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Warwick Travel Guide: 234 reviews and 492 photos
Having answered so many questions about Warwick on VT, I thought it was about time I actually built a page on the place (especially as it's only about 30 minutes drive from my house).
Warwick is a very pleasant, typically English, small market town and deals with its many visitors very well. The castle is, obviously, the main attraction (and well worth the entrance fee, as it is extremely well-presented and an excellent building in its own right) but the town itself offers plenty to see. There are some fascinating buildings, at least one good church and a small, interesting museum housed in the Market Hall (with some good prehistory). In addition, there are a large number of good cafes and pubs, including larger chains (Cafe Nero, Ask) and independents, so you can be sure you will be well fed-and-watered. Plenty of (fairly cheap) parking too, which is a plus point.
Warwick was the seat of the Earls of Leicester, perhaps the most well-known of whom is Robert Dudley, Elizabeth l's favourite (certainly a close friend, probably an [unconsummated] lover). Their sign, a chained bear, appears all over the place and forms part of the coat of arms of Warwickshire.
The town itself (founded in 984 AD) suffered from a major fire in 1694 and thus many of its Medieval buildings no longer survive. Some do, however, most notably Lord Leycester's Hospital. The chapel, built over the Weat Gate to the town, dates from the 14th century. Robert Dudley (as mentioned above) acquired the buildings in 1571 and converted them into a hospital for aged soldiers and/ or their wives. 8 couples still live there.
The Collegiate Church of St Mary is worth a visit; I was surprised at what lay inside, even though visiting old buildings is one of my pleasures. It contains not only perhaps the most twiddly Medieval chantry I have ever seen (chantries were specially built chapels, funded by individuals and incorporating a bequest to ensure prayers were said for that person.....hence the word 'chantry', from 'chanting'). It is extremely pretty, and contains some rather good tombs (of Dudleys, mostly). There is also a tiny, exquisite chapel (the Dean's chapel) which is just big enough to contain 6 people, a crypt which dates back to the original Norman building and (in the crypt) a ducking stool.....never seen one of those before!
So...............worth a wander round Warwick if you've had enough of the castle for one day! Royal Leamington Spa andKenilworth are nearby, and also worth exploring.
- Pros:Brilliant castle in a pleasant small town
- Cons:Castle can get very busy with visitors
- In a nutshell:Superb castle and pleasant historical town
Reviews (18)
Oaken's house
Things to Do
(8)
Built in the late 15th century, this is a typical half-timbered house (and the timbers are the correct colour......black... more travel advice
The West Gate
Things to Do
(8)
A masterpiece of vaulting, strong enough to support a Medieval chapel overhead. The first mention of a chapel is in... more travel advice
Bread shelves
Off The Beaten Path
(10)
For the poor, tucked away in the Collegiate Church of St Mary's. A reminder of Christian charity, and used until very... more travel advice
The Butts
Off The Beaten Path
(10)
You might walk along the road called 'The Butts' but might not be aware of the derivation of the name. In Medieval... more travel advice
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Comments (5)
I used to be dragged off to St Mary's church once a year for school carol services, so never really paid much attention to the building itself. Great non-castle-based page!
I only passed through Warwick on my way to the castle. Now I see from your page that I really have to go there again and visit it.
Excellent page with a lot of interesting historical and linguistic information. Feel rather shy about writing a Warwick page myself after reading this.
I had to visit your page because my village of Pawtuxet is in WARWICK, RHODE ISLAND! Believe the mayors have exchanged things and met over the years.
An area I must get to! I was almost there once in my previous life, but since moving to the UK, it should be a bit easier now! Northward ho...