A day out in Warwick can be really enjoyable, whatever your tastes. While its historical attractions dominate, Warwick has plenty more to offer visitors.
Town Centre
| 听 |  | Historic Mill Street
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I started my day in Warwick with a wander around the town. Warwick has a small shopping centre with the usual high street shops, but there is a good spattering of smaller interesting shops, too.
There are a number of antiques shops and a market every Saturday.
The River
| 听 |  | Boating in the shadow of the castle
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On a sunny day there is nothing more romantic that mucking about on the river. For 拢5 for half an hour, I rowed myself up and down the Avon and got spectacular views of the castle.
It's a great way of working up an appetite for all the food on offer in Warwick, too.
Lunch break
On a sunny day Warwick's river banks are the best place to be for a picnic, or even just a soggy burger from the park shop.
I decided to head back towards town to eat, though, and found Vanilla's, an organic caf茅 that has a small but pleasant patio at the back.
There are loads of places to choose from, in fact on the same road as Vanilla's there are two pubs and two other restaurants within sight.
In a recent tea shop competition run by Midlands Today, the tea shop at the Lord Leyster Hospital on West Street was recommended for having good tea and cake, so that's probably worth a try, too.
Warwick Castle
| 听 |  | Special events such as archery take place year-round at the castle
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Of course, it would be mad to talk about a visit to Warwick without mentioning the castle. I would allow a minimum of four hours for a visit, but ideally it's best to spend longer there. Plan your day accordingly, although you might decide that to see Warwick properly you need two days if you include the castle.
Follow the link on the left to read a full review of Warwick Castle.
The Lord Leycester Hospital
You can't drive through Warwick without noticing the eye-catching Lord Leycester Hospital, which looks like a toffee humbug melting into the West Gate and High Street.
I paid my 拢3 and went in and discovered this old hospital drips with age and history with a fine chapel, a cosy courtyard and impressive halls. It was founded in 1571, although parts of the building are far older.
It is Warwick's finest Medieval attraction open to the public. It is closed on Mondays.
Guided walks
| 听 |  | The park on the banks of the river in Warwick
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Another way of seeing Warwick and getting an introduction to its history is a guided walk. They take about 90 minutes and are conducted every Sunday morning or can be arranged by calling 01926 495894.
Alternatively, ask in the Tourist Information centre for more details.
Getting there
Warwick is just three miles from Leamington, six miles from Kenilworth, nine miles from Stratford and 12 miles from Coventry.
There is a guide to Warwick car parks, linked on the left. There are also links to bus and rail information so you can make the most of the region's public transport.
Warwick's train station is just a 10 minute walk from the town centre.
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