10 Best Things to Do in Warwick

The formidable Warwick Castle has been keeping out invaders since the 11th century. Must-sees include glittering chandeliers in the castle’s State Rooms and an intimidating collection of swords and armor in the Great Hall. Down in the dungeons, actors in period costume bring the gruesome reality of the War of the Roses to life.

The landscaped gardens were laid out by 'Capability' Brown, and include topiary peacocks and brilliant fountains. On the island is a reconstructed trebuchet, a deadly medieval machine that fired huge stones through the air. Numerous historical shows held at Warwick Castle throughout the year include falconry displays, jousting tournaments, and demonstrations by the castle's resident archer.

St Nicholas' Park is bordered on one side by the River Avon, filled with unusual trees and eye-catching flowers. You can hire a canoe, kayak or rowboat to get out on the river or try out one of the colorful pedal boats shaped like swans and dragons. If you prefer bathing, there's a wading pool and play area for kids.

You can play tennis or soccer, zoom around the skate park, or test your skills at the 9-hole crazy golf course. The funfair is open between March and October. It usually has classic rides such as bumper automobiles, spinning teacups, and a water shooting range. Finish your visit with a coffee, cake or fruit smoothie at the Tea Shop.

Lord Leycester Hospital is a charming group of timber-framed buildings that has been housing former servicemen since the 14th century. The sweeping beams of the Great Hall are an extraordinary example of medieval architecture, but there are also beautiful features from other periods, like the lovely stained-glass window designed by William Morris.

There's also a quirky collection of militaria in the Museum of the Queens Own Hussars. The Brethren's Kitchen has been serving food at this location for 500 years and serves a fabulous afternoon tea with homemade scones. Out in the Master's Garden, see if you can spot the 2,000-year-old Egyptian urn that was supposedly used to measure the height of the Nile.

The Saltisford Canal Arm is a short waterway originally built in the 18th century, connecting Warwick to London and Birmingham. It's been extensively restored by Saltisford Canal Trust to include a contemplation garden made from old oak canal locks and a community orchard that's home to local wildlife. A restored canal-side warehouse sells local craft items and ice cream.

From Saltisford Canal Arm, you can walk along the Grand Union Canal, which takes you through Warwick. It’s bordered by numerous parks and gardens, as well as some pubs where you can stop for a pint. If you want to have a go at driving along the canal, you can hire Saltie II, the Trust's narrowboat.

The Warwick Antique Center is a quaint period building packed with antiques and curios, where you can hunt for an interesting souvenir or piece of Warwickshire history. You can find the center not far from the 11th-century St Mary’s Church.

About 30 dealers have their own cabinets here, selling just about everything from silver and ceramics to teddy bears and postcards. There's an engaging section of military memorabilia, an excellent range of clocks and watches, and a cabinet full of beautiful Georgian glass.

Market Hall Museum traces the history of Warwick from ancient times to the present day. Start your visit in the prehistoric era, with dinosaur fossils from the local quarry and a remarkable Giant Deer skeleton. As you move through the ages, you're taken past historic costume displays, ancient musical instruments, a wide variety of ceramics, and a vintage TV.

Market Hall Museum’s coin collection exceeds 10,000 pieces, including 2 Roman silver coin hoards found in Warwickshire. Possibly the museum's most amazing display is the Sheldon Tapestry, a 16th-century wool and silk tapestry depicting a map of Warwickshire. Another unusual display is a living beehive, with glass walls so you can watch the bees at work.

Guys Cliffe House is a lavish 18th-century mansion that’s partly ruined and overgrown, which gives it a mysterious and otherworldly atmosphere. Wander around the mansion and attached Masonic chapel or enjoy the scent of flowers and herbs in the Georgian kitchen garden, which was restored by volunteers.

A walk along the river will take you to a natural cave that was used as a medieval hermitage. You can spot carvings of faces looming from the walls, said to be made by slaves in the 18th century. Naturally, the house is rumored to be haunted – join an evening tour to hear exciting tales of ghosts and ghouls.

Hatton Country World is home to hundreds of cute critters. At the farm-themed fun park, say hello to goats, pigs, tortoises and lizards, help milk the resident cow (Bluebell), and visit 250 guinea pigs living in their own miniature village.

The park also organizes pony rides around the grounds and a sheep racing tournament. Visit the onsite falconry center to watch owls and hawks flying right above you. Away from the farm, there are trampoline obstacle courses, bouncy castles, a laser combat battles, and tons of traditional funfair rides.

Jump In Trampoline Park is a family-friendly center where you can bounce around on a series of giant trampolines, practice your somersaults on the tumble track, or battle your friends on a giant Gladiator-style padded beam. There are also dodgeball and basketball games, a giant airbag, twisty ladders and some thrilling drop slides.

Small children can bounce safely on the mini-trampolines and soft play area for under-5s, while older kids will appreciate the challenging climbing wall and obstacle courses. When you're all jumped out, try the locally made gourmet ice cream and sweet treats served at the attached cafe.

Spend your evening on Old Square to see some of Warwick's most historic pubs and bars. The Globe is an 18th-century tavern with a diverse wine list that does a great Sunday roast. At The Rose & Crown, you can enjoy fresh market fish and honey-glazed duck breast with 17th-century surroundings, while period architecture and spiced lamb rump are part of Tilted Wig’s charm.

Try local food and fantastic real ales at The Old Coffee Tavern, a charming Victorian building furnished with luxurious leather sofas. Rigsby's Cellar Bar is Warwick's smallest pub, hidden underground in an old cellar, and serves a rotating line up of ales and craft beers.