Everyone knows that Warwick Castle offers a great day out but when was the last time you considered spending some time in historic Warwick itself? With its cobbled streets, market square and Victorian walled gardens, this is an amazing place to visit - and it's only a short train ride from Birmingham . There's an abundance of independent shops , packed full of treasures from books and antiques to gifts and clothes plus some fab indie cafes and restaurants too. Smith Street is the best place to head for indies but they are dotted all around the town where you'll discover buildings from every period of the last 1,100 years.
Go on a Saturday and you can have a mooch around the weekly market. There's also a plethora of parks, an outdoor pool and amusement park at St Nicholas Park and the River Avon to wander down. Climb to the top of St Mary’s Tower, near the War Memorial, to take in spectacular views of Warwick and check out the famous Lord Leycester Hospital which you may recognise from Doctor Who, A Christmas Carol and Pride and Prejudice (pictured above).
Read more: Things to do in Birmingham and the best days out this summer 2024 Competition: Win family tickets to London Zoo with free LNR train travel from Birmingham There's also the Warwickshire Yeomanry Museum of military history, the Court House with its magnificent ballroom, the impressive St Mary's Church and nearby Hatton Country World. And, if you want to get away from it all, step back in time to the Victorian Hill Close Gardens, Pageant Gardens (near the Visitor Information Centre) and The Mill Garden, which offers a tranquil setting to enjoy the river. Take a stroll down 'Tink a Tank Lane' where you'll discover the hidden College Garden, which is walled.
You can do the Warwick Town Trail or, if you have more time, go for the Two Castle Walk. The Saltisford Canal Arm Warwick is a peaceful place to watch the world go by, and you could head over to Hatton to see the ‘Stairway to Heaven’ Hatton flight of 21 locks where the Grand Union Canal ascends 146 feet over a couple of miles. Independent shops and boutiques in Warwick Here are some of the lovely indie shops you can discover in historic Warwick.
Find out more via the Buy in 2 Warwick website. BeHoptimystic - crystals, jewellery and incense shop Claridges of Warwick - family-run business specialising in cards, stationary and gifts Coco Rose - designer clothing, shoes, handbags and jewellery in a kaleidoscope of colour Diffuse Retail - party and occasion wear to can hire or buy Duncan Allsop - antiquarian booksellers that dates back to 1966 Encore Clothing Agency - preloved and vintage designer clothes, bags and accessories Golden Monkey Tea Company - selling more than 120 loose leaf teas Greenbean - sustainable community shopping to help people reuse, recycle and reduce waste Hamlington's Fine Jewellery - bringing Birmingham's famous Jewellery Quarter to Warwick Hatton & Harding - bespoke upholstered furniture and interior design Heaphys Menswear - dating back to 1831, this is a family-run business selling men's clothing House of Harris - modern interior design for luxury homes Jennifer Wesley - handmade gifts and greetings cards 'full of positivity, silliness and love' Lavelle Bridal Couture - a 'dreamy selection' of luxury bridal brands Mary's Sweet Emporium - Warwick's oldest traditional sweet shop nestled in a half-timbered building NV Her - 'raw fashion with a sophisticated twist for ladies who just love fashion and love to look different' Pillows & Porcelain - vintage crockery to rent for weddings, hen parties, baby showers and christenings Present Days - this 46-year-old shop sells cards and gifts for all occasions Russell Lane Jewellery - antique, pre-owned and modern jewellery Squire & Squire Photography - photographer and photo studio Torry's - small, friendly DIY shop offering a wide variety of goods and services Trinkets & Treasures - cute 'treasure trove' of gifts, homewares and lighting Vintage Antiques - large antique centre with antiques and collectables from c1750 to c2000 and prices from £1 to £5,000 Warwick Antique Centre - long established antique centre with 30 dealers Warwick Books - curl up in a cosy chair with a book, ask for recommendations and check out the handwritten reviews Warwick Real Ale - an 'exciting and varied range' of high quality bottled beers and ciders Warwick Sports - family-run sports shop since 1979 Listen to our Brummie Mummies Podcast about juggling family life: How to get to Warwick from Birmingham It takes just 26 minutes to get to Warwick via a direct train from Birmingham Moor Street. Alternatively, you can drive via the M42 and the M40 or the M6.
This will take you around 45 minutes..
