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Warwick

The historic town of Warwick, with its magnificent Castle, secret gardens, antique shops and great choice of restaurants, is a magical place for a short break.

Warwick Castle, Britain's Ultimate Castle, lies at the heart of Warwick. Visit the lavishly decorated State Rooms, scale the towers and ramparts and descend into the dark dungeon. Be chilled in the ghost tower, meet colourful characters and enjoy year round entertainment from Easter and Christmas festivities to jousting tournaments and birds of prey displays. With a Victorian Rose Garden, Mill, Engine House and 60 acres of grounds to explore, there is plenty to enjoy. For further details visit the Warwick Castle website.

One of the most delightful discoveries in Warwick is the Lord Leycester Hospital. This beautiful collection of 14th century timber-framed buildings, home to ex-servicemen known as The Brethren, house a chapel, Great Hall, galleried courtyard and Regimental Museum of the Queen's Own Hussars. Hidden at the back of the Hospital discover one of the oldest gardens in Warwick, the Master's Garden, a tranquil oasis in the midst of the town.

The Master's Garden is one of several historic gardens in and around Warwick. Other gems include the Mill Garden at the bottom of Mill Street. Relax in this secluded garden and enjoy some of the finest views of Warwick Castle and the river. Hill Close Gardens were once a retreat for Victorian townsfolk. Talk to the gardeners who tend the plots and find out how local people saved Hill Close Gardens from destruction. Wander along the old paths, discover unusual varieties of fruit and vegetables from Victorian times, rest inside little brick summerhouses, and listen to birdsong.

Discover a wealth of other historic treasures. Learn about Warwick's dramatic history including the Great Fire of 1694 at the Market Hall Museum. See a 19th century kitchen and schoolroom at St John's House and discover over three centuries of history at the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers Museum. Visit St Mary's Church and see the beautiful Beauchamp Chapel with the tombs of Richard Beauchamp, Earl of Warwick, Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester, and his brother Ambrose, Earl of Warwick.

Antiques, arts or indulgences - enjoy Warwick's unique shops, which are generously scattered around the town. Stroll down picturesque Smith Street and browse its collection of shops, which range from stained glass to ceramics and from books to interior design.

While sightseeing and shopping, be sure to recharge your batteries at one of the town's inspiring choice of restaurants, pubs, coffee shops and traditional tearooms. There is a superb choice of places to eat and drink, both in the daytime and evening.

If you feel like being a bit more active, take a boat out from St Nicholas Park - or enjoy a horse ride at the Warwick International School of Riding.

Warwick is a great place to stay all year round with its calendar of events. Warwick Racecourse holds race meetings throughout the year and has the largest number of race days of any racecourse in the country. Make your short break or longer holiday extra special with theatre, live music and concerts at events like Warwick Festival and Warwick Folk Festival, which take place in and around the town in July.

For further information about the town please visit www.warwick-uk.co.uk