Warwick: An overview
The county town of Warwickshire, Warwick is a charming town with lots of character and plenty to offer when it comes to education, work, transport and activities. A historic centre of England, Warwick is perhaps most famous for its castle, which can be seen from many points in the town and is a treasured local landmark.
Although not the largest town in Warwickshire, Warwick balances village friendliness with town practicality in an attractive package. Not too big, not too small – Warwick is a town perfect for commuters, families, and couples looking for a community without sacrificing amenities.
Homes in Warwick
Whether you’re looking for a modern new build, turn-of-the-century townhouse, or historic property, Warwick has a diverse range of housing styles. There are a number of new-build estates such as Chase Meadow, which offers light, airy modern houses and boasts a park complete with a playground, ideal for families.
Head towards the market square and you’ll find Victorian and Edwardian terraces along with beautiful townhouses, many with original features. Cobbled streets close to the castle have Tudor-style buildings with plenty of quirky character.
While the historic buildings might be a draw for some, there are plenty of flats, retirement accommodation and practical family homes; there really is something for everyone.
Nurseries, Schools and Higher Education
Warwick has a range of state and private schools ranging from nursery through to A levels and college. Not only that, the University of Warwick, regularly ranked in the top 10 UK universities, has its main campus in the county.
For private schools, you have a choice of Warwick School (boys only), King’s High School (girls only), and Warwick Preparatory School. These establishments are rated highly not only by local families and pupils but throughout the UK for an exceptional education.
Warwick’s state schools are well ranked by OFSTED, with Coten End Primary School and Emscote Road Infants School both ranked ‘outstanding’, and two secondary schools Myton School and Aylesford School and Sixth Form College ranked ‘good’. Warwick also has a special educational needs school, Evergreen School, which is also rated ‘good’.
There are a number of nurseries and preschools in Warwick able to cater for children aged from 3 months to 5 years. This includes Busy Bees (purpose-built nursery school for Chase Meadow estate), Budbrooke House Children’s Nurseries, Tiny Town Nursery, and Warwick Nursery School.
Transport Links
Despite its small size, Warwick is a well-connected town with good public transport links and roads. Warwick train station has regular services to Birmingham and London Marylebone, ideal for commuters. There are extensive bus routes that cover Warwick town as well as the surrounding smaller villages of Hatton, Barford, Wellesbourne, Southam, Cubbington and more.
Warwick’s closest motorway is the M40, connecting Warwick to Oxfordshire and through to London, as well as north into Birmingham and Solihull. The A46 connects Warwick to the city of Coventry, and historic Roman road The Fosse links Warwick to the beautiful Cotswolds country and beyond.
Healthcare
Warwick has a well-equipped hospital in the town centre complete with an A&E department. For day-to-day healthcare, there is a choice of GP surgeries including Priory Medical Centre, Cape Road Surgery, and Brese Avenue Surgery serving the community. Warwick also has private and NHS dental practices, opticians and pharmacies.
Things to do
For a small town, Warwick has a thriving sense of community and a great range of activities and things to do alongside plenty of excellent places to eat.
In St Nicholas’ Park, you will find a beautiful green space with accessible footpaths. The River Avon flows through providing opportunities for fishing, paddle boarding, kayaking and boat hire. The park also has a selection of children’s rides, miniature golf, a tea room and an outdoor children’s pool. For somewhere a little quieter, Priory Park offers woods and walking paths, popular with dog walkers.
Warwick Castle is no doubt the biggest attraction, but there are a number of other historic locations to explore. St John’s House, the Market Hall Museum, Lord Leycester Hospital and Guys Cliffe House are all available to visit and each tells a different story about the history of Warwick.
For sports, you can’t get better than Warwick Racecourse, which regularly holds meets throughout the season. When racing is off, you can visit the 9-hole golf course and driving range in the centre, or walk the course on the all-weather track. To keep yourself fit, Warwick has a choice of gyms and leisure centres, the most popular being St Nicholas’ Park Leisure centre, which has a full fitness suite and swimming pool.
The centre of Warwick has a range of restaurants and cafes to suit all tastes. From cosy cafes and traditional tea rooms to upmarket restaurants and family-friendly venues, Warwick has something for everyone when it comes to food. Bars and pubs can be found throughout the town offering great places to get a drink and unwind.