Find and book the perfect holiday cottage or B&B in Warwick
The fantastic little town of Warwick is a picturesque town set amongst the rolling hills of the English countryside. It is the principle town of Warwickshire, also known as "Shakespeare's county", as the famous dramatist was born in Stratford-upon-Avon, a little town just down the road from Warwick. Warwick is home to the famous Warwick Castle, countless boutique stores and cafes, incredible restaurants, historic holiday cottage rentals, and, of course, the University of Warwick, one of the best universities in the country.
Best time to visit Warwick
Just like everywhere in the UK, Warwick's weather is unpredictable. On average, the temperature is typically warm in the summer, and cool rather than cold in the winter, which means there's technically never a bad time to visit. The hottest month of the year is July, which makes it a great time for on-foot sight-seeing, visiting the castle, having a picnic etc., although the weather is so erratic it's even possible to experience all four seasons in one day. If you're lucky, you might even get snow for Christmas – December's the wettest month, it just needs to get cold enough to turn that rain to ice.
How to get to Warwick
Located right in the heart of England, despite its rural locale Warwick is easy to get to no matter your desired mode of transport. The closest cities are Coventry and Birmingham, while the town of Warwick is served by multiple different network roads: M40, M5, M42, M6, M1, M69, A45, A46, and the A14, connecting the town to London, the south west, the north west, north east, and the east. In addition, the town has plenty of long and short stay parking options, and travellers can also park on most of the streets for up to two hours – if you fancy getting out of your B&B accommodation and exploring the town and local area. Warwick train station is just a 10-minute walk away from the town centre – and the Castle – and is serviced by connections all over the country. There are direct trains from Warwick to Birmingham, Stratford-upon-Avon, London, and various other English cities. The convenient transport links from Birmingham make Warwick the perfect day trip if you are looking to escape the hustle of the city and step back in time to a medieval castled fortress. You can leave your accommodation in Birmingham and reach Warwick by rail in only 40 minutes. Alternatively, you can visit Warwick in just over an hour from your apartment in Leicester, and return to your rental in time for an evening on the town.
Where to stay in Warwick
The Old Kiln House
Nestled away in a little seclude spot, with its own private garden, The Old Kiln House is the perfect B&B holiday rental right in the centre of Shipston-on-Stour. Just a short drive away from the centre of Warwick, it's the perfect little reclusive B&B to make your base for your holiday, enjoying the countryside serenity. Set in an elegant townhouse crossed with a cosy country cottage, the Old Kiln House is a three-bedroom bed and breakfast holiday cottage, with period features stemming from flagstone floors to old beams.
The Globe
One of Warwick's best holiday rentals, The Globe was once a 19th century theatre after having been initially created as an 18th century coaching inn. Right next to Warwick's Market Place, the holiday inn is in the perfect spot to visit the town's famed historical attractions, like the Lord Leycester Hospital and Hill Close Gardens. It's also just a 10-minute walk from Warwick Castle, one of the absolute best things to see in Warwickshire.
The Fuzzy Duck
The Fuzzy Duck is set in the epitome of the English countryside; roughly seven miles from Stratford-upon-Avon and Warwick, in a little hamlet in the northern Cotswolds. The B&B is a fantastically cosy retreat right on the doorstep of some of the most fantastic landscape and nature in the country – plus, it's right in the heart of Shakespeare's county.
What to do in Warwick
Warwick Castle
Warwick Castle has been the star of the town since it was first created by William the Conqueror during the 11th century, and although it was renovated and adapted in the years following, it has retained a 14th century military architectural style. The castle was used as a military base until the 17th century, after which it became the home of the Earls of Warwick, who hired the famous Capability Brown to design the castle's gardens. Open every day except Christmas Day, it's the perfect place for all the family; watch the Wars of the Roses Live (a re-enactment of the famous battle between the House of Lancaster and the House of York, that led to the coronation of King Henry VI), or brave the Castle Dungeon, with live actors and special effects so scary its recommended for over 10s only.
Mill Garden
Spanning over half an acre, Mill Garden is an unbelievably serene landscape garden set at the bottom of Mill street. The garden was created over an incredible 60 years by Arthur Measures who poured his whole heart into the design; look out for the ruin of the medieval bridge which is now covered in grass and flowers, and the mighty Caesar's Tower, framing the garden with a fantastically dramatic backdrop.
Collegiate Church of St. Mary
Possibly the most recognisable feature of Warwick's skyline, the Collegiate Church of St. Mary dominates the centre of Warwick thanks to its formidable tower. Rebuilt in 1704 – along with most of the rest of the church – by Sir William Wilson, the church itself has been there since Saxon times. There's even a Norman crypt on the site, which dates back to the 1120s and contains one of the only two original ducking stools (chairs formerly used to punish disorderly women, scolds, and dishonest tradesmen) left in the UK.
St. Nicholas Park
Nestled alongside the Avon, St. Nicholas Park is a former meadow that was made into a park following the Second World War. It was designed to be a place where anyone could go and unwind, relax, and enjoy their day, and the park includes a crazy golf course, amusement rides, fairground amusements, a paddling pool, a leisure centre, and even a tea shop set in a house with a classic thatched roof. There's also the chance to go canoeing down the Avon, with a glorious view of Warwick Castle.
St. John's House Museum
The original site of the Hospital of St. John the Baptist during the 12th century, the manor become the home of the Stoughton family during the 17th century, before being turned into a school, and the offices for the War Department during WWII. Now, the St. John's House is the Warwickshire Museum, featuring a Victorian classroom complete with preserved furniture, and an exhibition about changing fashions throughout history. Inside, guests are greeted by a soldier of 1744, learning about the story of the "Warwickshire Lads", trying on replica uniforms, and even experiencing night vision.
Royal Leamington Spa
One of the best things about Warwick is the nearby Royal Leamington Spa – one of the best spas in the country. Just a four-minute ride on the train from Warwick, it's well worth the trip out. The Spa was built thanks to a legend claiming its waters had healing properties, designed with Regency architecture that spans the centre at Lansdown Circus, Regent Street, Clarendon Square and more. Here, visitors will find posh bakeries, smoothie shops, tailors, boutiques, and even a museum about the history of the Leamington spa.
Stratford-upon-Avon
Literature and culture lovers cannot miss a visit to this picturesque medieval town that's only a 20 minute drive away and known as the birthplace of one of the most famous and influential writers of all time, William Shakespeare. A holiday cottage in the Cotswolds will put you at a short drive from this historic town, or choosing a b&b in Stratford-upon-Avon you will find yourself at walking distance from the house in which Shakespeare was born. In this 16th century house you will also find temporary exhibitions and period furnishings to fully immerse yourself in the place of Shakespeare's childhood.