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Photo: DeFacto, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
A Medieval fortress, now part of Merlin Entertainments, which also runs Madame Tussauds, Alton Towers, Legoland, Chessington World of Adventures, and the Blackpool Tower. Whether your heart sinks or soars at this corporate portfolio will tell you whether their concept of life in Warwick Castle is for you. Extra charges for the haunted tower and dungeon, where medieval unfortunates were trapped, too poor to exit through the gift shop. The oldest parts of the castle date back to the late 14th century when the Beauchamp family lived in the castle.
Warwick Castle is a medieval castle developed from a wooden fort originally built by William the Conqueror during 1068. The original wooden motte-and-bailey castle overlooking the River Avon was rebuilt in stone during the 12th century. During the Hundred Years War, the facade opposite the town was refortified, resulting in one of the most recognisable examples of 14th-century military architecture. It was used as a stronghold until the early 17th century, when it was granted to Sir Fulke Greville by James I in 1604. Greville converted it to a country house, and it was owned by the Greville family until 1978, when it was bought by the Tussauds Group.
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Founded in the 12th century; the fine 14th-century Beauchamp chapel is the burial place of the Earls of Warwick. The Nave and Tower were rebuilt in the 17th century after the Great Fire.
"Hospital" here means hospitality, shelter or hospice. The oldest parts are Norman, but since Elizabethan times it's been – and remains – a retirement home for ex-servicemen. A charming set of 14th-century timber-framed buildings, the main areas being the Guildhall, Brethrens' Kitchen, and Knot Garden.
Warwickshire Museum
Early life in the city and surrounding country.
Set in a Jacobean mansion, this is only open school holidays - term time it's booked out for school use. It covers Victorian life and incorporates the museum of the Royal Warwickshire Regiment of Fusiliers.
This is now a National Hunt course, i.e., "steeple-chasing" or jumps and hurdles, with regular race meetings during winter. Flat racing is no longer held here. The racecourse is at the west edge of town centre.
Take a bus to Charlecote Park. A tudor house surrounded by a deer park. Maintained by National Trust.