel, the oldest hotel in Warwickshire. Originally a coaching inn, it has hosted travellers, writers, military leaders, and performers for over 400 years, including Mark Twain and Admiral Nelson.
5. The Historic Crossroads
At Warwick’s central crossroads, we pause to examine the Georgian buildings that rose from the ashes of the Great Fire of 1694. This stop highlights Warwick’s recovery, classical architecture, and civic ambition.
6. Oken House (Oken Tea Rooms)
Here we stop outside Oken House, once the home of Thomas Oken — mayor, merchant, and benefactor. Learn how his actions helped preserve key buildings in Warwick and how his legacy continues to support the town centuries later.
7. The Almshouses
Just steps away are historic almshouses, rebuilt after the Great Fire and still providing housing today. This stop explores medieval charity, social welfare, and how Warwick cared for its poorer residents.
8. Castle Gates & Mill Street
We arrive at the former horse and carriage entrance to Warwick Castle and look towards Mill Street, one of the town’s oldest roads. This is where Warwick’s relationship with the castle, the river, and trade comes into focus.
9. St Nicholas’ Church
We pause at St Nicholas’ Church, rebuilt in the 18th century but standing on a much older Saxon site. Here you’ll hear about Viking raids and Warwick’s early religious history.
10. Landor House
On Gerrard Street, we stop at Landor House to meet one of Warwick’s most outspoken residents, writer Walter Savage Landor, and hear how the Great Fire of Warwick affected this part of the town.
11. Eastgate – The Eastern Entrance
Next, we pass through Eastgate, Warwick’s second surviving medieval gateway. This stop focuses on trade, religion, and how people and goods were controlled as they entered the town.
12. The Old Court House
Returning to the town centre, we stop at the Old Court House, once home to Warwick’s magistrates. Learn how justice was administered and how the building continues to serve the town today.
13. Warwick Gaol & Cell Door
Beside the court house, we examine the site of Warwick’s gaol and surviving cell door. This stop explains how prisoners were held, tried, and punished in the past.
14. Market Square – Tour Conclusion
We finish in Warwick’s Market Square, where markets have been held for over 700 years. The tour concludes with the story of the Mop Fair — a medieval hiring fair that still survives today as one of Warwick’s longest-running traditions.