What to do, eat and drink if you are passing through Warwick

“I know it’s a long shot but does anyone have a trebuchet I can borrow?” If you get all Monty Python giggly about trebuchets, Warwick is the perfect town to visit. The largest medieval weapon of its type, weighing in at 22 tonnes and reaching 18m high lets rip during summer shows in the grounds of Warwick Castle. It’s a sight to behold.

The castle, built in the 12th century on a site established by William the Conqueror, is the main draw to Warwick and gets busy with coach loads of tourists, spending a hefty amount on entry and shows. Swerve this (unless you must see the trebuchet or the renowned dungeon) and use your time to stroll around the Market Place and adjoining streets to soak up the historic buildings, of which there are plenty including the wonderful Lord Leycester Hospital, a fine example of medieval architecture with a beautiful hidden garden (undergoing a restoration and reopening 2023). If you are into historical architecture, Warwick is a feast for the eyes, with plenty of fine timbered buildings and Georgian gorgeousness alike.

There really are only 4 main streets you need to see in Warwick, it won’t take you long to amble through the East gate from Smith Street, along Jury Street and into the Market Place. An hour or so really is plenty, unless you’re looking for lunch or a walk through St Nicholas’s Park alongside the river, where you’ll catch bathers jumping in when the weather’s warm. You’ll find an interesting selection of independent shops to browse, from the sumptuous interiors of Hatton & Harding through to Greenbean’s sustainable community shopping, it’s easy to pick up a unique gift or two.

For a small town, Warwick goes big on independent coffee shops and eateries (you will still find the franchises but with such a huge local selection, you can frequent a different place each time you visit and still avoid them). Locals’ favourites include Jack’s Shack, Bread & Co and Two Brothers for coffee and treats. If you make it as far as Coten End, don’t forget to pick up some delicious custard pasteis de nata from Pastelaria Poruguesa.

Having said that, you’ve got to make room for some delicious sourdough pizza from the laid back Dough and Brew. They’ve got it dialled for crusty, cheesy, tomatoey goodness with a cold beer on the side. If pizza isn’t your thing (I know, I know, who is this person I hear you say – well, in fact it’s probably just my mum: “they’re just too filling” – yes, mum that’s the delicious thing about them) then, tapas is abundant in Warwick. Try the tiny Bonito, but book ahead as they only have a couple of tables and the recommendations are off the charts. 

If it’s a proper drink you’re after, take a wander through one of the parks (Priory or St Nicholas) to the Black Pug, it’s atmospheric inside and has a huge (partly covered) beer garden outside. Not only is it a dog friendly, proper neighbourhood pub, it’s a fabulous place for a glass of fizz on a summer’s day.

First impressions: I’m a true admirer of the trebuchet, so would pay the exorbitant price to see it one time only, as for the rest of Warwick, “I went on a date with a trebuchet last night. But I think it’s just a quick fling”, you can be done in an hour, a quality hour, but an hour nevertheless. Only make an afternoon or a day of it if you want the full medieval experience inside the castle.

Eat: Dough and Brew Pizza, 45 Brook Street, CV34 4BL

Bonito Tapas and Wine, 11 Old Square, CV34 4RA

Drink: Black Pug, 69 Coten End, CV34 4NU

Shop: A multitude of independent shops along Smith Street, Church St & Swan St

See: Lord Leycester, 60 High Street, CV34 4BH