Warwickshire is a beautiful county in the middle of England. Historic castles and the birthplace of Shakespeare make this a fascinating county to explore. Check out the top 10 things to do in Warwickshire, UK.
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1. Warwick Castle
Warwick Castle has to be one of the top things to do in Warwickshire. For me, it’s one of the best castles in the UK, with so many extra attractions and things to do. It’s a medieval castle, with origins dating back to William the Conqueror in 1068. You can enjoy the well maintained castle, plus go inside to learn more about how the castle has been used over the years. Check out the castle website here for opening times and other entrance times – there’s more to explore at the Castle as well.
Falconry show
In the summer months, you can watch the Falconer’s Quest, a fantastic dramatised show with birds of prey swooping around. You learn more about the birds as well, and get to really appreciate their size and power as you watch them.
The Castle Dungeon
Immerse yourself in the horrors of the past with the Castle Dungeon experience. You’ll learn about the history through interactions with actors, and be prepared to be scared and jump a lot! You need specific tickets with a timed entry for the Dungeon, but it’s definitely well worth a visit.
Wall walk
For those who are ok with heights and steep spiral staircases, the Wall Walk at Warwick Castle allows you to climb up some of the turrets and be rewarded with some great views over the whole castle area.
Maze and Stocks
More fun for adults and kids await in the Horrible Histories Maze, and also the stocks outside where you can take some fun photos.
Views of the Castle
You can get a great view of Warwick Castle from the bridge over the River Avon, just at the end of the lovely St Nicholas Park.
2. Afternoon tea at Thomas Oken tea room
After a full day of exploring Warwick Castle and the other charms of this lovely town, venture down a cute cobbled street to the Thomas Oken tea room for a traditional British afternoon tea or cream tea. There really isn’t a better way to end your day and feel fully immersed in English-ness. Check out the opening times here.
3. Royal Leamington Spa shopping and gardens
The town of Royal Leamington Spa is famous for its regency architecture and grand shopping streets and arcades. When you’re tired of the shopping, the Royal Pump Room gardens and Jephson Gardens along by the River Avon have beautiful flowers all through the summer.
If you’re hungry, why not check out one of the many restaurants that line the pretty streets of Royal Leamington Spa. I’d definitely recommend The Royal Pug for upmarket British pub food with a twist and a great atmosphere. Check out the website here.
4. Stratford-Upon-Avon
Another of the top things to do in Warwickshire is to visit the town known for its links to one of the most famous British figures in history: Shakespeare. In Stratford-Upon-Avon you can visit Shakespeare’s birthplace, Anne Hathaway’s cottage and more, and learn more about the life and works on Shakespeare. You can also visit a theatre and watch a Royal Shakespeare Company performance of one of his many plays. Check out my blog on Stratford-Upon-Avon for more tips on planning a perfect day out.
5. Kennilworth Castle
Kennilworth Castle dates back to Norman and Tudor times and is one of the top things to do in Warwickshire. It was first built as a royal castle in the 12th century, and then added to by the Tudors in the 16th century. The old caste ruins are great to walk around, but this place really comes alive with some of the historical re-enactment events that occur throughout the year. You can see how people used to live in Norman and Tudor times, see plays based on historic events, and even see live medieval battle re-enactments. Check out the website for more details of the events so you can plan your visit.
6. Charlecote Park
Charlecote Park provides miles of stunning parkland to walk through along the River Avon. If you’re lucky you might also spot the herd of fallow deer that graze here against the backdrop of the stunning 900 year old grand house. Visit the National Trust website for opening times.
7. Warwick racecourse
Warwick racecourse was the first time I’ve been to horse racing event, and I’d definitely recommend trying one. There are plenty of cheap, affordable ticket options if you just want entry to the grounds and the chance to wander around. You can pay lots more for access to some of the indoor areas and posh meals, but I felt like the cheaper tickets still gave a great experience.
A lot of the events have casual dress code as well, which is ideal on a grey winter’s day so you can dress to keep warm. It was great watching the horse racing, and there are big screens around so you can watch the parts of the race you can’t see. And there’s also the option to bet on a horse (warnings about being careful with gambling etc…I think I bet £2 on a horse and didn’t win anything, but it makes you more invested in watching the race if you’re focussing on one horse!). There are also plenty of stalls around to buy food a drink. Overall it’s just a great day out. Check out the website to book tickets – I’d recommend booking tickets in advance to guarantee entry.
8. Baddesley Clinton
Another National Trust property in Warwickshire, Baddesley Clinton is a beautiful old manor house with a moat around the outside, and lovely gardens and parkland as well. It’s a great place for a day out in Warwickshire. Visit the website for opening times to plan your visit.
9. Packwood House
Originally dating back to the 16th century, this Tudor house has some lovely gardens, perfect for a stroll around in the summer. Check out the website for the opening times.
10. Warwick Christmas Victorian Evening
If you’re in Warwick around Christmas, the Victorian Evening is a lovely Christmas celebration in the town. A huge stage provides live music and entertainment throughout the evening, with Father Christmas turning on the town’s Christmas lights at 7pm. You can also browse Christmas market stalls and sample some of the local delicacies. Many of the market stalls are Victorian themed, with Victorian food and crafts for sale. There are fairground rides and games here as well, making it a perfect evening for all the family.
If you’re looking for some walks in the beautiful Warwickshire countryside, I’d recommend this walking book (affiliate). There are loads of great walks here, and some take in some of the famous sights of Warwick as well. Enjoy exploring!
Enjoy exploring the fascinating history around Warwickshire! If you’d like to explore more of Stratford-Upon-Avon, check out my blog here. Or if you’re looking for some more English countryside nearby, check out my guides to walks near Wiltshire, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire.
What a fun post! I’d love to take the wall walk and see the castle dungeon.
Oooh I want to visit all of these! I especially love historical reenactments and Stratford-Upon-Avon sounds like my kind of place! And I’ll try to visit the area during Christmas time one year to see the Christmas market in Warwick 🙂
Oh this takes me back! I did a road trip to this castle all the way from Newcastle way back when, as an exchange student in Newcastle Uni.
Ah great! That sounds like a long way but hopefully the Castle was worth the long drive!
Such fun things to do in Warwickshire. On my have to visit list now.
It’s a great place, I hope you’re able to visit soon!
Oh I love Warwickshire! We should have been there last week but sadly it was cancelled due to lockdown! I completely agree with these recommendations. I was blown away by how beautiful Warwick castle is! Charlecote Park is stunning too and I thoroughly enjoyed Leamington Spa! I haven’t visited Baddesley Clinton or Packwood House before though, I’ll definitely check those out next time! Thanks for the great guide!
I’m so glad you like Warwickshire too, it’s so nice to find another Warwickshire fan! That’s such a shame your trip was cancelled but hopefully you’ll be able to visit soon, and hopefully Warwick Castle will be open again then as well.
I don’t think I’ve ever been to warwickshire but I really want to go after reading this! All the castle themed activities sound so much fun!
It’s a great place to visit! I was surprised how much there was to do there, the castles and the history of the area is great. I hope you’re able to visit soon!