Warwick (England)

Warwick (pronounced "WORR-ick") is the historic county town of the English county of Warwickshire, standing on the River Avon. Warwick has ancient origins and an array of historic buildings, notably from the Medieval, Stuart and Georgian eras. Its chief landmark is the well-preserved medieval castle. In 2020, it was home to 35,000 people.

Understand
Warwick was a major fortified settlement from the early Middle Ages, the most notable relic of this period being Warwick Castle. Much was destroyed in the Great Fire of Warwick in 1694 and then rebuilt with fine 18th-century buildings, such as the Collegiate Church of St Mary and the Shire Hall. It was home to 37,000 people in 2021.

Visitor information

 * Visit Warwick website

By train
Direct trains run between Warwick and London Marylebone (90 min), Birmingham Snow Hill and Birmingham Moor Street stations (30 min), and Stratford-upon-Avon (30 min), all operated by Chiltern Railways. Other long-distance services involve changing in Birmingham or Leamington Spa.



By road
Warwick is a 2-hr drive north-west from London on the M40. The usual approach for the castle and centre is to exit at Junction 13 and follow A425 north to town.

National Express coaches run to London Victoria (3 hr 30 min), and via Stratford-upon-Avon, Bristol and Exeter to Torquay.

Get around
The main sights are all within walking distance.

Taxi firms are Mark's (+44 7971 792830), Taxi to Go (+44 7771 719393), Taxi United (+44 1926 888887) and Taxi Seven (+44 1926 777777).

Do

 * Golf: Warwick Golf Centre is a nine-hole course by the racetrack.
 * Warwick Folk Festival is late July on Knights Field south of the castle.
 * Warwick Folk Festival is late July on Knights Field south of the castle.

Buy

 * Sainsbury's on Saltisford / Birmingham Rd is open M-Sa 7AM-8PM, Su 10AM-4PM.
 * Tesco is on Emscote Rd east edge of town, open M-Sa 6AM-midnight, Su 10AM-4PM.

Eat

 * Rose & Crown on Marketplace is a pub-restaurant and has rooms.
 * Dough & Brew is an acclaimed pizzeria at 45 Brook St.
 * Fusion Clan is an Indian / European restaurant at 15 Smith St.

Drink

 * Ronnie's Bar is at 4 Jury St near the castle and serves food.
 * That Gin Bar at 22 Swan St distils its own gin.
 * That Gin Bar at 22 Swan St distils its own gin.

Sleep

 * Warwick Castle is opening a medieval-themed hotel in July 2024.
 * Warwick Castle is opening a medieval-themed hotel in July 2024.
 * Warwick Castle is opening a medieval-themed hotel in July 2024.

Connect
As at May 2024, Warwick and its approach roads have 4G from O2, Three and Vodafone, and 5G from EE.

Go next

 * Kenilworth is dominated by its medieval castle.
 * Leamington Spa is an elegant Regency resort.
 * Stratford-upon-Avon has preserved much of its historic centre from Shakespeare's time.