Warwick Hotels

Visiting Warwick – A Guide
A visit to ancient Warwick is like stepping into the pages of a favourite book. With its imposing 1,000-year-old castle, Warwick is quintessentially British, excellent for both families on holiday and couples seeking romance. There’s business in Warwick, too, with National Grid, Phillips Petrol and IBM calling it home.

Warwick: town layout
Warwick is on the northern fringe of the Cotswold Hills and the southern end of Britain’s industrial Midlands. It’s skirted by the River Avon and the M40 is a mile south. Birmingham centre is 40 minutes by car, while London is 90 minutes without traffic. Decades ago Warwick merged with Leamington Spa to the east, but each is distinct. Shakespeare’s hometown, Stratford-Upon-Avon, is 20 minutes west.

The concierge recommends…

• Exploring Warwick Castle dungeon, which showcases a ghastly variety of medieval torture devices. Above, the castle is populated by wax figures: Warwick Castle is owned by the same company that runs Madame Tussauds.
• Visiting the Collegiate Church of St. Mary’s, a few blocks from the Castle. Marvel at medieval artworks and climb its tower for stunning views of town and countryside.
• Discovering the 150-year-old St. Mary Immaculate Catholic Church, which offers clues why Warwick seems strangely familiar. “Lord of the Rings” author J.R.R. Tolkien married Edith Bratt here in 1916.

Hotels in Warwick
You’ll find an abundant selection of lodging choices in Warwick, both for leisure and business guests. The town is compact and all locations afford easy access to the surrounding countryside. Most Warwick hotels are clustered in the town centre and along the Stratford Road, close to the M40 motorway. It’s a pleasant walk to the town centre and Warwick castle.

Warwick is co-governed with neighbouring Royal Leamington Spa, which offers further choice. Business travellers often opt for the convenience of properties close, or in, Leamington’s Tachbrook business park.

Eating Out in Warwick
Restaurants in the area take pride in supporting local farmers and growers, and the farmers market is a weekend mainstay. In addition to seasonal produce, you can grab lunch at its food stalls. While Warwick centre leans heavily toward traditional British fare, the town’s canal district is the place to go for international favourites.

The chef recommends...

• Gourmet fare at Rose & Crown, which serves elegant continental food in a comfy, pub-style restaurant next to Market Square.
• King’s Head Inn for robust pastas and other Italian items alongside delectable British standards.
• Tea or a pre-theatre meal at the snazzy Rooftop Restaurant at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre.

Shopping in Warwick
Warwick retains an unassuming, market-town vibe. Historic Market Square is home to a weekly farmers market, featuring local foods, handicrafts and, quite often, artisan fairs.

The concierge recommends…

• High Street and the surrounding blocks, which offer a rich array of locally owned clothing stores, antiques, home goods and food stores.
• The full-fledged Marks & Spencer, in a small shopping centre on Coventry Road north of the rail station.
• The Shires and Leamington Spa Shopping Park, the nearest enclosed centres, both on Tachbrook Road in neighbouring Royal Leamington Spa. Browse Debenhams, BHS and other UK and international retailers.

Culture & Nightlife in Warwick
Warwick is a tranquil setting, but you won’t lack things to do. Action focuses on the town’s historic centre and the canal district on the north end, while next-door Stratford-Upon-Avon, Shakespeare’s birthplace, is internationally famous.

The concierge recommends…

• Warwick museums and market square collaborate on free “show-and-tell” nights. Local craftspeople explain the history and significance of their works, while theatre troupes and musicians entertain the crowds.
• For visitors from North America, rugby at the University of Warwick introduces you to a raucous sport that’s fun to watch.
• Stratford’s Royal Shakespeare Theatre makes for an especially memorable evening out, presenting Shakespearean classics and contemporary greats.

Visiting Warwick with a Family
Prepare to be dazzled by the working medieval catapult and soaring tower at Warwick Castle. The castle dungeon is brought to life by special effects and costumed actors.

Best family attractions in and around Warwick

• Boating along the River Avon, which puts Warwick and the castle in a new perspective. The river is both tranquil and safe.
• Hatton Park, which combines a farm zoo, shopping village and an indoor-outdoor Adventure Park.
• For chocolate lovers of all ages, the world-famous Cadbury World is just 30 minutes’ drive away. You can take a roller coaster ride at the 4D cinema and drink liquid chocolate. Last, but not least, there’s an enormous shop where you can buy sweet souvenirs.